How to be a Smart Car Renter
There’s more to renting the car than just reserving it and paying for it, to make sure that you get the best deal follow these steps and tips.
Before you do anything else, locate around four car rental specialists and write down their numbers, you can use the internet for this because it is quick and easy. Spend some time carrying out this task because in some respects it the most important if you want to locate the best car rental deal.
Contact the agency and ask about their special offers, location, availability, pickup sites, rates, special rates. Also check on hotel and airline partnerships, extra charges, insurance, everything you can think of that can help lower what you have to pay for your car rental, or what would make the car rental more convenient for you.
Pickup and collection conditions vary between companies so choose one that best suits your circumstances. Seasoned travelers choose their vehicle wisely, never asking for a vehicle which does not suit there needs because although a large car may sound nice, it will just bump up the rental.
Try to choose a car rental company with a low or free reservation policy as this is normally an extra if you want them to hold a particular type of vehicle for you.
For the best deals for your money here are some further tips when looking, finding and taking out a car rental.
Watch out for free upgrade offers and collect your car as early as you can in the morning.
This is the best time as most other cars haven’t been returned yet so there may be a shortage on economy cars and the firm might just give you an upgrade for a lower price.
Often considerable car rental discounts are available online as more companies compete there so it may be worth checking there first. If you are really smart you can supply the car rental company with just your budget and let them sort the rest out for you, now that makes it really simple.
Fill the gas tank before you return your car, car rentals will charge you, at an inflated price, the cost of the gas needed to fill the tank.
If you really want some freedom, why not book a fly-drive vacation or better still a fly-drive that has the accommodation pre-booked as well. You can find these packages with most travel agencies.
For those regular flyers that accumulated a discount, then why not use this to offset your cost because many car rental companies will exchange these for you against the rental. You will have to judge whether this is a worthwhile proposition which will depend a great deal on how much time you have left on your discount.
The only reason why people don’t get better value for the things they buy is because they’re too shy to ask.
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Posted on Aug 26 2009 in Automotive