photo credit: vieux bandit
The wise car renter knows that there are certain steps that need to be followed if the best deal is to be had.
Choose three to four car rental firms that fit your wants and needs, do this either through the phonebook, or through the internet. Before you make your choice, look through as many as possible as the last thing you want to do is overlook what could be the best deal because you were tired of researching.
It is always a good idea to check out if the car rental agency is running any special deals at the time you phone as you could save yourself quite a few dollars. One point worth checking when you contact the car rental office is whether they are have any arrangements with airlines or hotels where a further discount may be available.
When choosing your collection point find out how they operate as they may have a free collection and delivery service as part of their package.
Be careful what type of vehicle you choose because if there are only the two of you then you won’t need a large family vehicle which you will probably pay a good deal more for.
The next thing to do, after you’ve totally decided on which to take, remember to reserve it, some car rentals include the reservation fee on the overall rent, some make it out to be an extra fee, you should also look out for this when get a car rental.
Car rental doesn’t have to be expensive and if you are looking to keep the cost down here are some more ideas which may help.
Check for vehicle upgrades at no extra charge; alternatively, pick your car up just as the office opens. The great thing about arriving at the car rental office early is there is a good chance that you will get a larger vehicle free of charge as there will probably be shortage of lower grade cars.
Try getting an internet car rental as these types of rentals offer internet only discounts. 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.
All companies expect the vehicle to be returned with a full tank just as it was supplied and will charge you extra per gallon if you fail to do this.
Fly-drive vacations are becoming more popular, also a rise in fly-drive plus hotel package where all you have to allow for is meals. Just go and check out the packages at you local or internet travel agency.
Often car rental companies will give a discount on a rental if you have frequent flyer discounts which they will exchange. Although it is more cost effective to just fly with your frequent flyer discount, if it’s going to expire anyway, why wait?
Most people expect a discount so don’t be afraid to request one as it doesn’t cost anything and you might be surprised.
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