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   CAR RENTAL TIPS
KNOW THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE BEFORE RENTING A CAR
Savvy travelers have discovered some “tricks of the trade” when renting a vehicle, and those little tricks can add up to big savings. The problem is that many travelers will spend a lot of time scouting out the best deals on hotel rooms and airfare but neglect to give that same attention to renting a vehicle, assuming that all car rental rates are about the same. They are not! Car rental rates can vary considerably from company to company and destination to destination. It’s worth your time to research rental companies online and become an informed consumer when it comes to renting a vehicle. 

Beware of HiddenFees 
In addition, you have to know about hidden rental fees and extra charges in order to make wise decisions when renting a vehicle.  For instance, most rental car companies charge a much higher price per gallon of gas when filling up your vehicle. So, it’s always best to return your vehicle full of gas rather than ask the company to do that for you. You’ll save money by topping it off yourself.   

If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many times when a car rental company offers a daily rental rate for less than $20 a day, there are hidden fees that show up at check out, such as: sales tax, an airport fee, an arena fee, a license fee and anything else they can think of to tack on. You may end up paying more than $30 a day for an advertised $19 a day car, so beware. 

One thing is for sure, you’ll find better rental deals outside the airport. Sure, renting a car at the airport is more convenient, but you’ll pay for that privilege. The rates are higher inside the airport; plus, you’ll end up paying an additional airport fee. Also, many times the inventory is picked over so even if you reserved a large SUV, you might get stuck driving a mini-van for the week. So, see if your hotel offers a complimentary shuttle from the airport and plan to rent your vehicle off airport grounds. Your hotel concierge should be able to help you with those details. 

Strategize and Save
 
Car rental companies know that Americans do not like to drive compact cars so they don’t keep as many small cars in their inventory. Most of the rental companies will have far more mid-size and full-size cars than compact budget cars. So, if you are renting at a small car rental hub, reserve a compact car. If they can’t provide you with the small car you reserved, they are obligated to offer you a free upgrade. You could even move up two car sizes/grade levels for no additional charge. Sure, it’s a risk. There’s a possibility that the car rental company will have a compact car with your name on it, but that’s the risk you must take on the road to big savings. If they do have a compact car waiting for you, and they have “called your bluff,” simply pay an upgrade fee on the spot for a bigger vehicle if you truly need a larger car. 

Remember, this strategy does not work well outside of the United States or at larger rental car facilities. 

Just Say No…to Insurance
 
You may already know this trick of the trade, but it’s worth mentioning in case you don’t. Decline the rental car insurance—no matter how much they pressure you to buy it—because more than likely, your auto insurance policy covers rental cars. To make sure you’ll be adequately covered, call your insurance agent prior to renting a car so you’ll be “in the know” before you go. In addition, find out if your credit card company provides collision insurance if you choose to pay for your rental car with that credit card. By using these tips and educating yourself before renting a car, you’ll be able to make informed decisions and save yourself stress, money and more.  Happy travels!

 

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By knowing a few tricks-of-the-trade, you can get great deals on rental cars and avoid hidden fees.
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