Best Car Rental Canada

Quick Jump links to Canada

Renting Car In Canada? &Ndash; Read Things To Be Considered Before Hiring a Car in Canada

Canada is a country located in the northern part of North America, with its capital Ottawa, sparsely populated, as the majority of its land area is dominated by forest and tundra (tundra is a type of biome where the tree growth is hindered by low temperatures and short growing seasons)

It consists of popular metropolitan areas like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

With awe-inspiring landmarks like the Niagara Falls, CN Tower, and Banff National Park, it is a hotspot for tourist attraction

I know you might be thinking “how much are we talking here?”

Sit back and relax as we will be going through a detailed list of possible questions you may have and also a step-by-step guide on how to rent a car in Canada.

Do I actually need to rent a car in Canada?

It’s 3am you’re shivering in the blistering cold waiting for the public bus to show up, it’s been 2 hours and your phone is dead.

No one would want to be in this scenario, so I offer you a solution, rent a car! Before you start with excuses, just keep on reading…

A car, most times is the only way to reach the breathtaking landscapes for which Canada is famous for, and renting a car is the best way to go about exploring them.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Canada?

There are a lot of factors to consider when renting a car; the availability, the demand for the car and the specifications of the car. These three factors can make renting a car quite pricey or within your budget.

The most important thing is to carry out proper research, know what you’re paying for (insurance, deposit charges etc.), find the right company that suits your needs and go for it.

Which companies can I rent cars from?

We’ve listed a few of the best car rental companies to fit any budget. We’ve also included the worst car rental companies so you know which ones to avoid.

Best Car Rental Companies

  • Avis

Avis has one of the most affordable rental deals in Canada, also very detailed payment plans with no excess/unexpected charges in the fine print and excellent customer service as well!

  • Enterprise

Enterprise is a well-renowned car rental agency known for its worldwide presence and transparent costs when renting a car as a top-notch service is no exception of Canada.

Worst Car Rental Companies in Canada

  • Fox Rent A Car

Known for its extra bogus fees and the poor state of their vehicles, Fox Rent a Car is a nightmare on wheels

  • Budget Rent-A-Car

Known for their extremely poor customer service, customers complained of being overcharged on insurance as this was a common topic among one time of their vehicles

Read more:

Which method of payment is best for renting cars in Canada?

Most companies will require you to sign up on their platform online and hire a car with your credit card. They need it mostly for paperwork, cash payment will not be accepted as a deposit at the beginning of a rental at any location. For security reasons, many car rental companies do not accept cash for the initial payment, however, there are few who would.

How old do I have to be to rent a car?

The minimum age is 21 or 24 years old, except in places like Saskatchewan which has a minimum age of 18, drivers under the age of 25 are not eligible to rent vehicles like SUVs , Minivans….

Most companies set the maximum age to 70 to 75 years, but some still let the people in this age group hire a car, you will be asked to  pay an additional fee and to bring your doctor’s note if you fall within this age bracket before renting a car

Is there anything else I should be aware of?

Take your time to the fine print before deciding on a car. Some car rental agencies have ridiculously high surcharges on customers who are below are 25 years of age, so be sure to ask a lot of questions.

“We’ve upgraded your vehicle!”
Don’t be fooled by this scam, as most times you are given the same vehicle and you pay a higher amount compared with the price at which you booked in the first place which is common scam most car rental companies pull

Also be sure to look at the insurance policy and let the company explain what you are paying for and what you aren’t.

Renting a Car In Canada: Manual Vs Automatic

Generally, you should hire a car that fits your hand and driving style as both have their own benefits.

Prone  to have icy roads , the automatic transmission is the best fit for these roads as it grips well and offers more comfort to the driver

Generally, automatic cars are more expensive because they are more in demand than manual cars , but the difference in the cost is on the low side.

Road Laws Domineering Canada as a Tourist When Renting a Car

You must obey the following rules and regulations

  • Buckle your seatbelt
  • Always be within the Speed limits
  • It is illegal to use a phone while driving
  • Consumption of  alcohol while driving Illegal

You can read up on more laws here:

https://www.authentikcanada.com/holidays/highway-code-canada

Documents Needed To Rent a Car In Canada

When hiring a car you would need to get the following documents:

  • A valid driver’s license
  • An acceptable driving record
  • Insurance for the rental car
  • International passport.
  • Your proof of address (utility bill or something else denoting your residence)

Toll Gates in Canada

Drivers  pay toll gate fees while crossing some certain bridges and tunnels as well, but with the implementation of an automatic system in most toll gates, a  photo of your license plate is taken . A bill reflecting the distance traveled on, is sent to you later, or applied to your car rental bill.

For more info visit : https://www.407etr.com/

Renting a Car In Canada as a Foreigner

As a tourist, you will be asked for a valid driver license and other documents stated above before you are deemed fit to rent a car .

You should familiarize yourself with the road rules and signs before hopping on the wheel  ,  Montreal is the only place in Canada that does not permit right-hand turns on a red light ,as you will soon discover ,  always check the weather forecast before disembarking on a trip  and a pack a  car  travel kit as well.

What To Do When Returning a Rental Car In Canada

You should return the car in the same condition it was given to you unless you’re willing to forgo your deposit.

Also, the Mileage is quite important as most car companies set a mileage limit on the cars being rented.

It’s polite to top off the fuel tank or at least fill it up to the original amount.

Tips To Avoid Car Rental Companies Rip-Offs

  • Completely research the car hire company
  • Always check the fuel policy
  • Compare your quotes based on the final hire cost
  • Check the car thoroughly before you leave the renting parking lot
  • Don’t pay for extras you can bring yourself (e.g. a baby’s seat)

Important Contact Numbers

Below are some emergency phone numbers:

Ambulance: 997

Fire: 998

Police: 999

Traffic police – 993

Useful Links as a Tourist In Canada

For travel advice: Click https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories,www.canada.com/travel/government-advisories/index.html

For the news: https://globalnews.ca/canada/

So now you know all that there is  to rent a car in Canada,

Head to the nearest Car rental company TodaySafe Journey and have a  smooth ride ahead!