How to Save on Car Rentals
Renting a car is a necessity when you travel, whether on vacation or on a business trip. Following tips will help you getting excellent rates and will save you hundred of dollars!
CAR RENTAL COMPANY SELECTION:
Finding a good deal on rental car is much easier with several internet websites. You can compare prices between different rental car companies, their total cost, including all taxes, drop-off charges, etc. Once you find a good deal, always check the rental car company’s official website to compare the rates!
TYPES OF CARS:
One cool trick to get a lower rate is to book a lower category car than what you need. This is especially true when you are traveling to major cities on weekdays. Most of the car companies will offer you an upgrade free of charge, if they do not have the lower version available, and the best thing is that you will pay only for the lower category car!! Most rental car companies offer economy, compact, intermediate, deluxe car, SUV, Vans, convertibles etc. Few also offers exotic and luxury cars.
THE COST OF RENTING A CAR
The rates differ a lot based on following four options. If you are traveling for only one or two days on a business trip, then go for limited miles options. Few rental car companies offer great rates for these types of rentals.
1. Daily rate with a mileage charge
2. Daily rate with a limited number of free miles per day
3. Daily rate with unlimited mileage
4. Rate that has free mileage over an extended period..
TAXES
You can save tons of money by renting your car from off-airport location. In addition to the daily rental rate and the charges mentioned above, taxes (which vary by state) are also charged. At a few airport rental locations, some car rental firms may also charge an “airport surcharge” fee of about 10% of the rental rate in addition to normal taxes.
DROP-OFF CHARGES:
Always plan to return your car at the same location from where you rented the car. An extra fee is usually charged if a car is returned to a different city or location than where it was picked up. Be sure to advise the agent when making your reservation if you wish to drop off the car at a different location. The drop-off charge may already be included in the car rental rate.
GAS (RETURN FULL TANK)
Familiarize yourself with the car rental company’s policy on gasoline when you check in. Some companies charge you a flat rate for gas upon renting the car and expect you to return with the gas tank empty. Most, however, will assess a charge based on the firm’s gas rates for filling the gas tank when the car is returned, if it is not already full. Since gas prices are usually less expensive at gas stations, it is advisable to fill the tank before returning the car if you are expected to return it with a full tank of gas.
INSURANCE OPTIONS
You need to extra careful with these options as they make lots of money for the car companies.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
If a rental car is damaged, the renter may be responsible for the first several hundred dollars of damage (the deductible) up to the full price of the car. By purchasing CDW (also known as Loss Damage Waiver or LDW), the renter is released from responsibility of any loss or damage to a vehicle up to the full value of the car. However, if the renter is in violation of the rental agreement, the waiver is void. Your personal auto insurance may already provide coverage for damage to rental cars and the purchase of CDW or LDW may not be necessary. Regulations for selling CDW/LDW vary from state to state.
CDW/LDW is usually an optional feature, however, a few companies require renters to purchase this waiver. Determine whether or not you need CDW/LDW before you arrive at the rental counter (check your own automobile insurance policy) and consider how much this CDW/LDW may increase the daily rental rate (CDW/LDW costs range from $8 – $12 per day). In some cases, you may find a special rate for a larger car which already includes CDW/LDW. In the long run, the larger car may be less expensive than the economy car with additional CDW/LDW costs.
Also, some credit card companies offer CDW/LDW insurance as a card holder benefit. Be sure to read the fine print on these agreements (as well as on car rental agreements!) Usually the protection afforded by credit card companies could be supplemental to your own insurance. Therefore, if you get in an accident, your own insurance will cover the repair costs up to its maximum and then the credit card company will cover the difference. As a result, your own car insurance rates may be affected.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
Personal Accident Insurance provides accidental death and medical coverage for the renter and additional passengers during the time they are riding or driving with you. Check your personal car insurance policy to see if it covers car rentals. If your policy covers car rentals, you may not need PAI. This insurance is usually optional.
Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
This coverage provides protection against loss or theft of personal belongings from the rental car. Once again, check your own auto insurance policy to determine whether your coverage includes rental cars.
Additional Liability Insurance (ALI)
ALI is an optional insurance that protects the renter and other authorized operators against claims made by third parties for bodily injury/death and property damage caused by the use or operation of the rental vehicle. Check with your own auto insurance policy to determine whether additional excess coverage is already provided.
Number of Drivers
Although policies vary, many car rental firms allow an immediate relative who is of age to drive the rental car. Some firms also permit a direct business associate to drive. Read the rental contract carefully; it will specify who can drive the car. Signatures of all drivers and their drivers licenses may be required by the rental firm. There may be a charge for any additional drivers added to the rental agreement.
AAA , COSTCO AND OTHER OFFERS
Start collecting coupons from companies like AAA, Costco etc which offers special discount to their members. Usually these coupons are valid for few months and therefore saving earlier will help you in long run. You can save as much as 50% on your daily rate with these offers!
PICKING UP YOUR CAR
Upon arriving at the car rental counter, present your confirmation number, voucher and credit card, if necessary. The customer service agent will then complete the process and direct you to where you can pick up your car. READ YOUR CAR RENTAL AGREEMENT before you sign it to familiarize yourself with your liability and to ensure that you know exactly what you will be paying for when you return the car.
Before leaving the rental lot, inspect the car for the correct mileage information and any visible damage to the car. If damaged, a notation should be made on the contract before leaving.
Take a few minutes to become familiar with the car. Adjust your seat and mirrors. Locate the controls for the turn signals, windshield wipers, lights (high and low beams) and cruise control (if applicable). Notice the placement of the horn and control panel for defroster, air conditioning, etc.
RETURNING THE RENTAL CAR
Rates are usually based on a 24-hour period, with a one-hour grace period allowed to return the car. If you keep the car for more than four hours after it was due back at the rental company, it is usually worth extending the contract for another day since overtime charges average $12 to $15 per hour. Hourly car rental rates are usually higher.
Some rates, like weekend specials, are only available during certain time periods. Keeping the car beyond that time may change the rate you pay for the entire transaction.
OVERSEAS CAR RENTALS
If you are renting a car abroad, reserve it here through your ASTA travel agent. At your destination, ask the rental agent to explain the car’s features, which may be different from cars at home. Know the international traffic signs and rules of the road. Ask your travel agent whether you need an International Driver’s Permit. Also, ask about insurance coverage in each country; U.S. insurance may not be valid in all countries.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
The renter of any car is liable for all parking and traffic violations both domestically and internationally.
Most contracts and insurance policies are void if you have an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Be sure to lock the car and trunk and do not leave valuables in the car.
Seat belts should be worn at all times – it’s the law in most states.
Most states require car seats for children under four years old. Advance notice is usually required to reserve a car seat and a small fee may be charged for the rental of these seats.
Many car rental firms have cars or vans that are accessible for customers with physical disabilities. Be sure to make arrangements in advance to ensure that an accessible vehicle is available.
Most major car rental companies offer free local maps. Plan your route before leaving the car rental lot to minimize the need to ask for directions.
Read your rental agreement carefully and ask questions of your travel agent and the car rental agent if you are unsure about anything. The policies discussed in this brochure may vary among companies and locations.
Alka Gupta started a website http://www.prundo.com to make car and auto repairs easy by providing great features to its members. They can download free auto repair coupons, find exact price for the repairs, read and leave user feedback and get distance.
Alka writes blog on various subjects ranging from cars, internet, loans etc.. anything which she is interested or wants to share with others.
Prundo.com offers Free Brake Coupons , Free Auto Repair Coupons
