Although many cities today have numerous public transportation options such as buses, trains, and subways; their schedules or station locations may not be very suitable for your agenda. Whether traveling for leisure or business, you may find that renting a car would be more convenient during your stay. However, make sure to check this list of top 10 car rental tips and tricks for an efficient and stress free process.
Car Rental 101: Top 10 Car Rental Tips and Tricks
Use an online car rental platform
When using an online car rental platform you have the opportunity to browse cars from hundreds of major car rental companies worldwide. Providing you with the cars available within your set destination, category and budget, you will be saving yourself the time and hassle of comparing each car rental company website. A car rental platform will constantly provide discounts and hot deals, therefore make sure to look out for any special offers happening. For its competitive prices and friendly user website, make sure to check out carsirent.com on your next car rental escapade!
Avoid picking up your car from the airport
Just like with airfare, certain factors can affect car rental rates. As a matter of fact, the pickup location being the airport is one major rate increase cause. Airport fees are implied on your car deal, hence, avoid them by picking up your car at a local car rental office in the city or by getting it dropped off to you at your hotel. To learn how to save more on car rental, make sure to check out this article.
Photograph your car
Upon receiving your car, the company clerk will inspect the vehicle and mark any existing dents or scratches. One of the best car rental tips and tricks would be to photograph the car yourself from all sides saving the photos as evidence to avoid any disappointing issues upon returning the car. This is not only an advice, it’s one of the best car rental tips and tricks. If you are confused about which car to chose for your next rental, this post would help.
Fill up your tank
If you did not already know, the car rental company will charge you for the consumed fuel. One of the many great car rental tips and tricks is to return your car with the same amount of fuel when received. You will surely end up with a bigger bill than expected if you decide to return the car with an emptier tank. Fill your tank at a local gas station but avoid the stations close by to the airport; they too benefit off higher fuel rates from car renters on their way to the airport.
Check for Mileage
Read your rental terms and conditions carefully always. If you have an exciting road trip on mind, make sure your car includes “unlimited mileage” when booking. However, of a good deal you might have found, this feature is often unnoticed. Avoid the disappointment by going through all the details.
Go for weekend and weekly packages
It would be wise for you to opt for a weekend or a weekly package from your car provider. Most of them offer better rates when renting a vehicle for more than 3 days rather than on a daily base.
Book early
An early bird is always the smart way to go. Rates depend on how many vehicles the company has available at the time the rental is made, so the sooner the better! Reserve your car at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from great discounts. For details, find out more about Is it Better to reserve a rental car in advance?
Save by getting your own
Additional accessories such as a child car seat, a navigation system and others highly effect your daily car rental rate. For instance, a child seat could cost you about 10$ daily which for a weeklong family vacation may tack a significant amount onto your car rental expenses. Therefore, if possible and you do prefer to save on little here and there, get your own necessities.
Check your own insurance policy
Most vehicle insurance policies already include some sort of rental car insurance coverage, so if you sign up for the full rental car policy, you’re paying extra when you may not have to. Check with your current insurance company on what is covered and accordingly decide on what to add on your rental package. Additionally, if you pay for a rental car with a major credit card, there’s a good chance that the card issuer offers secondary car rental insurance at no charge. Check with them as well!
Join the club
To conclude our top 10 car rental tips and tricks we suggest that if you are a frequent renter, save money with certain benefits by becoming a member or subscriber to car rental clubs and online portals.
If this is your first-time car rental, there are things you should know. Get introduced to them here.
Now that you’ve read our top 10 car rental tips and tricks don’t forget to relax and enjoy the drive!
This article was originally posted on Carsirent.
