5 Easy to Follow Tips to Avoid Paying Extra When Renting a Car
As holiday time rolls around and you are looking to get the best car hire deal for your trip it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and book the first vehicle you think you need.
Here are some really easy ways to save money and time when negotiating your next car rental.
Size Does Matter. Think carefully about what size vehicle you will need to enjoy your holiday. If you are not certain about this it’s a good idea to have a look at cars as you walk past them in the street. Take note of the interiors and try to gauge the size of the boot. Remember that car rental companies will use their own terms like ‘medium size’, ‘compact’ and ‘large’ that may not line up with your way of thinking. You need to make your decisions based upon manufacturer’s names and models that you are knowledgeable about.
Look out for Specials. It is really important to call as many car rental companies as you can to get some comparisons. Travel agents can be a good source of information here as well and they can often give you package deals that you may have been unaware of.
Watch Your Driving Record. You’ll be amazed at what you might save when you’re driving record is exemplary. It pays to check that your driving record is acceptable before you arrive at the check-in counter. If you have had problems in the past it is best to be upfront as early as possible so you can avoid the disappointment of being rejected at the start of your holiday.
Beware of the Extras! When you’re making your booking make sure you ask about any extra costs that might be involved. You may find that you will have to pay extra for things like Collision Damage Waiver, fuel charges, airport surcharges, underage driver fees and drop off fees. Of these extras, Collision Damage Waiver is the most important. You have the option of declining to pay the Collision Damage Waiver in which case you will be responsible for any damages to personal property and bodily injury. In some cases you may only be responsible for the first $1000-$2000, so it is important to clarify this as early as possible so you can choose the correct cover.
Join a Frequent Renter Program. Joining one of the frequent renter programs entitles you to price discounts and preferential treatment when you arrive at the check-in counter. So you not only save money, but you can get on with enjoying your holiday a lot sooner.
The secret to really enjoying your holiday is to plan well in advance. There is no point turning up at the airport check-in counter to hire a vehicle when you have not thought through the details of your trip.
Remember, that when you are checking out the best car rental deals you can do a lot of research on the Internet before you arrive at your destination.