As the holiday season approaches, many individuals may be planning trips to visit family or take well-deserved vacations. However, finding and renting accessible vehicles, for those with disabilities, can often be a daunting task. This blog will provide practical tips, tricks, and resources to help disabled drivers navigate the car rental process smoothly, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.
Understanding Your Needs
Before you begin searching for a rental car, it’s essential to assess your specific needs. Consider the following factors:
- Type of Accessibility Required: Identify whether you need a vehicle with a wheelchair ramp, hand controls, or other adaptive equipment.
- Travel Companions: If you’re traveling with others, consider their needs and how they may impact your vehicle choice.
- Duration of Rental: Determine how long you will need the vehicle, as this can affect pricing and availability.
Researching Rental Companies
Not all rental companies prominently list accessible vehicles on their websites, so it’s crucial to do your homework. Here are tips for researching and selecting a rental company:
- Understand ADA Requirements: Rental car companies are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide cars with adaptive driving devices whenever possible. This includes options like hand controls, spinner knobs, left foot accelerators, and pedal extenders. However, due to limited availability, you may need to call the rental location directly to request an adapted vehicle.
- Look for Major Rental Companies: Larger companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis have programs specifically for accessible rentals. Always check their websites for specific information regarding vehicle availability and accessibility options. Take a look at the resources we’ve listed below in this article to help get you started.
- Read Customer Reviews: Websites like Yelp and Google Reviews can provide insights into the experiences of other disabled drivers who have rented vehicles from specific companies. Look for comments about the condition of vehicles, customer service, and the overall rental experience.
- Contact Rental Offices Directly: After identifying potential rental companies, reach out directly to inquire about their accessible vehicle options. Many companies do not provide the option to rent a car with adaptive equipment online, so a phone call may be necessary to ensure availability.
Tips for Renting Accessible Vehicles
Here are some valuable tips to ensure a smooth rental experience:
- Reserve in Advance: Accessible vehicles are often limited in availability. To secure the best options, make your reservation as early as possible, especially during peak travel seasons like the holidays.
- Confirm Accessibility Features: When reserving, specify your accessibility needs clearly and confirm that the vehicle meets those requirements. This includes checking for features like ramps, space for wheelchairs, or other assistive devices.
- Ask About Modifications: Some companies allow for the installation of temporary adaptive equipment (like hand controls) upon request. Confirm the company’s policies regarding modifications to the vehicle before your rental.
- Check for Fees: Inquire about any additional fees associated with renting an accessible vehicle, including cleaning fees or fees for special modifications. Knowing the total cost upfront can help you budget more effectively.
- Inspect the Vehicle: Before driving off, inspect the rental vehicle thoroughly. Check that all accessibility features are functioning correctly and report any issues immediately to the rental staff.
Car Rentals and Other Resources for Accessible Car Rentals
When it comes to renting vehicles that accommodate individuals with disabilities, as we mentioned, several major rental companies offer accessible options, each with specific features and services designed to meet various needs:
- Enterprise: They provide a range of adaptive driving devices, including hand controls and left foot accelerators, but do require advance notice (up to several days). While they do not offer vehicles with wheelchair lifts, some locations at major airports may have adaptive devices available with shorter notice. Enterprise
- Hertz: This company offers vehicles equipped with hand controls and spinner knobs, typically available with a 24-hour notice. They also provide an accessible shuttle service to transport customers with disabilities to their rental cars from the airport. Hertz
- Avis: Avis provides specialized services for customers with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment upon request. Reservations should be made at least one day in advance. Avis
- Alamo: Alamo offers a variety of accessible vehicles equipped to meet the needs of customers with disabilities. They recommend contacting the rental location in advance to ensure the availability of suitable vehicles and any specific adaptive equipment you may require. Alamo
- Budget: Known for their Special Needs department, Budget can arrange for assistive devices and accessible vehicles, but requests should be made at least 48 hours before pickup. Budget
- National: National Car Rental provides a range of adaptive driving devices at no additional charge, including hand controls, left foot accelerators, spinner knobs, and pedal extenders. To ensure availability, it’s recommended to give at least two to three business days’ notice for reservations, particularly at locations outside major airports. National
- Specialized Services: In addition to mainstream rental companies, there are dedicated services such as Wheelchair Getaways and Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals, which focus specifically on providing wheelchair-accessible vans with ramps and other accommodations. These companies often have more flexible options and can cater to specific needs better than standard rental agencies. Wheelchair Getaways
- National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA): This organization offers a resource directory for finding accessible vehicle rentals and dealers across the United States. Visit NMEDA for more information.
As we mentioned before, it’s crucial to book as early as possible, especially during peak travel seasons. And once again, confirm the availability of accessibility features directly with the rental company prior to arrival. Also, ensure that you have all necessary documentation regarding your needs.
Conclusion
Navigating the car rental process as a disabled driver doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning, research, and awareness of your specific needs, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience this holiday season. Remember, organizations like Driving to Independence are here to support you in your journey toward independence and mobility.
As the holidays approach, make sure you have all the resources you need to make your travel comfortable and accessible. Safe travels!