Renting a car is a great option for day trips, festivals, seeing people and more. However, the cost can add up.
Be sure to check rates on aggregator sites and the rental company’s own site before paying. Look for extra fees, like dropping off the vehicle at an airport, or a fee to have an EZ-Pass included in your rental.
Book Early
Many rental car companies increase prices closer to your trip. To avoid this, try to book your vehicle a month or so Autovermietung in Rostock advance. If you reserve early, the agency may be able to give you a better deal as they know they have your car for a longer period of time.
This is especially true during peak travel seasons and high-demand periods. You also have a better chance of getting the exact vehicle you want if you book early.
Some people choose to wait and Wypożyczalnia Samochodów Warszawa book last-minute, but this can be risky. If you don’t show up at the time for your pickup, the rental company will likely rent your car to another customer and you could be stuck with something less desirable.
Look to the Burbs
Depending on where you live, the suburbs may be the best place to rent a car. Most rental companies charge different prices in the city versus the suburbs. This is due to insurance, fuel costs and demand. Cities that see a lot of tourists have higher rental rates than those with less tourist traffic.
Using an online shopping portal like AutoSlash can help you save money on your car rental. These sites allow you to search for the best price and then apply coupons, discounts or loyalty program earnings.
You can also save by skipping the airport and renting from a local car dealership. The dealership will usually have more options and can be much cheaper. Just be sure to bring your credit card with you so that you can avoid extra fees.
Don’t Pay Extra for Insurance
Most rental car companies offer additional insurance at the counter – collision damage waivers, for example, can tack on another $30 or more per day. Before buying this type of insurance, take an inventory of your benefits. Consumer reporters generally recommend against paying extra for a rental car company’s insurance if your personal auto policy and credit card both provide coverage.
Remember, however, that credit card insurance is often secondary, Wypożyczalnia Samochodów Warszawa meaning it will kick in only after the car rental or car sharing company’s primary insurance has been utilized. Also, not all cards offer the same benefits – you may have more robust protection with a premium or platinum credit card. Always read your credit card terms and conditions carefully.
Don’t Pay for Additional Drivers
Many rental car companies charge to add additional drivers to the contract. In some cases, the fee can be more than the cost of renting the vehicle itself. It is best to avoid adding drivers if possible.
Some credit cards provide insurance coverage for car rentals, which may eliminate the need for a rental company’s extra driver fee. However, the card’s coverage only applies if the primary cardholder is present to sign the agreement and meets the age and driver’s license requirements.
Some rental car companies also place a hold (or block) on the customer’s debit or credit card to prevent them from charging more than they agreed to. This can be especially problematic if the cardholder is near their credit limit or low on available funds.
Don’t Pay for Extra Days
When it comes to car rentals, companies can add on lots of fees without even telling you. But with a little planning, you can significantly reduce your costs.
Some rental car agencies charge by the day, so if you return the car a bit late, it can cost extra. To avoid this, check the office’s hours and make sure you can drop the car off before they close.
Be sure to carefully examine the vehicle before leaving the rental agency and take photos of the outside and inside. This way, if the company tries to bill you for damage you didn’t cause, you will have documentation of its condition before you drove off. Also, be sure to fill up the tank before returning it.