How To Keep Car Rental Costs Low This Summer
During the holidays, people tend to rush to car rental services and choose one of the many discount plans advertised. What few people understand is that many unscrupulous rental companies are likely to add on fees with their rental services.
This information is often found too late and most people are bewildered when they see the subtotals during checkout. This can be anything from Collision Damage Waivers to tire damage cover.
We have compiled an in depth guide to finding not only the right car rental service, but one that doesn’t have hidden charges.
Plus, this comprehensive guide can help the avoidance of making costly mistakes such as those encountered during pick-up and drop-off.
Compare Several Rental Services
It is always a good idea to compare three or four rental services when it comes to pricing. This ensures that not only know will a range of prices and vehicle types be explored, but to have an idea of which company has the highest ratings.
In some instances, it may be a surprise to find smaller companies are often voted the best.
Before committing to a company, it’s important to thoroughly plan a trip and get a feel for how much the service costs for something basic. Can the journey be completed with something basic? Sometimes the smaller vehicles have a greater fuel consumption which is important to remember.
Some vehicle hire services may offer great deals worth snagging such as a better car for a lower price and sometimes free upgrades are given to both loyal and regular customers. Simply ask the rental service during pick up.
Do bear in mind that most car rental services will have similar overhead costs and thus similar prices.
In fact, using a comparison shopping website may yield extremely similar results and clients will have to make a final call based solely on the quality of the service, coverage perks and the availability of the vehicle available to rent.
The good thing about online comparison shopping for rental services is the ability to check for additional fees that are often snuck into the subtotal or the terms and conditions.
It’s not uncommon to find a random fee of well over 20 dollars without an actual explanation as to its true purpose.
This is a rising trend in the car rental industry and one that often baffles many tourists. In short, read through the fee section on the terms and conditions as well as asking directly what additional fees will be added, preferably get it in writing (via email) so it can be used in any disputes.
Avoid The Dreaded Mandatory Extras
Some car rental companies have been known to prey on unsuspecting clients and they bet on the idea that very few read their actual contracts or the breakdown list of fees.
The most notorious for mandatory extra add-on services are often the ‘bargain priced vehicles’. At first glance, they always seem affordable and the deal is almost too good to be true.
One such unscrupulous move is increasing the cost of the deposit for cheaper costing rentals. It is not unheard of to have a company put a hold on your credit card for up to 1,000 dollars.
This can pull a bank account well into the negative and ignite possible complications with the bank if necessary funds are lacking. In addition, most services do not allow debit or prepaid cards.
When returning the car, the company may withhold any amount of money from the deposit based on their idea of so-called damage. Make sure you have a comprehensive list with you as to what constitutes damage because it can range from miniscule marks to more serious things.
Get A Rental From The Airport
This tip only applies to you when flying to a destination. Surprisingly, vehicle rental services are often cheaper at the airport, unlike currency exchange. There are often huge fleets of vehicles available for the scenario of customers arriving at the airport kiosk.
Call the airport ahead for a price idea and booking early usually means the best deal can be secured on a vehicle hire.
Free Cancellation Is A Must
In order to get the best rental deals, it may be wise to book transportation weeks, or even months, ahead of the actual date of travel. However, if a company that allows for free cancellations 24- 48 hours before the deadline, it gives customers time to shop for a better deal.
Prices tend to fluctuate based on demand, and that means a lower price can be obtained by cancelling the vehicle rental and booking again.
Get Acquainted With The Fuel Policy
In Spain, for example, a full tank of gasoline at an inflated price may be expected when picking up the car from the airport gas station.
Options are available with most vehicle rentals to return the tank empty but a premium is normally charged at the inflated rate.
It may be more convenient for a trip to return the car empty. Keep this fee in mind and ask how much extra it would be to return empty.
It is often cheaper to top the tank up before returning the vehicle.
Many vehicle rental services in Europe are staying away from these deals because they are notoriously extortionate, particularly in the United Kingdom.
Not only does the company put a significant hold on a credit card, but a hefty administrative fee may also be charged.
Don’t Add That Second Driver
Rental companies also turn a nice profit by charging a daily fee if an extra driver is added to a contract.
This fee can even quadruple if a high-end or premium package is chosen. In short, it is much better to make-do with one driver if possible than have to pay the unnecessary extra costs.
This is also the same regarding insurance, it’s a good option to use an annual car hire excess insurance, then pay the coverage for a one off trip.
Always Book A Four-Door Car
Surprisingly enough, two-door cars are very common in Europe, but when it comes to rental services, they often charge the same for the two options by essentially tricking customers.
The key is to book early and ensure that a four or five door vehicle is booked. These options sell out fast, and when they do, the company has to honor your request and upgrade clients to a better car at no extra cost.
Bring Child Seats
Car rental companies also make a good deal of money on accessories they rent with your vehicle. This includes GPS, roof racks and child seats. The best course of action is to take your own devices, and not only will it save money, but parents can be certain that their own seat is comfortable for their child.
Avoid The Built-In GPS
As mentioned previously, GPS is usually costly when hiring it from the vehicle rental firm. Not to mention they aren’t all that accurate and smartphones and the right app can provide the same benefits at no extra charge.
GPS smartphone navigation apps such as MAPS.ME can be downloaded in advance should internet service be lost.
