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While it’s not very clear who started the very first car rental agency, one of the first well-known names in the industry isJoe Saunders of the U.S.Sanders opened his car hire business in 1916 with a single Model T Ford and a charge of 10 cents per mile. From then till today, the car rental business remains a boon for people requiring a temporary vehicle, whether as a substitute for a damaged car or in the absence of one’s own car in another city or country.

One such destination is Penang, known unofficially as the food capital of Malaysia. Exploring the various attractions of this lovely islandis easier with a vehicle at one’s disposal, and renting a car is more economical than hiring a taxi. If you are looking for car rental, Penang is a place which has a plethora of car rental companies. Booking your car of choice is a piece of cake, whether your requirement is an economy Perodua or a pricier Toyota. So, what do you need to do when renting a car in Penang? Let’s go through the vital points:

  1. Meticulously browse the internet for the best rate. Look for special deals and find out if your airline or hotel has a discount tie-up with any car rental company.
  1. If you’re below 21 years and intend to drive, ensure that your rental company isn’t one of the many car rentals in Penang that requires drivers to be over 21 years old.
  1. If you know you’re going to rack up more than the average mileage, check if the company has a special package for you.
  1. Check for additional fees such as an early return fee, a late fee, and a fee for dropping off your vehicle at a different location from the pick-up point. With the last factor in mind, a Penang airport car rental may work out best for you, with the airport being both pick-upand drop point.
  1. If you are a smoker, make sure you ask for a smoker-friendly car.
  2. Before paying extra for insurance, check if thecoveragefor your personal vehicle extends to a rented car. Also ascertain if your credit card company covers collision damage if you use their credit card to pay for rental. If you’re on a business trip, you will likely be covered under your company’s insurance.
  1. Inspect the vehicle for scratches, stains, and loose parts, and make sure any flaws, however minor, are noted in your rental contract. Also note the amount of gas in the tank and check that the CD player, air conditioner, and power windows are working.
  2. Confirm that there’s a spare tyre in the car before setting out, and ask for a set of spare keys.

Cross off this checklist and get set to cruise through Penang!

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_rental

http://www.carrentalexpress.com/blog/history-car-rental-industry

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Malaysia/Negeri_Pulau_Pinang/Penang-1282036/Transportation-Penang-Rent_a_Car_in_Penang-BR-1.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4439220_getting-ripped-off-renting-car.html

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/travelers-ed/10-things-not-to-do-when-renting-a-car

http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0411/8-things-you-need-to-know-before-renting-a-car.aspx

http://www.sbrentcar.com.my/prices.php

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang

http://www.penang.ws/penang-info/gettingaround.htm