New York City has an incredibly efficient public transportation system, and many locals never own cars. However, you can Rent a Car London a car if you need one for specific purposes.
Start by comparing rates on aggregator sites. Then, book the car you want on the company's site to get the best deal.
Paying in Advance
Paying in advance is one of the most common ways to save when renting a car. However, it's important to understand that this option isn't without its drawbacks.
For example, you may be charged for extras that aren't included in the advertised rate. Some companies charge for additional drivers, equipment rentals (like ski or bike racks), and drop-off fees.
Another potential cost is a collision damage waiver, or CDW. The rental company offers this insurance to offset the risk of you damaging the vehicle. However, it's usually cheaper to buy coverage through your own personal auto policy or credit card.
Lastly, many companies require that you return the car with a full tank of gas. This can add up if you're not careful about how much gas you use. Some rental companies also offer prepay fuel options, which can be less expensive if you're planning on driving the car long distances. However, be aware that the rental company's price for gas may be higher than what you'd pay at a local station.
Getting a Discount
There are a number of ways you can save on rental cars. These include using corporate, AAA or university codes, renting during off-peak periods and avoiding additional fees. You can also take advantage of perks offered by some credit cards, including primary rental car insurance (check out NerdWallet's list of the best ones).
Another way to get a discount is to book as soon as you know your dates. This allows you to cancel your reservation without penalty if prices drop later. In addition, you can check "opaque" sites such as Priceline and Hotwire to see if they are offering better rates than the rental car companies themselves. Finally, be sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for damage before signing any documents. This is important because if the company says you caused damage, it can charge you for repairs that you didn't cause. It's a good idea to take photos and videos to document the condition of the vehicle when you return it.
Getting a Better Deal
Renting a car can get expensive, and many consumers are unaware of ways to save money. Here are some tips:
Always Shop Around: Before committing to any deal, check out sites like Autoslash or Kayak. These sites scour the marketplace to find the best rates and apply any coupons or membership perks you may have.
Take Advantage of Membership Perks: Many companies offer discounts to members, including Costco and AAA. If you're a member, use this to your advantage when booking a rental car.
Avoid Extras: Unless you absolutely need one, avoid prepaid add-ons like GPS units and insurance. Many travelers end up paying for these extras and never even use them.
Also avoid renting a vehicle with toll transponders. It's usually cheaper to bring your own EZ-Pass or pay in cash at the toll booth. Rental car agencies are notorious for tacking on fees at drop-off, so it's important to review the final bill carefully.
Getting a Vehicle with Bluetooth
If you're renting a car, you'll be pleased to know that the service Getaround now offers vehicles with Bluetooth, which will help you navigate your vacation and play Moana for your kids. The cars will unlock via your smartphone, so you don't need to meet the driver to pick them up. You can also use a GPS to navigate to your destination without needing to speak.
However, you should still be careful when using the Bluetooth system in a rental vehicle. Syncing your phone with the infotainment system can reveal a lot of personal information, such as contact lists and text histories. Criminals could use this to steal your identity.
A better option is to bring a dedicated MP3 player with you on vacation. It will connect to the audio system of most rental vehicles, and you can control the music with your hands on the wheel. Moreover, it will charge much faster than a phone.