Traveling through the Smokey Mountains means driving and experiencing the majesty and scenery of the area. For those wanting to experience this beauty, renting a car is one way to keep miles off of your primary vehicle. Since the majority of roads throughout the mountains are paved, an intermediate car will suffice for leisurely visits. A Nissan Sentra is an example of an intermediate car. The additional benefit of having a car along for the trip is that exploring outlying areas such as Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Knoxville, Tenn., can be part of your vacation.
Determine the dates you will be traveling and require a rental car. Make sure you pick up the vehicle either one day before your trip if you are driving to the Smokey Mountains so that you have enough time to pack the car properly. Note the day and time of your flight if you are flying in to the Gatlinburg, Tenn., area so you can pick your car up as soon after your plane lands.
Go to a local car rental agency close to where you live to look at an intermediate size vehicle before making any reservation. Ensure that the size of the vehicle, including trunk space, is sufficient. Make sure the car's size and performance is suitable to your driving style. This is especially important if you are only accustomed to driving larger vehicles, such as trucks or SUV's.
Call or visit the websites of car rental agencies with pick-up and drop-off locations closest to where you are planning to rent the car. Do not make a reservation, but write down rental rates from at least three companies for comparison. Ask about unlimited mileage and ask about taxes, additional fees and arrive at a total cost for the length of time and driving distance for your rental. Write down all of this information along with the make and model of intermediate cars offered by each company. Have the customer-service agent verify the total price. Continue this process until you have three quotes to compare.
Call your car insurance company to verify that your current personal policy will cover you while driving a rental car through the Smokey Mountains. Write down limits or exceptions discussed with you by your insurance agent.
Reserve your intermediate size rental car for the dates you require. Use the car rental company's online reservation system if you are confident you will get the best price and all optional products you need such as rental car seats, roof racks or extended roadside assistance. Call the company direct to book if you have additional questions or need to have a discount, such as being a member of the military, applied to the rental rate. If you have sufficient personal car insurance, make sure to opt out of the insurance offered or automatically applied to the rental rate. Get the rental confirmation number and store in a safe place.
