Renting a car can be a great idea for people traveling on business, visiting a vacation spot or going to see family and friends. Getting around in a car can help you avoid the hassle and expense of using public transportation.
When shopping for a rental car, it's important to compare prices and fees. Many factors go into pricing, including mileage limits, additional insurance and options like GPS systems.
Paying for Your Rental Online
If you are charged a fee that you believe is not legitimate, it’s best to resolve any billing disputes by email. That way, you’ll have proof of the conversation and details of the items discussed.
Local rental car taxes can add up quickly and can be included in the total price you’re shown when you search online for a car. Be sure to consider these before booking your reservation.
You’ll often see extra charges for the use of a roof rack, built-in GPS and even air conditioning. These amenities are nice but can be a drain on your wallet.
You’ll also likely be charged for a full (or even half empty) gas tank when you return the car. So, make a point of refueling before dropping off your rental. And avoid extra fees by renting during off-season or using a coupon code from a third party like Avis, Sixt or Hertz.
Checking with Your Credit Card Company
Even if you book your car rental through an online booking site and pay for it with a credit card, be sure to check your receipt once you’re done. Hidden fees can be as big a pain as taxes, OH and some aren’t revealed until you show up at the car rental counter to pick it up.
Junk fees can include prepaid fuel, airport concession fees (to cover the cost of operating at the airport), fleet recovery fees (literally the fee to replace the car you’re renting), insurance, additional driver charges, and more. Insurance is often one of the biggest upsells, Payday Loans Las Vegas with agents trying to convince customers that their personal auto insurance doesn’t cover rentals or that they need extra coverage that will more than double the rental rate.
Also beware of the "one way" charge, which can add up if you rent a car at one location and return it to another, even within the same Payday Loans Bossier City or state.
Booking a Car for a Week Instead of a Few Days
There isn’t really any rhyme or reason for when rental car prices are lowest – it often comes down to which agency location you choose and whether the vehicle you want to rent is in stock. In fact, you can sometimes save money by renting for a full week instead of just a few days.
Also, consider renting at an off-hour – not just during the typical 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. peak times – as it’s often cheaper to do so. However, be sure to time your return carefully to avoid a late-return fee.
Another great way to save is by booking your car in advance at whatever rate you think the best and then periodically checking rates on other sites and services like Autoslash, which tracks prices and notifies you if they drop. You can then cancel your original reservation and rebook at the lower price. And if you encounter any truly ridiculous rental car fees, report them to Consumer Reports’ What The Fee? service, which collects information on these types of fees and tries to stop them from happening to consumers in the first place.
Avoiding Hidden Fees
Some rental car fees are unavoidable, such as those for extra mileage or a child safety seat. But there are some ways you can reduce these costs. For example, using corporate, AAA or university codes, renting during off-peak times and padding your schedule (by renting for a week instead of just a few days) will lower the price.
Another way to avoid hidden fees is by not signing up for extra insurance. Agents at the counter will often try to upsell you, saying your credit card or auto policy won’t cover you. The additional cost can sometimes double the rental price.
Other unnecessary expenses that you can avoid include VAT taxes, airport concession fees and license recovery fees. You should also be aware of the mileage limits on special rate cars, as driving over these will result in an exorbitant fee. This information should be clearly disclosed in the price quote. Lastly, avoid paying for prepaid fuel.