Car Rentals: What You Need to Know
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Rental car rates stayed at bargain-basement levels for years -- thanks to stiff competition among rental
companies and growing overcapacity.
Now -- many of the big rental car companies are fighting back. Overcapacity is falling, thanks to higher car
prices being charged by domestic car companies. And -- mergers and acquisitions of several major rental
companies have reduced the overall number of competitors in the market.
Result: Base rental rates, as well as charges for insurance, gasoline, etc., have begun to creep higher in
recent months.
Fortunately for business travelers, there are plenty of ways to keep rental car rates low...
Sacrifice some convenience. You will almost always pay a premium for the ease of checking in at the airport
terminal... frequent shuttle service to and from parking areas... dashboard-mounted navigating devices, etc. If
you need these amenities, stick with the "Big Four" -- Avis... Budget... Hertz... National.
But -- if you can afford to wait longer at check-in, and do without the other frills, you will save up to 20% by
using a smaller company -- Alamo... Dollar... Payless... Thrifty.
Take full advantage of available discounts. You don't have to be IBM to get a 10% to 15% discount from most
rental companies. All you need is a business card and a few minutes to fill out an application.
Avoid added fees. Many rental companies have introduced extra-driver charges... new fueling charges...
higher drop-off fees, etc. These can usually be avoided either by scheduling your travel around them or
simply asking to be exempted.
Consider the weekly rental rate instead of the daily one. If you keep the car for a minimum of five days, you
may qualify for a cheaper weekly rate.
The simplest thing like renting a car can turn out to be major legal hassles and unnecessary expenses. So
you should do some research before renting one. Internet search will probably give you the best information
on rental car rates. If you want to buy extra items like damage waiver or insurance, you should also shop for
those rates too. You also want to pick the mileage policy that works best for you. Try to read them carefully.
You should compare the national reservation centers and their local offices. Sometime one offers a better
deal than the other.
You want to be flexible about your travel plans as much as possible. It could save you a lot of money. Some
rental companies have weekend specials. You probably will find the best rates during the off season.
The small car is usually cheaper than the big one. So it is wise to book the smallest car that you will need.
Sometime the rental company will give you the upgrade. However, you might want to check into other size
class vehicles. Sometime the rental company may have extra cars in a certain class, and they may offer
discounts.
If you can find coupons, you should use them. Make sure you read them carefully for exceptions. Most
upgrade coupons are based on availability. If you have upgrade coupon and monetary discount, you should
take both of them with you. If the rental company does not give you the upgrade, they may give you the
monetary discount instead.
Everyone insures his or her own car. Not only because it is mandatory by law in most states, but also
because it offers compensation in case of loss or accidents. When people rent a car, for whatever reason, it
may be essential for them to purchase additional insurance.
When a person goes to a rental agency, it is possible to buy rental car insurance coverage. This coverage is
generally expensive and may cost anywhere from $8 to $28 per day, depending on where the person is
renting the car. If the car does not have coverage, the customer will have to pay any damages from his or her
own pocket.
The best option for the customer is to check first with his or her own insurance company. Many insurance
companies simply transfer all the coverage on the insured vehicle to the vehicle that has been rented. This
coverage typically includes liability or third party coverage, comprehensive and collision with the same
deductibles. This saves the customer from spending more.
Also, some credit card companies offer the CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) on certain conditions. A person
may have to charge the whole rental amount on the same credit card or decline CDW. It is also necessary to
fully understand the terms and conditions set by the credit card company. There may be exclusions or a list of
approved rental agencies.
In case a person does not have any of these options, it is advisable to buy CDW. It is always good to have a
cover because it saves the customer the burden of paying a huge amount in case of any damage.
There is stiff competition in the market for a share of the insurance buyer’s money. It is appropriate to find out
the best option before accepting any agreement.
Are you considering renting a car? Do you need one for a holiday or business purposes. Have you called
around for the best rates and think you have done it. Chances are you have, if you have been calling around
and comparing prices between companies. On your last car rental did you receive any literature or
promotional information? Perhaps you were in bit of a hurry and didn’t notice. Chances are you did. Many of
the major car rental companies issue car rental coupons for use on your next purchase. This is quite clever
marketing to keep your business.
Car rental coupons can save you money. Many times they are good for 10-20 % off of your next car rental
purchase. Sometimes they are good for a specific amount of money usually based on the amount of money
spent previously. If you get some of these hang onto them the rental companies quite often keep them valid
for 6 months to a year.
Some car rental companies give you discounts in other ways. Rather than issuing car rental coupons, many
of the major car rental companies have what is similar to airline frequent flyer programs. You get points for
any rentals that you make with that particular company. The more points you accumulate the more you get in
return. You can use the points for upgrades and free car rentals, should you gain enough points. This works
and has the same effect as coupons with a lot more efficiency.
Many of the major car rental companies issue car rental coupons. These coupons can save you money as
well as keep your business coming back. Many of thee car rental coupons offer substantial discounts on your
next purchase. The next time you return your rental car, check to see if you have been given any car rental
coupons. It could be worth you while.
