How to Rent a Van

The process for renting a passenger van or a moving van is pretty much the same. The biggest difference between the two is that moving vans usually charge a per-mile fee on top of the daily rental fee. Passenger vans usually, but not always, include unlimited mileage as part of the daily rental fee. Van rental rates vary according to the type of van rented and the rental company. Rates start as low as about $20 a day and run as high as about $70 a day.

1. Locate a place that rents vans. If you are looking for a passenger van, look at car rental places. If you are looking for a moving van, look at moving truck rental places. Car and moving truck rental businesses are listed in the yellow pages of the phone book. (Two major rental companies are listed in Resources below.) Once you locate the rental place, call them to make sure that they have the van you are looking to rent. Make a reservation for the rental van.

2. Provide your driver's license to the rental company so that they can make a copy. Most rental places require all drivers to be a minimum of 25 years of age. There are a few rental companies, however, that do rent to younger drivers.

3. Fill out the rental contract. Read over the contract so that you know what you are signing and understand the terms of the rental. Some van rentals include free unlimited mileage; some make you pay per mile. Decide whether or not to purchase insurance through the rental company to cover the van. Insurance is charged at a per-day rate. The insurance covers damage that is unintentionally caused to the rental van. Consider that your personal auto insurance company might not cover damage to rental vehicles. Check with your insurance company if you are not sure of their policies. If your personal auto insurance does not cover rental vehicles, it is a good idea to purchase day-by-day coverage through the rental company.

4. Pay for the van rental. Most rental places require a credit card or ATM debit card for vehicle rentals. Some, but not many, rental places accept cash deposits in lieu of a credit card.

5. Return the rental van when your rental term is over. If you paid a cash deposit, get your money back. Before you return the van, make sure to fill it with gas. Fill the tank at least to the level that it was when you first rented the van. Rental companies charge exorbitant per-gallon fees for vehicles that are returned with less gas than they had when they were rented. Also make sure to clean out the inside of the van before you return it. Rental companies charge a cleaning fee for vehicles that are returned excessively dirty.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have AAA or any other type of discount card, check with the rental place to see if they will give you a discount. If you are renting the van for a week or more, ask the company about discount rates. Many rental companies offer discounted weekly and monthly rates.
• Do not let anyone drive the rental van that is not listed on the rental contract. If they are not listed on the rental contract and they get into an accident, you will be held financially responsible. Rental insurance does not cover unauthorized drivers.

Source :- http://www.ehow.com/how_4777557_rent-van.html