It just makes sense to borrow a car for a vacation. It saves you money that you would be spending on taxi rides and keeps you from relying on the public transportation schedule (or unpredictable schedule). Yet for both first-timers and seasoned travelers alike the entire cycle involved with hiring a vehicle can be overwhelming.
So, here are some of the valuable tips for you to know about before renting a car:
- Beware of Hidden Fees and Extras
Taxes and various charges can also increase the advertised rental rate rapidly, so make sure you take all charges into consideration when comparing shop. While sales tax at a given location should be standard, some companies are tackling energy surcharges, tire and battery recovery fees, and vehicle licensing fees.
And unless you expressly refuse the packages, if anyone breaks into your rented car, you may be paid extra for a GPS navigation device, satellite radio, additional drivers and needless protection to cover theft of your personal belongings.
After you return the car, rental companies often charge an exorbitant price to top off the gas tank. Demand one with a full tank, and then make sure you get it back like this.
The final bill may also increase unexpected cleaning fees. Many businesses allow regular wear and tear without extra costs so if, for example, you take a rental car to the beach, you can clean some sand before returning it.
- Avoid Airport Rentals
It’s certainly convenient to rent a car online at the airport but you have to be prepared to pay for that convenience. Airport car rentals also bring a so-called "concession reimbursement fee" in addition to the normally higher regular prices, which reimburses the car rental provider for the price paid by the airport to do business there.
Any money-saving options can be basically as simple as renting an airport. For example, if your travel plans require an overnight stay in your arrival city, look for a car rental company that has a lot to do with your hotel or one that is willing to provide transportation to the rental lot or drop a car off at the hotel. Simply charging for travel from the airport to a local car rental service will also save time.
- Decline the Insurance
You may be willing to refuse insurance offers from the leasing provider so be prepared for discomfort at the leasing counter. Organizations make big money off insurance premiums, and others teach their clerks to generate fear for customers wanting to say no thanks, in an attempt to change their minds.
We might convince you their policies would close costly loopholes. You may also learn reports of a client whose vehicle insurance or credit card after a recent crash refused to cover losses. They may suffer a lack of use cost, which in effect reimburses the rental car service for missed sales on a vehicle as it is being restored or replaced.
So while the reports that contain reality, the chances you'll need the reporting are slim. Many personal auto insurance policies also cover car rentals; call your agent to check the details about yours.
You can also consult with the credit card company; others offer free crash coverage and other perks when you use their card to pay for a car rental. Often, if you intend to borrow a vehicle in your country of birth, make sure to consult with your credit card provider or auto insurance dealer.
- Bring your own Extras when possible
Often you need more than just a car for your vacation, and rental car services are happy to have more ready to hire for your holiday. You can bring some of the extras with you from home, to save the convenience fee. For example, instead of using the agency's GPS that you rent from, just use the maps app on your phone to navigate as long as it doesn't kill your data plan.
The same is true of satellite radio. Listening to the 80s on 8 is great but listening to the goofy ads on local stations is a little more enjoyable. Some people think it's worth the investment to rent an electronic toll pass when you remember the time it'll save you on the road. However, for ease, you'll be paying a regular rate whether you use the pass every day or not. Taking the cost into account when deciding if avoiding the toll lines is worthwhile.
- Fill up the tank before returning the car
Your holidays have been a blast, but now it's time to turn the car in and go home. The only thing is that you took an empty tank back to the vehicle. Can you please let the rental shop top you up? Absolutely, but you could wind up paying the price per gallon two, three, or four times that. We will spare everyone 10 minutes and top off the tank before we return the vehicle. And if you're already driving in at the airport, turning around and finding a nearby gas station to fuel up at is worth your time.
Conclusion:
Recognize that rates vary-sometimes quite bit-between companies and destinations to secure the best deal. Do your comparison shopping, keeping in mind some common scenarios. And when you find a company you particularly like, consider joining a loyalty program; you might save even more down the road.