Have you decided to rent a car for your family vacation? Maybe you’re taking the family or your partner for a long road trip to a destination you’ve been dying to visit and need the perfect vehicle to do it that isn’t your own. Renting a car for this type of journey is a great choice, but there are some things you should know and check before you rent your car for the big trip.

1. If You Have Kids, It Typically Costs More To Rent A Car

Check out a few different car rental places for prices on driving with kids in the car. Often the expense goes up because kids typically come with more messes or car sickness. So, if you’re taking a family road trip and the kiddos are coming along, you will want to keep this in mind, especially if you’re trying to get the most for your money. Despite the fact that your kids may be older with clean driving records, for example, if they’re your kids and they’re young, car rental places have different stipulations for children. That’s just reality.

2. Pick Your Designated Driver(S)

Not everyone going along on your road trip has to be a driver. Pick two people (we recommend no more than three) to drive the car on your road trip. The more drivers you pick, the more you’ll have to get covered, and the higher the price will be for insurance. There are a lot of factors that go into coverage with car rentals. Be sure your insurance covers all drivers.

3. Shop Around

Though there may be a car rental shop local to your neighborhood, don’t settle for a car rental place or car rental out of convenience. You want to be sure you’re picking the right car that fits your needs, your passenger’s needs, and the environment of your road trip. Don’t be afraid to get different price quotes, and the same goes for insurance. You can never be too careful when it comes to being prepared, and especially when your family (and friend)’s safety is on the table.

4. Follow your GPS

Don’t go off the map once you’ve selected your car, the right insurance, and rental place. By following your GPS, you’re more likely to stay on main roads that are more well-kept by local government as opposed to dangerous back roads that we all know, despite the territory you are traveling to, can be full of pot holes and other vehicle hazards. Be mindful of the routes you’re taking. It could save you a lot of time and expense in the future (once you have to return the vehicle). You can also prevent yourself from having to submit claims to insurance.

5. Fill Up The Rental Gas Tank Before You Return It

Yes, it seems like you “shouldn’t have to,” but it’s best practice. A car that is returned with a full tank is best. By returning it with a full tank you’re less likely to face price increase divides on gas prices; so, for example, if you rent the car in a place where gas costs more than where you’re driving it in, consider that cost as well. Fill up in the right location. Be smart with your money. Don’t do things too “willy-nilly” with car rentals. Take care of it like it’s your own – NO, take care of it like it’s your great grandmother’s most precious gem! (You’ll thank us for this cheesy comparison later.)