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Each day car rental has been playing a major role to increase the ease of any travel.
The reason for this is that of course it is cheaper compared to owning your own car.
Imagine dealing with parking lot, car security or auto safety, car garage, and the biggest one, auto insurances.
However, in some cases renting a car can be problematic.
Discover some tips that can be used to help to find the best and cheap car rental deals.
1. Always compare agencies to find the best deal
This can be done online on the Web.
You might also ask about special discounts for membership in national organizations like AAA or AARP.
Additionally, special rates may apply for frequent flier card members or certain credit card holders.
2. Understand how Car Rental Agencies works
For sure, knowing is better than not knowing anything.
The agency normally has distinct ways of calculating the charge for renting the car, mainly:
- Daily rates with unlimited mileage
- Daily rates with a limited number of free miles daily
- Daily rates with mileage billed as an extra
- Varying rate with free mileage over an extended period of time
3. Consider the duration of renting the car
If you are looking for a car rental to use for less than one week, you might find lower rates with a company that operates across the country, such as Dollar, Enterprise, Thrifty, Avis, Budget, Alamo or Hertz car rental.
On the other hand, local agency or auto dealers is a good alternative for renting a car for more than one week
4. Advertisement is attractive but hides things
Most of the time, the advertisements that we usually see in any magazine or television only shows a small portion (which is made to be attractive) to audience.
However, things are usually more complicated in getting car rental deals than what we see in the ads.
This includes extra fees which comes from taxes, for example airport taxes, sales taxes, concession fees, vehicle leasing fees and drop-off fees.
Interestingly enough, these generally do not show up when you are given a base rental rate.
5. Dealing with Car Insurance
Once you rent a car from an agency, normally the agency will attempt to sell an auto insurance to you.
In fact, they are not selling insurance (since they are not insurance companies) but waivers, so that you are not on the hook for any damage caused by an accident.
However, compared to your own personal auto insurance, these car insurance that is offered to you might not cover any damages.
It is recommended to call your auto insurer before you rent and ask about insurance coverage on rental vehicles.
6. Fueling Plans
There are a variety of choices when it comes to fueling plans.
You might want to make a prepayment for a full gas tank when you rent.
The most expensive option is simply returning the car with an empty tank since they normally charge about $5 a gallon for the re-filling fee.
The trick for this is to refill the tank by yourself in any petrol station before returning the car.
7. Returning the car
Finally, pay attention to co-ordinate pick-up.
In addition, always return the car before the dateline so you will not be charged for an extra day.
8. Checking before you go
- Make sure that the tank is full when you pick up the car.
- Make sure that there is no scratch or scar with the car before you go.
- Make sure that the car is working properly. If anything happens, quickly call your car agency.
Best wishes for your safe travel!