Everything you need to know to rent a vehicle in Canada

Trust our experience and feedback we’ve received from other travellers:

• Book ahead to get a better rate.
• Car rental is a supply-and-demand game. If you’re flexible, make sure you’re not planning a trip on a popular Canadian bank holiday like July 1 or Labour Day.
• The most convenient pickup locations (e.g. inside a major airport) can have much higher rates than a different branch just outside the airport.
• Even if you book a specific make and model online, you may end up with a different vehicle at the office.
• It’s also possible to make a reservation and discover upon arrival that the rental company doesn’t actually have a car ready for you!
• Bring your driver’s licence, passport, credit card, booking confirmation and proof of insurance (if applicable).
• Read the rental contract before you sign it.
• There are no stupid questions—ask what fuel type you should use, where the wipers are; basically, anything that’s not obvious!
• If you want a bigger car or another model and the office has vehicles available, it’s worth asking. You could get a great deal on an upgrade.
• Check the vehicle carefully for existing damage and document it (take pictures or video). Any existing damage not flagged before you drive away could be blamed on you when you return the vehicle.
• Keep the car rental business card with you and call the office if you get into an accident or the car is stolen. If you’re insured, the next steps should be pretty straightforward (although you may have to pay a deductible).
  
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