You need to be aware of several things before you rent a car in Washington, D.C. This article will detail the cost of a car rental in the area, which vehicles are available, as well the drop-off and pick up locations. We will also discuss acceptable payment methods. The article will help you make informed decisions based on this information.
Washington, D.C.: Car rental costs
There are several factors that contribute to the cost of car rental in Washington, D.C. To rent a car, you must have a valid driver’s licence. You can use a government-issued license, but may need to present another form. An International Drivers Permit, which can be added to your rental agreement if you don't know English, is optional. A minimum of 21 years is required. A small fee may be charged if you're under 25.
You can drive on many different sizes thanks to the city's wide streets. However, if you plan on spending a lot of time downtown, a small-to-midsize car might be a better option. Additionally, smaller cars are more easy to park parallel and easier to navigate. Online bookings are best if you need to rent a vehicle for less that a week.
Vehicle sizes available
Your trip to Washington DC will require you to have the right vehicle size. Many of the city's streets are fairly wide, so a midsize or full-sized vehicle will fit in well. For parallel parking in downtown areas, a smaller vehicle will be more convenient. A larger vehicle will require more maneuvering on narrower streets. If you are looking to rent a car in the District make sure that you inquire about the available sizes.
Parking options in Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C. offers many parking options. You can park in the designated garages or on-street parking for most DC public parking. The cost of parking in DC can vary between $2 an hour and $15 an hour. However, the average cost is around $9 per hour. Street parking is not available for free. Permits are required in many residential areas before you can park. Also, DC winters can make street parking difficult because of snowfall. You may also be interested in renting a private garage and a spot in an underground carpark.
To rent a parking space for a month in Washington, D.C., it's best to visit a few neighborhoods and compare prices. Ask around and speak to the manager before you sign a lease. It is also a good idea to check out the estimated monthly parking costs. You should also consider safety and affordability when considering the price of parking options.
Acceptable payment methods
You might have heard about the different methods of paying for your rental vehicle. However, did you realize that you can also pay using your debit or your credit card? While these types of payments are accepted by most car rental agencies generally, some may require additional forms. Regardless of the agency, you'll probably need to bring two forms of identification: your driver's license and a utility bill. Also, be sure that the name of your credit card matches that on your driver’s licence.
Although most car rental agencies in the District of Columbia will accept credit cards or debit cards, many companies will also require a credit check. This could impact your credit score. Your credit score may not allow you to rent a car with your debit card. This is why you will need to put down a substantial deposit, often $100 to $350, before renting the car. It may seem like a hassle, but you'll be happy you did it.