If you only rent a car once in a while, you may be missing out on ways to save money or upgrade your rental car experience at no extra cost. Here are easy car rental hacks that will have you renting like a road warrior in no time.
4 Easy Steps to Renting a Car Like a Pro
1. Book early and track your quote.
Like airline ticket prices, rental car prices go up and down. But unlike airline tickets, rental car reservations can usually be canceled without a penalty. So if prices drop before you pick up your car, you can cancel and rebook at the lower rate. The best strategy is to book as early as possible, and then keep checking to see if prices go down.
But who has time to constantly check for lower rates? AutoSlash is happy to track your reservation for you at no extra cost and let you know if there’s a price drop. The average customer saves 30 percent on their rental car simply by letting us track their booking.
2. Join the club.
Being a member of a rental car loyalty program isn’t just about earning points toward a future rental. Having status in a program often enhances the rental car experience, allowing you to skip the line at the car rental counter and walk straight to your car. And belonging to the loyalty program can sometimes get you a better car than the category you originally booked. Rental car loyalty programs are free to join, so there’s really no downside—but typically several upsides.
3. Maximize your memberships.
You likely belong to at least one organization that can help you get lower rates on rental cars. Do you shop at Costco? Belong to the AAA or AARP? Are you a teacher or a member of the military? Memberships with these and other organizations make you eligible for discount codes that deliver excellent rates and sometimes additional perks such as free additional drivers.
4. Choose your credit card wisely.
The fastest way to add a lot of extra cost to your rental car is to opt for the supplemental insurance option (collision damage waiver, or CDW) offered at the rental car counter. If you own your own car, your auto insurance likely covers rental cars. Many credit cards also come with a built-in protection that covers rental car damage costs over and above what your auto insurance will pick up. This is called “secondary” coverage.
When renting a car, the very best credit cards provide primary coverage. This means that when you decline the CDW at the rental car counter, your credit card will cover any damage to the car—without having to tap your auto insurance and risk incurring a higher premium.
Always read the fine print and know what kind of insurance your credit card offers for rental cars. There will likely be some exclusions for certain countries or certain vehicle categories. It’s also important to note that CDW protection does not provide any liability coverage nor will it provide any medical coverage. Be sure to read your card’s benefits guide for all of the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I rent a car abroad?
The best way to do this would be by using an international rental agency such as Hertz, Avis, or Europcar. These agencies have offices throughout Europe and can offer short-term rentals as well as long-term leases.
They provide customer support 24 hours a day, 7 nights a week.
You don’t need to have any prior experience when renting from them. They handle everything, from insurance to breakdown cover. You only need to know where to go and when to get there.
What is the most reputable car rental company?
Hertz customer service is unsurpassed. They are always ready to help you find the right vehicle for any occasion. They have a large selection of vehicles available in all major cities and offer excellent deals. Renting a car can be as low as $10 per day
Hertz offers 24-hour roadside assistance, free airport pick up and drop off services, and a complete line of accessories and equipment to help you drive safely around the city.
You can find a top-quality experience in car rental on the Hertz site today!
Do I have to pay for hail damage if I rent a vehicle in the United States?
The insurance company will reimburse you for any damage that is caused by natural catastrophes such as tornadoes or floods. If you are unsure if this applies to your rental vehicle, contact your rental agency for clarification.
Statistics
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
- The perks vary from partner to partner, but you can expect discounts of up to 35 percent on some rentals and the ability to earn anywhere from 50 bonus American AAdvantage miles per day or 500 per rental. (afar.com)
- If you’re a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
External Links
jdpower.com
sixt.com
autoslash.com
alamo.com
How To
How to ensure that I am not charged for pre-existing damage on a rental car
For example, if you drive a rental vehicle for a few hours before returning it to a rental agency, what happens when you return the vehicle? Is it possible to be charged for damage to your rental vehicle if there is a scratch? This is a common issue among those who rent cars from different companies. Customers may be charged even though they didn’t cause any damage when renting their cars. In order to avoid these charges, it is important that you ask whether the rental car will be charged for any scratches and dents. These are the steps you can take to ensure that no charges will be made for damage done before renting a car.
- Ask for a copy.
- You should carefully read the description of your car.
- Carefully read the fine print.
- Ask for a complimentary cleaning;
- Take care of the car’s condition.
- Make sure you don’t leave any items behind in your car
- Cash is a must when you rent a vehicle.
- Keep receipts for all payments.
- Don’t allow anyone to touch your car without you allowing it.
- Never accept a gift of the company.
- Reputable rental agencies are recommended.
- Make sure to take the contract with.
- The car must be returned in good condition.
- Give your contact info to the agent;
- Do not use the same company too often
- You should note important details about your car like its mileage, make, engine size, and color. ;
- Photograph the damage.
- Wash the car by yourself
- Ask a third party to inspect the vehicle.
- Never agree to pay additional fees;
