Renting a car can be an efficient way to get around New York City. However, be aware of the various fees and costs.
Be specific with pick-up and drop-off times. If you return it later than planned, you may be charged for an extra day. Also, be wary of add-ons such as gas and insurance.
Paying in Advance
Many rental car vendors offer a prepaid option. This means that you pay for your entire rental in advance or a large percentage of it, typically with a discount as a thank you from the vendor.
This practice is used to combat the problem of no-shows, Payday Loans Pomona which cause rentals to be canceled or forfeited. However, there are still fees when you cancel or do not show for a pre-paid rate.
Another thing to note is that most rental companies place a block on your credit or debit card that may exceed the cost of the rental. This can impact your ability to make other purchases during your trip.
Looking to the Burbs
Car dealerships often rent their vehicles to locals. This creates more inventory and can help cut down costs.
Similarly, many car rental companies have off-airport locations that offer lower prices and better availability than airport locations. Checking off-airport rates can save you up to a third of the price.
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also great options for city residents looking to avoid high rental car prices. However, these services are generally best suited to short trips around town. Consistently sharing a car with multiple drivers can cause early wear and tear on the vehicle. This could lead to a higher rate than normal.
Booking Directly
When you book directly, you skip the car rental counter line altogether. This is especially useful in a giant city with limited parking spaces and traffic congestion.
Rental car rates change often, so booking online can save you money. Look for deals that include unlimited mileage, insurance and taxes.
Many rental companies offer discounts to customers who belong to specific groups, like AAA and AARP. Other groups, like alma maters, volunteer organizations and professional associations also may qualify for discounts.
Many rental cars will put a block on your credit or debit card for more than the agreed-on rate. This is a safety measure to make sure there's enough credit or cash available to pay for the final bill.
Avoiding Add-Ons
Car rental companies are notorious for adding on fees — some obvious, others not so much. Hidden fees, often called junk fees, can jack up the price of a rental by as much as double.
Avoiding these extras is possible by doing your homework, joining car-rental loyalty programs or comparing prices online. Also, consider bringing your own car seat and music-streaming device rather than paying for expensive add-ons like GPS or satellite radio.
Finally, UT avoid paying for a transponder (the device you stick on your dashboard to allow you to pass quickly through tolls) and instead bring your own device or pay cash for them.
Booking a Week
Renting a car for a week is sometimes cheaper than renting it by the day. This is especially true during peak travel times and Payday Loans Baton Rouge around major events.
A trick recommended by the founder of Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) is to book your rental car as soon as you can and then set a calendar reminder to check it once per week. This will give you a chance to cancel the booking and rebook at a lower rate.
Another way to save is to use peer-to-peer car-sharing companies like Getaround or Turo. These services match you with local car owners who are willing to rent out their personal cars.
Using a Credit Card
Most rental car companies expect customers to pay with a credit card. This is because it helps them avoid risk. For example, if you return the vehicle with some small dings or have to pay parking fines or toll fees, the company can charge your credit card and recover those costs.
If you decline to use a credit card, the company will often try to sell you additional coverage at the counter. You may have to jump through hoops such as providing extra forms of identification and agreeing to a hold on your bank account for the cost of the rental plus $500.