Now that you’ve booked your flights, it’s time to decide on your transportation for the trip. If you want to rent a car, you may be wondering how to save money when prices are high. It’s not always easy to tell what kind of car rental deal you’re getting without spending time researching and reading each company’s policies. For those who don’t have the patience or desire to do this research, we’ve got some tips for finding cheap car rentals. Read on!
Avoid Airport Surcharges
One of the biggest tips to remember is to avoid renting from the airport if you can. Airports charge a fee for the convenience of picking up your car as soon as you land and dropping it off right before you have to leave. Sometimes, this convenience is worth the fee, but other times it’s not. Car rental offices inside the city offer lower prices, so weigh your options to see if it’s worth getting to the town first and then renting.
You Don’t Always Need Car Rental Insurance
If you have an auto policy, it may cover collision damage and even personal liability for a rental car. It’s worth calling your insurance provider to check what is covered. Additionally, many travel credit cards provide secondary insurance that will help.
Get the Right Card
Renting a car with a credit card has its advantages. For example, your credit card may set up rental insurance for you when you fill out the reservation form or make the booking. However, there are different requirements for each card. So it’s crucial to know what perks your specific card offers and what benefits are included.
Do Your Homework
Need help figuring out where to start? Remember to do all your homework first. Start with price comparison sites to get an idea of how much a car rental will cost you. Click through different rental options so you know which company offers the most perks for the lowest cost. If you see a rental company you haven’t heard of, research to see if they’re legit or a scam.
Fill the Tank up Yourself
When renting a car, having the company fill up the gas tank upon your return is easy. Just don’t get tricked into paying for it! If you start with a full tank and return with no fuel, they will charge you for refueling the car, including an additional fee. Instead, take some time during your trip to stop at a gas station before dropping it off.
