A van is a reliable and cheap way to transport cargo or people over most distances. They are considered to be a cheaper option when renting because of the lower initial cost to the rental agency. They also lack some of the more luxurious features of an SUV or minibus. However, there are a few things that you should know if you plan on renting a van that the rental company might not tell you.

1. Insurance. All rental companies have insurance on their vehicles, but what they may not tell you is that there is a deductable that they will charge you in the event of accident or damage. Also be aware that if you are carrying cargo it may not be covered. If you are worried about this you can take out a separate insurance policy to cover the deductable and/or the cargo.

2. Availability. Most of us know about the airlines overbooking their aircraft, but vehicle rental agencies also have the habit of doing this on occasions. This can be an honest mistake, for example a vehicle needs emergency repairs, but it is something that you should be aware of. Be wary of any company offering discount full size van rentals in peak season because they may be overbooking.

3. Added costs. Rental agencies are experts at hidden add-ons and upselling their customers. Always check the fine print of the rental agreement to make sure there are no hidden fees that you are not aware of. This may include; extra mileage charges, credit card surcharge as well as penalties for a variety of minor infractions of the contract. If the customer service agent tries to offer you free add-ons (like a GPS system), always check the cost first.

Always be aware of the ploys that the rental company might be using to squeeze extra money from you. Be an informed consumer and you stand the best chance of getting a quality product for the best price.