#23 Expressions for Asking About Recommended Tourist Spots｜English Travel Conversation
Izumi English Morning
#95 Renting a Car｜English Travel Phrases
Izumi
When traveling abroad, using a rental car in addition to public transportation can greatly expand your range of activities.
At rental car offices in airports or city centers, you will need to communicate about various matters such as the type of car, the rental period, and insurance options. If you are familiar with the necessary English expressions, the process will go much more smoothly.
In this section, I explain useful English expressions for renting a car, along with practical conversation examples.
Contents
Dialogue
Hello. I’d like to rent a car for three days.
Certainly. What type of car are you looking for?
Something compact would be fine. I’ll mostly be driving in the city.
Would you like to add insurance coverage?
Yes, I’d prefer full coverage, just to be safe.
All right. May I see your driver’s license and passport, please?
Sure. Here you go.
1. Saying That You Want to Rent a Car
When renting a car, the following expression is commonly used.
Example
- I’d like to rent a car for three days.
“I’d like to ～” is a polite and appropriate expression for interactions at service counters. By adding the rental period, you can clearly communicate your request.
Related Expressions
- Could I rent a car for a week?
- I’d like to rent a car until Friday.
“For a week” indicates the duration, while “until Friday” specifies the return date. Both are commonly used, so choose the one that best fits your itinerary.
2. Explaining the Type or Purpose of the Car
At a rental car office, you may be asked about the size or purpose of the car.
Example
- What type of car are you looking for?
Response
- Something compact would be fine.
The phrase “would be fine” gently expresses that you have no strong preference. It is useful when you are flexible about the type of car.
Related Expressions
- I need something with more space.
- I need a car that’s suitable for long-distance driving.
3. Confirming Insurance Coverage
Insurance is an important part of the rental process. In many cases, staff will ask the following question:
Example
- Would you like to add insurance coverage?
Here, “add” means “to include,” and “coverage” refers to the scope of insurance protection.
Example
- I’d prefer full coverage, just to be safe.
The verb “prefer” allows you to state your preference politely.
Adding “just to be safe” helps explain your reason in a natural way.
4. Responding When Asked for Documents
During the procedure, you will be asked to present identification documents.
Example
- May I see your driver’s license and passport, please?
“May I see ～?” is a polite and formal way to ask for permission, often used in official situations.
Response
- Sure. Here you go.
“Here you go” is a standard expression used when handing something to someone.
Summary
Key English Phrases
- I’d like to rent a car for ～.
→ An expression used to state that you want to rent a car, along with the rental period. - Something compact would be fine.
→ A soft way to say that you do not have a strong preference regarding the car type. - I’d prefer full coverage.
→ An expression for stating your preference regarding insurance. - May I see your driver’s license and passport?
→ A frequently used phrase during the rental car procedure.
