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How far in advance should I rent a car?

I’m planning a vacation that I’m going to need a rental car for. How far in advance should I reserve it?

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Sarah Gray · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Renting a car is a great way to ensure you’ll have the freedom to spend your time the way you want on your vacation. As to how far in advance you should rent a car, the answer is generally at least four weeks.
Here are some things to keep in mind when determining how far in advance to rent a car:
  • Special cars should be reserved as far in advance as possible. If you’re hoping to rent anything other than a compact sedan or average fleet vehicle, you should allow extra time to ensure the car you want is available. This is especially the case if you’re trying to rent a high-end vehicle.
  • Allow extra time for reservations during peak seasons. If you’ll be traveling to your destination during peak travel seasons, you should allow at least a few extra weeks for reserving a vehicle.
As you’re reserving your rental car, be sure to check to make sure you have
rental car insurance
either through your own
car insurance
or through a credit card. If you don’t have coverage or you’re not sure it’s the best, let
Jerry
help you find great rental insurance at a great price.
MORE: How to get a rental car discount code
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