All posts by Expo Rent A Car

Getting pulled over for speeding is never a pleasant experience. But it can be incredibly stressful if you’re driving a rental car in an unfamiliar area. A ticket can quickly put a damper on your travels and leave you scrambling to figure out what to do next.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to responsibly handle a speeding ticket in a rental car. Being proactive and knowing what to expect can help minimize headaches down the road.

Act Quickly to Avoid Severe Issues Later

When renting a car in Vancouver, act quickly to handle any speeding tickets to avoid severe issues like license suspension. If that flashing red light appears behind your rental car, don’t ignore it. Pull over promptly and cooperate fully with the officer. Arguing or refusing to accept the ticket will likely only make matters worse.

Once you have the ticket in hand, resist the temptation to brush it off or pretend it doesn’t exist. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), unpaid traffic tickets or failure to appear in court can lead to more penalties, driver’s license suspensions, and even arrest warrants in some states.

Take a Photo of Key Documentation

To properly document a speeding ticket in your Vancouver rental car, take a few minutes to photograph the necessary documentation. Snap pictures of:

• The entire rental agreement, showing the rental company’s contact information and your name as the renter.
• Your driver’s license as proof you were operating the vehicle.
• The vehicle registration and license plate number.
• Any insurance cards provided by the rental company.
• The ticket itself, including the date, time, location, officer badge number, and listed offence.

Save digital copies of these photos so you have clear evidence of what occurred.

Contact the Rental Company

If you receive a ticket in a Vancouver rental car, contact the rental company right away for guidance on handling it. Many major agencies like Hertz and Enterprise have policies in place for handling routine traffic violations like speeding.

• Cover the cost of the ticket using their commercial insurance plans. This is more common with high-end rentals.
• Provide documentation to prove another driver was responsible, if applicable.
• Offer partial reimbursement for your fines if you submit proof of payment.
• Direct you to resources to contest the ticket or enroll in traffic school.
• Have no financial responsibility for tickets received in their vehicles.

Every company handles these situations differently, so checking directly with your rental provider is essential. Be sure to call the specific branch location listed on your rental agreement.

Understand Your Options for Payment

There are a few options for paying or contesting a speeding ticket from cheap car rentals Vancouver, BC. If the rental agency doesn’t cover the cost, you’ll need to pay the ticket or contest it in court. Your options include:

Paying the Fine

• You can choose to simply pay the ticket and be done with it. Be sure to get a receipt for proof of payment.

• Make payments online, by mail, or in person, depending on the jurisdiction. Meet all deadlines to avoid late fees.

Contesting the Ticket

You may choose to argue your case in traffic court if you believe you were wrongly accused or have extenuating circumstances. Consider hiring a traffic ticket lawyer for assistance navigating the local court system.

Requesting Leniency

In some areas, you can enroll in traffic school to have the ticket dismissed or fines lowered. Check eligibility requirements.

If permitted, write a letter to the court explaining mitigating factors and politely requesting leniency or reduced penalties.

Handling Related Expenses

Beyond the base ticket fine, you may need to pay additional court fees, traffic school tuition, or administrative processing charges. These extra costs can quickly add up, so strive to include them in any request for rental company reimbursement.

Be sure to account for these expenses in your travel budget. A speeding ticket on day one can quickly derail your spending for the rest of the trip if you’re unprepared.

Avoid Further Penalties Down the Road

After renting a car in Vancouver and getting a ticket, follow up to ensure the ticket doesn’t come back to haunt you. According to DMV.org:

• Out-of-state violations may eventually appear on your home driving record.
• Unpaid fines can lead to driver’s license suspension, car impoundment, and other penalties.
• Failure to appear in court can result in an arrest warrant or extra fines.

To prevent these outcomes:

• Contact the court to confirm your ticket was resolved and the fines were paid correctly.
• Notify your car insurance company about the offence.
• Check your home DMV record periodically and address any outstanding issues.

Protecting Yourself in a Rental Car

When renting a car in Vancouver, the safest approach is to obey all posted speed limits and avoid violations entirely. But if you do get pulled over, having the proper protections can provide peace of mind. Consider these tips:

• Rent only from reputable companies with clear ticket policies. Review what is covered under their insurance plans.
• Purchase supplemental rental car insurance to reduce your personal liability for fines, damages, or injuries.
• Ask your credit card company about rental coverage provided by premium travel cards.
• Familiarize yourself thoroughly with local traffic laws to avoid violations in unfamiliar areas.

Staying Calm, Yet Proactive

By staying calm yet proactive, you can smoothly resolve the situation in the event that you received a speeding ticket in your Vancouver car rental. Getting a speeding ticket can be upsetting and stir anxiety about the repercussions.  With the right preparation and diligence, a speeding ticket doesn’t have to ruin your travels. 

After reading this article, you’re now equipped to deal with this type of incident smoothly, so you can get back to enjoying your rental car vacation.

For more tips on renting vehicles in Vancouver, connect with our Vancouver Rental Agents today at 604-726-6502 or 1-800-391-6502.

Renting a car under the age of 25 is possible with Expo Rent a Car in Vancouver, but comes with some specific requirements and restrictions that drivers should understand beforehand. While minimum rental ages and young driver fees are common industry-wide, our policies offer the most flexibility and affordability for under-25 travellers.

Read below for a full overview of our rental requirements for drivers between ages 21-24, including tips for saving money and having the best rental experience.

British Columbia’s Minimum Rental Age of 21

The legal minimum age to rent a vehicle in the province of British Columbia is 21 years old, which matches the legal drinking age. Drivers must also hold a valid full Canadian driving license for at least one year. Other areas range from ages 18 (Quebec) to 25 (U.S.).

At 21, drivers gain access to all standard passenger vehicles like sedans and SUVs. However, restrictions and fees apply for under-25 renters, described in detail below. Recreational vehicles also often have higher minimum age requirements.

Required Deposits for Under-25 Renters

Drivers between ages 21 and 24 are required to provide a higher deposit that corresponds to the deductible amount in the event of an at-fault accident. This refundable deposit is typically charged as a “hold” authorization on a major credit card that is cancelled after returning the vehicle undamaged.

For our standard rental vehicles, under-25 renters should expect a deposit between $500-$1000, varying based on the vehicle class. By comparison, the standard deposit for 25+ renters is only around $200-$300. However, so long as there is no incident or damages, you can be sure that you will see this deposit returned.

This higher deposit applies to all under 25 renters, regardless of driving record or experience. Once you reach age 25, the standard lower deposit rates apply.

Young Renter Fee of Approximately $25/Day

In addition to the increased deposit, Expo Rent a Car charges drivers 21-24 a daily “underage” fee around $25 to cover the extra insurance costs associated with younger renters industry-wide. This is standard across rental companies, as insurance providers tend to be wary of younger drivers with less experience on the road.

So a 3-day rental would incur an added fee of about $75 total on top of the base rental rate. We clearly disclose this fee at the time of your booking, so you can accurately budget. While having to pay an additional fee is less than ideal, our under-25 fee is also lower than many major rental brands.

Tips for Securing the Best Rate as a Young Renter

To secure the best deals on car rentals with Expo before turning 25, here are some tips:

• Book longer rentals of 4+ days when possible to “dilute” the impact of the daily underage fee.
• Opt for our economy and compact vehicles to benefit from lower base rates.
• Avoid renting at airport locations, which have higher fees. Book downtown pick-up instead.
• Inquire about any current discounts or coupons you may be eligible for as a young renter.
• Consider adding a second experienced driver 25+ to your rental to avoid young renter restrictions.

While age 21 provides access to all standard rental vehicles, additional policies apply to luxury, premium, and specialty vehicles which are outlined below.

Minimum Rental Ages for Luxury/Specialty Vehicles

To rent most luxury vehicles, premium SUVs, convertibles, trucks, and other specialty vehicles with Expo Rent a Car, drivers must be at least 25 years old. This includes popular models like:

• BMW 3 Series, 5 Series
• Mercedes C-Class, E-Class
• Audi A4, A5, Q5
• Infiniti Q50, QX60
• Cadillac XTS, CT5
• Range Rover, Jaguar
• Porsche, Tesla
• Convertibles like the Mustang or Camaro
• Large pick-up trucks

In addition, drivers under 25 are restricted from renting our specialty high-performance vehicles, including:

• Ford Mustang GT
• Chevrolet Corvette
• Dodge Challenger R/T

The goal is to protect younger drivers (and our vehicles) by limiting access to these higher-power vehicles requiring experience and skill to operate safely.

Removing Age Restrictions by Adding an Older Driver

One way under-25 renters can avoid young renter fees and restrictions with Expo Rent a Car is by adding a second experienced driver aged 25+ to the rental agreement.

This fully removes any age-related rental barriers, allowing you to rent luxury vehicles and avoid underage fees. We allow multiple drivers on all our rental agreements at no extra cost, as long as all drivers are listed at pickup.

The over-25 driver must be present when picking up the vehicle, but does not need to drive at all once the rental begins. Simply by being listed alongside the under-25 primary renter, they “activate” full rental access and benefits; the implication is that an older, more experienced driver can help ensure a safer rental.

So consider adding your partner, spouse, parent, or other 25+ companion to unlock the best rates and vehicle selection, regardless of your age.

Rent Your Dream Car in Vancouver—Without Age Limits!

Expo Rent a Car believes young renters should have access to the same diverse vehicle selection as other customers. That’s why we offer the most flexible and affordable policies for drivers under 25 in Vancouver, while maintaining prudent safety measures.

Drivers 21+ can rent any standard vehicle, and those 25+ gain access to specialty models. Restrictions are unavoidable industry-wide for young renters, but necessary for the safety of everyone.

For the smoothest rental experience and best savings, speak with our rental agents or reach out with any other questions. We look forward to making every Expo rental hassle-free and joyful, regardless of age or experience. Let us show you what premier Vancouver car rentals should really be, and get you out on the open road!

Get in touch with a rental agent at 604-726-6502 or 1-800-391-6502.

A Vancouver road trip is a rite of passage for both locals and visitors. From scenic coastal drives to mountain adventures, a rental car opens up endless possibilities for exploration and memory-making.

Yet with so many factors to weigh like passenger space, driving terrain, luggage capacity and more, deciding on the ideal rental car can be an overwhelming choice. To ensure your wheels match the journey and take you on an unforgettable trip, follow this comprehensive road trip rental guide from the team at Expo Rent a Car.

Carefully Consider Passenger Space and Comfort

First, determine how many people are coming. Will it just be you and a partner? The whole family, including kids? For maximum comfort, allow ample personal space. Though a subcompact sedan may technically “fit” four adults, a mid-size sedan or SUV will be far less cramped.

If you are travelling with kids, don’t forget to pack car seats and booster seats as needed based on ages. Verify no more than two kids would be sharing a row to avoid nonstop “are we there yet?” backseat battles! For longer road trips spanning a week or more, upgrading to a roomy minivan can provide optimal cabin space to keep everyone happy.

Next, consider which creature comforts will enhance the experience, like:

• Heated seats to stay toasty on chilly mountain drives in the Rockies.
• Ventilated seats to reduce perspiration on hot, sunny coastal routes.
• Built-in navigation to limit time fumbling with phones to find destinations.
• Charging ports for devices and gameplay to ward off boredom.
• Wi-Fi hotspots and Bluetooth for endless soundtrack streaming.
• Premium sound systems to liven up the open road.

If your trip involves driving through remote areas with limited services, upgrading to a higher grade vehicle with more premium features can maximize comfort and enjoyment while in transit for hours on end.

Take Inventory of Luggage and Necessary Gear

The right rental must offer adequate cargo room and packing space for all your trip necessities. Take a detailed inventory of all required gear, including:

• Luggage for All Passengers: Suitcases, duffle bags, backpacks, etc.
• Beach Gear: Umbrellas, folding chairs, coolers for refreshments.
• Sports Equipment: Surfboards, kayaks, bicycles, golf clubs.
• Safety Kit: Cones, first aid, jumper cables, tire inflator.
• Camping Gear: Tents, sleeping bags, camp chairs, cookware if overnighting en route.

With the full gear list in hand, choose a rental grade (economy, mid, full-size etc.) and style (sedan, SUV, or van) accordingly based on the projected space requirements. Upgrading to a more spacious SUV or minivan often makes sense to avoid a fully crammed trunk, or any gear spilling into the cabin. Also keep in mind the sea level cargo space in wagons or hatchbacks if visiting coastal beaches.

For extended road trips spanning over a week, consider Expo Rent a Car’s affordable weekly rates on all vehicle classes to maximize luggage capacity while saving money. Unlimited mileage is also included!

Select Drivetrain Wisely Based on Destinations

Where you intend to venture and what kinds of roads you’ll encounter determines ideal drivetrain options:

• Front-wheel drive (FWD): Reliable traction and control on flat, smooth paved routes like relaxed scenic coastal road tripping. Also, the most affordable and fuel efficient drivetrain.
• All-wheel drive (AWD): Enhanced grip and traction on wet pavement and light snow, ideal for destinations like visiting Whistler’s mountain surroundings in spring and autumn. Provides extra stability and control.
• Four-wheel drive (4WD): Maximizes traction on washed-out dirt back roads, deep snow, or steep off-road terrain. Enables remote off-roading adventures and winter alpine exploration, but uses more fuel. Upgraded clearance also helps navigate over rocks, ruts and rough primitive roads.

For exclusive highway driving, front-wheel drive is perfectly suitable. But routes involving gravel forestry roads to remote trailheads or the winding switchbacks of the renowned Sea-to-Sky highway towards Whistler often merit upgrading to AWD or 4WD for added capability and control when you need it most.

Carefully Evaluate Your Fuel Efficiency Needs

A road trip often equates to long hours behind the wheel and hundreds, if not thousands, of kilometres driven. To cut down on frustrating pit stops for refuelling, carefully factor fuel economy into the rental equation. Here’s how the common engine options compare:

• Gasoline: Most affordable and accessible fuel but lower efficiency. Great for shorter inter-city travel and destinations with ample filling stations. Choosing mid-grade versus regular gasoline boosts performance.
• Diesel: More expensive at the pump but 15-30% more fuel efficient thanks to high torque output. Well suited for effortless mountain ascents and hauling maximum loads. Diesel stations are considerably harder to find outside of major urban centres.
• Electric: No gasoline required and cheap to charge, but limited range between charges. Meticulous route planning is key to ensure sufficient public charging stations exist en route in rural areas. Vancouver fortunately has a robust public fast-charging network.
• Hybrid: Provides the ideal blend of gas and battery-electric driving. You can enjoy lower emissions and excellent fuel savings with this choice, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

With Expo Rent a Car’s diverse fleet, pick the engine providing the optimal blend of fuel efficiency and practicality based on your specific road trip destinations. Our rental agents will gladly help match the perfect fuel type and vehicle for you and your friends/family.

Review Rental Policies: Crossing Provincial or National Borders

When charting an adventurous multi-day road trip, determine if your intended route crosses any provincial or national borders. While our rentals can freely explore anywhere within British Columbia, taking vehicles into Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Washington State, or beyond requires advance approval and paperwork to avoid unauthorized one-way crossings.

So be sure to alert us of any planned international border crossings at the time of your booking, so we can approve and make the necessary arrangements well in advance. A small surcharge and increased refundable deposit applies for approved one-way rentals crossing into the United States.

With proper advanced notice, our team will gladly make it a smooth process if you’re considering an epic cross-border road trip adventure!

The Perfect Rental Makes Every Road Trip Shine

Ultimately, choosing the ideal rental car has the power to enhance every style of Vancouver road trip pursuit. By thoroughly considering passenger needs, cargo capacity, driving terrain, fuel efficiency and provincial/national border policies, picking the perfect rental wheels becomes easy, intuitive, and stress-free.

Expo Rent a Car’s diverse selection of quality vehicles enables unmatched freedom to fully live your Vancouver road trip dreams. Our team provides the experience, insights and affordable rental rates to roll out on any adventure in comfort and style!

Call today ► 604-726-6502 or 1-800-391-6502