Renting a car can be incredibly rewarding, especially if you like traveling through new towns or exploring beautiful landscapes. It is faster and more comfortable than public transportation to have your own means of transport and to travel at your own pace.
More often than not, the requirements for renting a car can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re renting for the first time or are new to Canada.
The best time for road trips in Canada
The best time to visit Canadian cities is between July and mid-September when the weather is warm and all the activities are open. But this is the high season, and prices will be up too.
Winter weather will be different in different areas of Canada. Many areas have winters that are snowy and last a long time. This can make for beautiful scenery, but driving in Canada while it is cold can be challenging when you are not experienced driving in heavy snow or icy weather conditions.
Ask the rental car company if they have winter tires for safer winter driving. Snow tires can be essential in some areas or with some lighter vehicles and most car rental companies do not include them by default.
Rental car prices
Car rental prices in Canada are generally steep, though these prices vary between rental car companies. The rental costs also vary greatly depending on the season, vehicle model, car rental locations, and rental duration. Car hire choices are therefore based solely on one’s vacation budget and itinerary preference. It is prudent to compare rates individually from various rental sites and inquire about additional fees before making a decision to avoid being scammed. Compare the big chain prices to your destination’s local rental car operators. Often the smaller companies not only offer competitive prices but also offer personalized, quality service and tips on getting around in their local area.
Insurance
Most car rentals offer a collision damage waiver to the vehicle and liability insurance at an additional rental cost. Car insurance and liability coverage rates vary by company and by region. However, as a driver, you are responsible for the car you rent, whether you opt to use your own insurance, your credit card company insurance, or the rental company’s supplementary insurance.
Most rental cars come with full fuel tanks upon departure and should be returned this way, otherwise, the driver attracts a gasoline charge on return. This additional charge is higher than gas prices at self-service gas stations in major cities in Canada.
Hold old do you need to be to rent a car in Canada?
While every car rental company has its own restrictions and policies for young renters, generally, the minimum age to rent a car in Canada is 21 except for Saskatchewan and Quebec where the minimum age is 18. A young driver fee is applicable for renters under the age of 25, owing to the higher risk of accidents associated with them.
In addition, restrictions are also placed on the type and size of the vehicle to which a younger renter has access. They are often not permitted to rent luxury cars, specialty vehicles, passenger vans, or SUVs. Contact your car rental company for details about their rules and regulations for younger drivers.
Foreigners renting a car in Canada
Foreigners can rent a car in Canada as long as their valid driver’s license is in English or French or have an international license valid for 90 days and the license is valid for the type of vehicle considered for hire. Their home country driver’s license is valid, unexpired, and includes a photograph. If the driver’s license is in a language other than English or French and the letters are English an International Driver’s Permit is recommended in addition to the home country driver’s license. If the license does not use an English style alphabet an International Driver’s Permit or equivalent is required (This is for translation purposes. The permit must accompany the original driver’s license).
Some car hire companies may require a valid passport as evidence of identification at check out. For temporary residents, the international license can be exchanged for a driver’s license issued by the province or territory of residence.
The principal driver’s license should be presented alongside the credit card when picking up the rental vehicle from the rental office. The name on the license and credit card should be the same.
Car rental type choice
Before making a decision about the type of car you want to rent, generally consider your budget, cargo, and comfort needs. Consider the cargo space of the car to see if your luggage will comfortably fit into it. If you are traveling with kids, consider if the vehicle has the features and space you need for a comfortable trip for all the passengers concerned.
The road quality in Canada, including on the trans-Canada highway, is excellent, and the most common option for trips in Canada is small economy cars. But a lot of northern Canadian highways are gravel. Similarly, there are many backcountry unpaved roads in places like national parks, country roads are often gravel, etc. If you are planning to drive frequently in any of these unpaved areas a 4WD SUV may be more applicable.
An excellent option for group travelers and adventurers might be a specialty SUV or 7, 8, or 12-seater minivan. These not only can seat more people comfortably but offer additional cargo space as well.
Car Rental Tips in Toronto, Canada
Driving Rules
Road signs are similar to those standard signs around the world. Taking right turns at a red light in most of Canada is allowed as long as you make a stop and ensure the road is clear before doing so. Ensure all passengers have a seat belt on, and children should be secured in a child seat that meets or exceeds Canadian safety regulations. Do not use your mobile phone while driving unless it is a hand-free device. Adhere to the set speed limit.
Cross-Border Travel
If you are planning to cross the border from Canada to the United States, you must obtain the relevant clearances from the company, including insurance that will cover you in both countries. In addition, you need to have a passport, and possibly a visa, if you want to cross the border.
Get The Best Car from City Car & Truck Rental
Whether on business or pleasure, reach out to us at City Car & Truck Rental at 416-800-1222 or 1-888-777-9202 for all your car rental needs. We will offer you outstanding services and the most reliable vehicles available.