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| Tips on Renting A Car |
Flying to a destination might be an easier way to travel, but renting a car definitely has some advantages that can’t be overlooked.
Car rental gives you the freedom and flexibility when you're traveling, and in some parts of the world it's the only feasible way to get around. Similarly, driving across country abroad or domestically, or along the coast or however you choose to travel via rent a car allows you to see even more of the destination, or destinations you’re visiting. Our experts have come up with some great tips to help you understand your rental agreement and avoid problems with your car rental.
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| Tips on Renting A Car |
Published
On: October 14, 2009 |
Choosing the right Vehicle: Think carefully and thoroughly about the kind of vehicle you would like to rent. There are a number of factors that we would request you to keep in mind before selecting the type of vehicle.
- If you're traveling with children or with a lot of gear, you may want a large sedan or SUV.
- If you’re traveling with a small party, consider a mid-size or economy class car.
- There are many choices, economy class, mid-size, large size sedan, SUV, vans and more.
- If you’re looking to save money on a car rental and gas prices, we would urge you to consider a smaller vehicle.
Search the Web: The Internet offers some of the best rates on car rentals. Not only is renting a car online easier, you can browse rates and various types of vehicles from the comfort of your own home. You can also research special discounts that many companies offer when booking online.
- Always shop around. Check major travel search engines and aggregator sites to get an idea of what the best car rental rates are.
- Rates generally vary from company to company, depending on vehicle availability, location, size and other factors.
- Also, be on the lookout for extras that you might need or want, such as a ski rack, car seat or GPS system.
- If you have car insurance for your home auto, find out if you can use that for your rental car, if you can, it will reduce the overall cost of your rental.
Book in Advance: It’s just not a saying but a reality, the early bird really does get the worm. The early booker usually gets a cheaper rate.
- Rates generally depend on how many vehicles the company has on the lot at the time the rental is made, so the sooner you book, the better.
- If you are sure about your travel plans, than we would urge you to reserve your car at least 21-days in advance rather than waiting until the last minute.
Check for Coupons & Discounts: Many car rental companies offer special discounts and coupons to their customers.
- Various car rental companies have partners with other travel companies and organizations like AAA, AARP, etc. If you have a card that offers discounts on car rentals, consider making your car rental reservation directly through one of those organizations. Conversely, if you book through a travel agent or a rental car agency directly, ask them if they accept the card you have and what the discount is.
- If you're using a coupon, please read it carefully. Some may require a minimum rental period, while others require a certain class of car.
Choose Upgrades Carefully: Car rental companies normally offer upgrades to larger vehicles, free of charge or for less money.
- Though having a larger vehicle might enhance your rental experience, if you don’t really need that extra space, its better not to upgrade.
- Larger vehicles consume more gas, so that "Free" upgrade isn't really free. You might wind up paying for it at the pump.
Returning Your Car: Always fill the tank yourself before returning the vehicle, so that you're only paying for the amount of gas you actually used.
- Returning your car early may actually cost you money. You'll often pay an early return fee, which usually is about $15 a day, even worse; your rate structure will most likely change and could make a considerable difference on the final price.
- Similarly, returning your rental car late could cost you, too. Normally car rental companies only give you a 30-minute grace period before beginning charging late fees.
- Be mindful of the time before returning your car.
- Before leaving the vehicle, make sure to check that you have not left any personal belongings. Car renters often complain of lost items, like cell phones, sunglasses and umbrellas.
- Be sure that the check-in attendant inspects the car's body in your presence and that you agree about any damage. Examine your rental agreement carefully for all charges and make sure they credit any deposit to your account.
Choose your Insurance wisely: There are normally two types of car insurances that would be offered to you at the time of car rental.
- Collision damage waiver (CDW)
- Loss damage waiver (LDW)
The first covers you in the event of a collision, while the second covers any loss to the rental company.
- Both kinds of coverage are essential, but not if they duplicate coverage already included in your own insurance policy. So check carefully, as you might end up paying an extra amount for duplicate coverage.
Whether you're renting a car at an airport, or renting from your home city, these carefully researched tips are not only tailored to ensure you save extra money, but would also ensure hassle free travel.
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*The 15 USD off offer is on our transaction service fees only, the discount varies based on the transaction service fees charged for that ticket, and the value of discount will be up to the amount of the service fees charged for that transaction or USD 15 per transaction which ever is less. You must use the coupon code upon check out to avail this offer. This offer may be revised or dis-continued without notice.
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