When it comes to travel, convenience, and reliability are key factors that can make or break your experience. That’s where National Car Rental comes in. With a commitment to providing top-notch service and a fleet of vehicles to suit every traveler’s needs, National Car Rental has established itself as a go-to choice for those seeking comfortable and efficient transportation. In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of National Car Rental, exploring its offerings, and benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a novice explorer, read on to discover how National Car Rental can enhance your journey.
History of National Car Rental
National Car Rental was founded in 1947 by 24 independent rental car agents in St. Louis, Missouri. The company’s goal was to provide travelers with a convenient and reliable alternative to public transportation. National began operations with 60 locations and a fleet of 800 cars.
In the early years, National focused on providing high-quality customer service. The company was known for its friendly and helpful staff and its commitment to making the car rental process as easy as possible. National also pioneered several innovations in the car rental industry, such as the “one-way” rental program and the use of computers for reservations.
National grew rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s. The company expanded its fleet and its network of locations, and it began offering a wider variety of car types. National also began to offer additional services, such as travel insurance and roadside assistance.
In the 1970s, National faced increasing competition from other car rental companies, such as Avis and Hertz. National responded by investing in new technology and by expanding its international operations. The company also introduced its popular Emerald Club loyalty program.
National continued to grow and prosper in the 1980s and 1990s. The company acquired several smaller car rental companies, and it expanded its fleet and its network of locations. National also continued to invest in new technology, and it introduced several innovative new services, such as the ability to reserve a rental car online.
Today, it is one of the world’s leading car rental companies. The company has a fleet of over 400,000 cars and operates in over 100 countries. National is known for its high-quality customer service, its wide variety of car types, and its convenient locations.
Types of cars that National Car Rental offers
National Car Rental offers a wide variety of cars to choose from, including:
- Economy cars: These are small, fuel-efficient cars that are perfect for city driving. Some popular economy cars from National include the Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, and Kia Rio.
- Compact cars: These cars are a bit larger than economy cars and offer more space and comfort. Some popular compact cars from National include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Mazda3.
- Midsize cars: These cars are perfect for families or those who need a bit more space. Some popular midsize cars from National include the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima.
- Full-size cars: These cars are the largest type of car that National offers. They offer plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Some popular full-size cars from National include the Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, and Toyota Avalon.
- SUVs: SUVs are a popular choice for those who need extra space for passengers and cargo. Some popular SUVs from National include the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer.
- Trucks: Trucks are a good choice for those who need to tow heavy loads or haul large items. Some popular trucks from National include the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and Ram 1500.
- Vans: Vans are a great option for families or groups of people who need to travel together. Some popular vans from National include the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, and Honda Odyssey.
National also offers a variety of luxury cars, sports cars, and convertibles. To find out what cars are available at your desired location, you can use the National Car Rental website or app.
Deals, Discounts, and promotions that National Car Rental offers
There are special deals, discounts, and promotions that National Car Rental offers, here is are some of the following:
- $55 Off Base Rate (Time and Mileage) $420 or More: This allows you to save $55 off base rate (time and mileage) of $420 or more for travel.
- 20% Off Base Rate (Time and Mileage) on Weekend Rentals: For weekend rentals, you can enjoy a 20% off base rate at select airport locations for travel.
- $15 Off Base Rate (Time and Mileage) $185 or More: stand the chance to enjoy a $15 off base rate of $185 or more when you reserve now.
- Free Upgrade: Become a pro with a free upgrade on your next rental of an economy compact, intermediate, and more.
- Last-Minute Specials: Even when the clock keeps ticking, that does not mean that you can enjoy last-minute specials for daily, weekend, and weekly rentals at participating locations
Benefits of National Car Rental
National Car Rental offers a variety of benefits to its customers, including:
- A wide variety of cars to choose from: National has a fleet of over 2 million cars to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect car for your needs.
- Competitive prices: National offers competitive prices on its rental cars. You can often find discounts and promotions, especially if you book online or are a member of the National Emerald Club.
- Excellent customer service: National has a reputation for excellent customer service. If you have any problems with your rental, National will do everything it can to make it right.
- Convenient locations: National has over 2,000 locations worldwide, so you’re sure to find one near you.
- Flexible rental terms: National offers flexible rental terms, so you can rent a car for as short or as long as you need it.
- Top-notch amenities: National offers a variety of amenities on its rental cars, including GPS, Wi-Fi, and child safety seats.
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable rental car company, National Car Rental is a great option. With its wide variety of cars, competitive prices, excellent customer service, and convenient locations, National is sure to meet your needs.
Insurance options that National Car Rental offers
National Car Rental offers a variety of insurance options to its customers. These options include:
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This is the most popular insurance option offered by National. LDW covers the cost of damage to the rental car, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
- Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP): This insurance covers the cost of third-party liability claims, up to a certain limit. SLP is important for people who are driving in countries where their own auto insurance may not be valid.
- Personal Effects Insurance (PEC): This insurance covers the cost of personal belongings that are lost or stolen from the rental car. PEC is typically for items like luggage, electronics, and cash.
- Roadside Assistance Plus (RSP): This insurance provides roadside assistance services, such as towing, flat tire changes, and lockout assistance. RSP is important for people who are driving in remote areas or who are not familiar with the local road conditions.
It is important to note that insurance options offered by National Car Rental may vary depending on the location of the rental. It is also important to read the terms and conditions of each insurance option carefully before purchasing it.
How to get the best deal on a car rental with National Car Rental
Here are some tips on how to get the best deal on a car rental with National Car Rental:
- Book online: National Car Rental often offers discounts for booking online.
- Be flexible with your dates: If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find better deals on rental cars.
- Consider renting from an off-airport location: Rental cars from off-airport locations are often cheaper than cars from airport locations.
- Sign up for email alerts: National Car Rental often sends out email alerts with special discounts and promotions.
- Follow National Car Rental on social media: National Car Rental often posts about discounts and promotions on their social media pages.
- Check National Car Rental’s website regularly: National Car Rental’s website is a great place to find the latest discounts and promotions.
- Compare prices: Be sure to compare prices from different rental car companies before you book your reservation.
- Consider joining the National Emerald Club: Members of the National Emerald Club receive discounts on rental cars, insurance, and other services.
- Consider using a credit card that offers rental car insurance: Many credit cards offer rental car insurance, which can save you money on the cost of insurance from National auto Rental.
- Avoid add-ons: Rental car companies often offer add-ons, such as GPS and collision damage waiver (CDW), that can add to the cost of your rental. Be sure to read the fine print before you purchase any add-ons.
- Be prepared to negotiate: If you’re not happy with the price of your rental, be prepared to negotiate with the rental car company.
How to use the National Car Rental app
Here are the steps on how to use the National Car Rental app:
- Download the National Car Rental app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and create an account or sign in to your existing account.
- To search for a car rental, enter your pickup and drop-off location, the dates and times of your rental, and the number of drivers.
- You can then filter your search results by car type, price, and other criteria.
- Once you’ve found a car that you’re interested in, select it and then click “Reserve.”
- You will then be able to enter your payment information and complete your reservation.
- On the day of your rental, you can use the app to check in for your reservation and view your rental agreement.
- You can also use the app to locate your rental car and to start the engine remotely.
- Once you’ve returned your rental car, you can use the app to complete the return process.
Here are some additional features of the app:
- Emerald Checkout: This feature allows Emerald Club members to skip the counter and pick up their rental car at participating locations.
- Reservation Assistance: This feature provides you with timely information about your rental, such as the location of your rental car and the status of your reservation.
- Manage Your Emerald Club Profile: This feature allows you to view your Emerald Club tier status, your points balance, and your rental history.
- Extend Your Rental: This feature allows you to extend your rental directly from the app.
How to book a car rental with National Car Rental
Here are the steps on how to book an auto rental with National Car Rental:
- Visit the National Car Rental website or app.
- Enter your travel information, including your desired pick-up and drop-off location, dates, and times.
- Select the car you want to rent.
- Choose your rental options, such as insurance and additional drivers.
- Enter your contact information and payment information.
- Review your reservation and confirm.
- You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation details.
Here are some additional tips for booking a car rental:
- Be sure to read the fine print: Rental car companies often have hidden fees and restrictions, so be sure to read the fine print before you book your reservation.
- Consider joining the National Emerald Club: Members of the National Emerald Club receive discounts on rental cars, insurance, and other services.
- Consider using a credit card that offers rental car insurance: Many credit cards offer rental car insurance, which can save you money on the cost of insurance from National Car Rental.
- Avoid add-ons: Rental car companies often offer add-ons, such as GPS and collision damage waiver (CDW), that can add to the cost of your rental. Be sure to read the fine print before you purchase any add-ons.
- Be prepared to negotiate: If you’re not happy with the price of your rental, be prepared to negotiate with the rental car company.