Car rental is often a fundamental part of organizing a trip, but it must be approached with proper research on conditions and rates, so you don’t run into unpleasant surprises.

If you’re planning a trip to Sardinia, renting a car is a practical and convenient choice to enjoy your vacation with less stress, following your own schedule, and without relying on public transport.

But how do you make the best decision possible? Let’s go through some tips for renting a car and avoiding the most common issues.

The benefits of car rental in Sardinia

You’ve booked your trip to Sardinia and are wondering whether renting a car is worth it. You may question whether it’s a useful or cost-effective expense: as we’ll see, there are many advantages to renting a car in Sardinia.

Indeed, it’s important to check the cost of other transportation options such as taxis or public transit. Specifically, in Sardinia, the public transport network is not very efficient, and there may be no connections to your desired locations, such as remote beaches or coves, or there may be no direct connections at all.

Without a car, you may end up having to skip certain locations that lack public transport or have to undertake a very long journey. When you have limited time, this can be a big restriction.

So, renting a car online or locally becomes the ideal solution if:

  • You don’t want any travel restrictions and you’ve already planned to visit beautiful beaches and coves located in areas with limited transport options;
  • You have few days available to visit the island and can’t afford delays or long travel times on public transport;
  • For the activities you’ve planned, you need a vehicle you don’t own, such as an off-road vehicle or one of a specific size, for example, to accommodate a large group.

How to choose the right car rental company

Choosing the right car rental company can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the industry.

Here are some tips to guide you towards a more informed choice:

  • Use online car rental comparison tools: online platforms and portals are useful for comparing different rates from companies, based on your specific needs. By entering your travel dates and location, you’ll get a list of available options. Check reviews and ratings from users to weigh the pros and cons identified by other customers;
  • Compare fuel policies: car rental companies have different fuel policies. Some require you to return the car with a full tank, while others don’t specify a fuel level at return;
  • Evaluate the extra services available: If you need additional services such as a child seat, an extra driver, or a GPS, include these when comparing offers. These extras can come with additional costs, so it’s essential to factor them into your budget.

Additionally, choosing a company with a location in the place you’ll visit can help if any problems arise, providing a local office to turn to instead of relying solely on phone support.

Choosing the vehicle

Another crucial aspect is selecting the vehicle, which should take into account both the destination and the number of people.

For a family vacation, the best choice is a spacious and comfortable car with all the necessary amenities. Another factor to consider is the need for a vehicle with a very large trunk to fit all the luggage. The most suitable option is undoubtedly a station wagon, offering a large trunk and plenty of comfort during the trip.

For large families or groups of friends, you can opt for a minivan: these are versatile, spacious, and comfortable vehicles suitable for any situation. For large groups, the right vehicle might be a 9-seat minivan, perfect for those needing space, practicality, and comfortable seats.

If you’re on an adventurous vacation, with harder-to-reach destinations and many kilometers to cover, you can opt for a 4×4 vehicle to handle even the most challenging roads without difficulty.

If you prefer traveling on two wheels, scooters are a great option for a fun and refreshing vacation, especially for younger travelers.

Planning your route

For a satisfying rental experience that truly suits your travel needs, it’s important to plan ahead and figure out your budget.

These precautions will help you find more affordable rates and ensure you get a vehicle that suits your needs for the dates you require. Last-minute booking, on the other hand, exposes you to the risk of higher rates and doesn’t give you enough time to calmly choose the model you prefer.

To organize your travel route and decide which destinations to include in your Sardinian vacation, browse our blog for the best itineraries on the island.

Roadside assistance and safety

Roadside assistance is an essential service for all drivers, whether private or those renting a vehicle. It can happen to anyone to experience a vehicle malfunction: having the guarantee of assistance for such situations ensures a more peaceful and safe trip.

But when might you need roadside assistance?

Towing services can be activated in any situation where the vehicle has issues and cannot continue. For example, in case of:

  • Vehicle breakdown
  • Car accident
  • Flat tire
  • Red warning light activation

With personalized insurance packages, you can include this service for your trip as well.

Extending your insurance coverage

Traveling in total safety is every traveler’s priority, especially if you’ve decided to rent a car for your vacation.

But does insurance make sense with or without a deductible?

This is a very common question in these situations. When renting a car, you should always be aware of the maximum coverage and deductible in the insurance policy. The deductible, the minimum amount to be paid in case of damage or accident, can be reduced or eliminated altogether. When booking the car, you can opt to pay for full insurance coverage.

If that’s not possible, you can still take out a personal insurance policy with a third-party company and handle all the details related to the car rental.

With Ellepirental, for example, the rate includes RCA insurance. Additionally, you can choose to remove the maximum charges for theft and fire damages by adding the Car Protection Plus clause during booking in the accessory services package. This clause isn’t an insurance coverage but a waiver in favor of the customer.

All conditions, including uncovered expenses, can be found in the “Terms and Conditions” section of the website.

Practical tips for a stress-free trip

To experience car rental without any stress, you can follow the tips mentioned above.

In particular, plan your trip and book your rental car in advance. Avoiding last-minute bookings allows you to choose your preferred vehicle and find more affordable prices. Always check terms and conditions; if you’re not satisfied with the ones provided by the rental company, you can consider adding extra coverage by taking out personal insurance.

Finally, use online comparators to compare prices and services included in the different rates.

Are you ready to choose the perfect car for your Sardinian vacation? If you’re starting from Olbia, take a look at our car fleet!