Smarter Car Renting

Here are car rental tips from the road trip-seasoned editors of RoadsideAmerica.com:

•  Under 25? Everyone over 25 assumes you are an awkward and unpredictable risk behind the wheel. Ridiculous, you say, without taking your eyes off the road. But be sure to check with Chattanooga Tennessee car rental companies about their specific policies. Some agencies require the driver to be at least 25 while other rental companies may allow younger drivers to rent for an additional fee. Have more than one driver? Be sure to ask if additional charges apply for more than one person driving the rental car.

•  Damaged: Always carefully eyeball your vehicle before leaving the rental agency, whether you're in Chattanooga or East Podunkville. The last renter may have pulled in after a meteor shower! Prior scratches, dents, and other vehicle damage can cause extra headaches and costs if not noted before you leave the rental car lot. If you see any damage on the car's exterior and interior before you leave, make sure it's noted on the rental car papers, and point it out to an agency employee. This will resolve any questions that could arise when you return. And avoid meteor showers.

•  Leave Nothing Behind: At a road trip's end, we find we've accumulated souvenirs, kitschy mementoes, and piles of brochures from tourist attractions. These treasures prove you really traveled -- that it wasn't just some wacky delusion. When dropping off your rental car, carefully check every door pocket, drink holder and storage bin for these keepsakes. The rental car company sure doesn't have any use for them.

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Chattanooga TN Area Attractions

• Arboretum and Botanical Garden
• Chattanooga National Cemetery
• Chattanooga Symphony & Opera
• Chattanooga Zoo
• Coolidge Park
• Downtown Chattanooga
• Erlanger Health System
• International Towing and Recovery Museum
• McKenzie Arena - University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• Medal of Honor Museum
• Memorial Hospital
• Parkridge Medical Center
• Raccoon Mountain
• Ruby Falls
• Scenic City Raceway
• Sir Goony's Family Fun Center
• Soliders and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
• Southern Belle Riverboat

Chattanooga rental guide