A rental car is a good option for many vacations. Before you sign a contract, be sure to compare prices and fees.
Start your search with an aggregator site. These sites, like Kayak,
Payday Loans Great Falls will search the big-name companies as well as local and peer-to-peer options.
Be aware of drop-off fees and fuel policies. Some companies check driving records, and there may be limits on
mileage.
Paying in Advance
Whether you choose to pay in advance or
Louisiana at the counter, be sure you understand all your charges. The advertised rate may not include taxes, which vary by location and by company. Also, ask about mileage restrictions or other potential fees like "fuel recovery" or a vehicle licensing fee. Some rental car companies run a credit check and may reject a reservation if you have a recent negative mark on your report.
Opaque sites that offer deep discounts on rentals often charge additional fees or have other restrictive terms, so be careful about using them unless you are 100% certain of your travel plans. You can avoid these sites by booking directly with the rental car company.
Some rental car companies allow you to prepay for your car, reducing the time at the counter when you pick it up. However, the name on the prepaid card must match that of the driver and both cards must be present at the counter when you pick up the car.
Getting a Better Deal
As with many things, the rental car process is rife for loopholes. For example, many rental car companies overbook to offset the number of people who cancel their reservations. As a result, when you get to the counter, the agent may suggest that you upgrade to a larger model for free.
You can avoid this upsell by booking the smallest model that suits your needs, as well as by checking online rates for different locations. In addition, many credit cards pay for damage waivers, which reduce your out-of-pocket risk if you incur any damage during your trip.
Another way to save is by shopping around on sites like Kayak, Priceline and Autoslash. These services aggregate prices from multiple rental car companies, and they can offer discounts that the car agency's own site might not offer. Plus, these sites often offer coupons and other promotional offers. Finally, many credit card loyalty programs include perks for car rentals, such as free two-car class upgrades and guaranteed vehicle availability.
Getting a Deal on a Week-Long Rental
Car rental agencies often offer loyalty programs that let you earn bonus points or cash back. But they don’t always have the best prices, so it’s worth a quick price check on an aggregator site or online travel agency (OTA). You can also use AutoSlash to automatically track rental rates and notify you when they drop.
Many travelers don’t realize that it can be cheaper to rent for a longer period of time rather than just a few days. This is especially true if you’re renting during high season, when there are more people looking to rent than what’s available.
Another way to cut costs is by foregoing extras like LDW, roadside assistance and additional driver insurance if you already have coverage through your personal policy or credit card. Lastly, be sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before you drive off the lot, and be prepared to pay for any damage not noted on the receipt.
Avoiding Toll Transponders
Most traditional rental car companies offer a transponder to renters, which they use on the car's windshield for the duration of the rental. The company will often charge a fee per day for this service, or charge you the cost of using the transponder (which can run up to $10 or more) plus a toll rate.
Cameras in some toll road lanes, like those on the Bay Area's I-580 and the Golden Gate Bridge, can also bill renters for passing through without a proper transponder. These fees, called toll by plate or license plate reading, typically add a service fee of up to 20% to the toll.
You can avoid paying these extra fees by declining the rental company's toll pass, or bringing your own. Some car rental companies do not charge for this, and
Payday Loans Great Falls mapping systems like Google Maps offer a "route avoid toll roads" option that can save you time, gas, and money on toll rates.
