A child seat is required when riding in a car with children under 6 years old. Here are 5 things to check before renting a car for family travel, including reservations, installation, costs, and handling upon return.
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When renting a car for a trip with children,
reserving a child seat and
checking upon pickup are key points.
While traveling with children is exciting, I think there are also many who find themselves troubled about the child seat.
• Can I get one in clean condition?
• Will it be properly installed in the car?
• Is it suitable for my child's age and physique?
It's often the case that you'll be dealing with a child seat and a car that you've never used before.
In this article, I’ve summarized five things to check before renting a car for a trip with children.
① For children under 6,
reserve a child seat
In Japan, it is mandatory to use a child seat when transporting children under 6 years old in a car.
Many car rental companies offer rentals of child seats.
However, as there may be a limited number available, it’s reassuring to apply for one along with the car reservation.
② Choose a child seat that matches age and size
Child seats come in infant, toddler, and booster (junior seat) categories.
Age and weight guidelines vary between products and companies.
If you're unsure, provide details like your child's age, height, and weight and consult with the company.
Asking about what types of seats are available is also a way to inform yourself.
③ Confirm the type of rental car and the seating arrangement
Generally, child seats are recommended to be installed in the back seat.
Depending on the type of car and seating arrangement, the ease of installation can vary.
If you have two or more children, you’ll also want to confirm if the necessary number of seats can be arranged.
It’s good to inform them of the number of children and their ages when making the reservation.
④ Verify installation and condition at pickup
Child seats are often installed by the users themselves.
Since practices differ by company, it's reassuring to confirm the installation method when picking up[[MACHINAU_B_END] the car.
Having someone help check the security of the installation before departure is also a good idea.
Additionally, check for dirt and damage as well. If you have any concerns, please mention them at that time.
⑤ Check the fees for the child seat and the handling upon return
The rental fee for the child seat may be separate from the vehicle rental fee.
The amount and counting method (per day, per usage, etc.) differ between companies.
Also, it's advisable to check whether you need to remove it yourself upon return.
If there are any uncertainties at the time of reservation, please do not hesitate to inquire.
Summary
Renting a car for a trip with children can have reduced anxiety with the proper applications during reservation and confirmations at pickup.
Since the cars, numbers available, and prices vary by company, be sure to compare before making a reservation.
On the day of travel, keeping favorite toys and snacks within reach will make them easier to access during breaks.
▼ Search for rental cars on Rakuten Travel
I hope this serves as a helpful reference for preparing for your trip with children.
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