Top 5 Tips for Making Handicap Van Rental A Breeze
Living with a handicap or disability poses many challenges, especially if it is a recent transition. You need to equip your house and adapt your lifestyle to a whole new format. You still want to move around quickly with family and friends, but may feel limited. A fully-equipped handicap vehicle can give you the freedom you and your loved ones have been searching for, and van rental companies make it easier than ever to get one out on the open road.
The following are some key tips to guide you in the rental process.
1) Know Your Travel Dates - Depending on your rental dates, rates may vary from one company to another. We rent our vehicles daily, weekly, monthly, and we also have a special weekend rate that includes more miles. Knowing when and for how long you need our vehicle is vital to saving you time and money.
2) Ask About Our Delivery Service - Pick up can be a hassle, especially if you're running short on time or do not have transportation to get to the rental location. Asking about a delivery service can make your transition and travel run as smooth as possible.
3) Know Your Insurance Coverage - Check to see if your rental is covered by insurance before renting. Vehicle insurance can serve as a payment source for customers recovering from injuries due to automobile accidents or in cases where a disabled driver's vehicle is being repaired after an accident. Auto insurance companies may cover the cost of accessible van rentals until repairs to the client's vehicle can be completed or until a replacement vehicle is found.
The regulation for insurance companies who are replacing your vehicle when your vehicle was struck by one of their insureds is, "The insurance company of the person at fault for the accident has to put you in the same condition or better." This means that if you are driving a vehicle which has a lift or ramp, hand controls, spinner knob, and/or a transfer seat, the insurance company is required to pay for you to rent an equivalent vehicle.
4) Ask about Liability and Collision Coverage on the Rental - Most rental companies ask if you would like coverage of the rental at the time of your appointment, but not all, so it's important to do your research because accidents can happen.
For a comparison, at Premier Accessible Van Rental, our insurance policy generally provides secondary coverage. If the rental vehicle is involved in an accident, the renter is primarily responsible for liability and repairs to the rental vehicle. There are travel insurance resources for other kinds of coverage. To better assist you, have your insurance company and policy information available at the time of reservation.
5) Find a Vehicle that's Affordable and Equipped to Fit Your Needs - Some rental companies may insist they have handicap accessible vehicles, but then tack on additional fees for accessibility features. To get the most out of your rental, check to see if the vehicle is equipped with the following:
One-touch Power Side Doors and Power Fold-Out Ramps
Front-seat Position Available for Wheelchair/Scooter
Capacity for 2 Wheelchairs/Scooters
Easy 4-Point Tie-Downs for Safety and Convenience
Lowered Floor & Automatic Vehicle “Kneeling” for Easy Access
Plush Interiors
Front and Rear Air Conditioning
Power Steering, Windows, Locks, CD Player (for comfort and safety)
6-Way Power Seats
Side and Rear Entry
Choose a van rental company that is readily available to answer your questions and help you find a vehicle that fits your needs. A company with no hidden fees and no surprises - just easy access to get back on the road and out into the world.
At Premier Accessible Van Rental, we work with you to make this process a smooth and affordable experience. Still have questions? Contact us today, and one of our staff will be happy to assist you.
