Car rentals in Birmingham: All you need to know
A Birmingham car rental allows you to go where you want, when you want. You'll be able to explore all the sights, and even see what the rest of New Jersey has to offer. We've gathered your most frequently asked questions about car rentals in Birmingham. Read on to see which vehicle is perfect for your trip, and how to get the best rates.
Where do I find a bargain car rental in Birmingham?
CarRentals.com makes it a breeze to book budget-friendly deals. Just type in your travel dates and scroll through the list of rental car suppliers, pick the top rental locations, and find the cheapest packages Birmingham has to offer. You can also:
- Check the mileage policy to avoid any surprise fees
- Reserve your vehicle as far in advance as possible
- Avoid airport pick-ups and drop-offs if possible; they generally are more expensive
- Compare weekly and daily rates; you might save more with a longer rental
Even a little rental car know-how can go a long way to getting you the most savings.
What rental companies have agencies in Birmingham?
From global names like National and Hertz to budget-friendly brands like Budget and Thrifty, CarRentals.com has some of the best brands in the business. Read through the online reviews to get an idea of which one is best for you.
What types and makes of rental cars are on offer in Birmingham?
Whether you want a roomy family vehicle or a low-cost economy car, the sheer wealth of options in this New Jersey town means you're certain to find a vehicle that is perfect for you. Some options include:
| Car Type | Best for | Category Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Size SUV | To take on any kind of terrain and enjoy great views | Ford Edge, Kia Sorento, Jaguar F-Pace, or similar |
| Full Size | For large groups that want better fuel economy than an SUV | Infiniti Q50, Hyundai Sonata, or similar |
| Hybrid | Those looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle | BMW i3, Kia Optima, or similar |
What's the age requirement to rent a car in Birmingham?
Usually, to rent a car in Birmingham you must be at least 21. Please note, you may find that there is an added fee if you're under the age of 25 or for larger or higher category cars in particular. Read through the terms to determine what any additional charges is before you rent your vehicle.
Does Birmingham require rental car insurance?
Most countries require the driver to have insurance. You may be able to purchase additional insurance through rental car supplier for your trip, if you are concerned your insurance won't cover your rental. Otherwise, as a U.S. citizen, you can also purchase Collision Damage Coverage with CarRentals.com at checkout. Although many major card issuers, like MasterCard or Discover, provide some insurance, there may be restrictions. For instance, they may not cover your rental car if you book a larger or luxury vehicle. Check the policy before you decide.
What is the fuel policy for Birmingham rental cars?
Most suppliers allow you to choose which policy you want. Below is a list of the most common ones.
You will have to search for an open gas station close to your rental car supplier| Policy Type | Policy Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full to Full | You'll have a full tank when you pick up your car. You can use as much fuel as you want and top it off when you return your car at the end. As long as you replace the fuel before returning the car, you won't face any extra fees | You only refill the amount of fuel that you've used. If you only use half of a tank, you'll only need to refill half of a tank, and therefore avoid paying for any you don't need. You can shop around for the cheapest prices and you'll only pay service fees if you don't refill the tank | |
| Full to empty (pre-paid) | You pay for a full tank when you pick the car up and bring the car back with the tank empty. Several suppliers provide a refund for any unused fuel. Be sure to confirm with them beforehand | You won't need to find a fuel station near your rental drop-off location | The supplier usually charges a higher rate for the fuel than a local gas station |
| Empty to empty | You may not have a full tank when you pick up your vehicle, and you won't have to fill the tank back up when you drop it back off | You refill your tank yourself, so you won't pay more than local pump prices | You'll need to find a gas station as soon as you collect the car |
What fuel policy should I get?
Most rental car suppliers give you a full to full tank policy. We advise returning the car filled up. If you want to keep your expenses lower, find a filling station before you bring it back. Stations near or around airports or car rental places tend to have higher prices.
Is it worth getting unlimited miles?
If you wish to explore all that Birmingham and maybe even the rest of New Jersey offers, you're going to need unlimited miles. You can drive as far as you'd like without worrying about additional charges. Review the fine print to be certain your mileage is truly "unlimited."
Know before you go
Make sure you check a few things before you leave the lot. It's important to:
- Inspect your car and be sure there is no damage or scratches. Be sure to make note of it on the paperwork, or you may get charged for it
- Make you have a properly inflated spare tire, lug wrench, and jack in the trunk
- Familiarize yourself with the car. Adjust the mirrors and seats, and note how to turn on the lights and windshield wipers
- Get comfortable operating the navigation and entertainment. It's best to limit any unneeded distractions when you are driving around a new city
Book your Birmingham rental car today
You know you can depend on a great set of wheels that will result in more money to spare when you reserve your car with CarRentals.com. Book today to cash in on cheap deals on your ideal Birmingham car rental. See you out here.
