Have you ever noticed how some travelers always seem to get the best outcome — a cheaper price, an upgrade, a shorter wait — no matter where they go? Gaming the system is a sport that anyone can learn. Here are easy ways to give yourself a rental car upgrade every time you travel.
Remember, the rental car industry is seeing historic demand as we head into the summer season. That typically means higher prices and longer lines at the check-in counter. Travel pros get around those problems with a few nifty tricks.
PRO TIP 1: Never rent without first joining the club.
Rental car rewards programs are your ticket to getting upgrades, skipping queues and snagging lots of other perks. Best of all, they don’t cost anything to join.
Let’s say you are thinking about renting with Hertz. Before you book, you’d be a fool not to sign up for Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards. This program delivers key perks like skipping the counter and earning free award days. Customers who join the program are automatically upgraded to Five Star elite status through June 2022. Normally, achieving Five Star status requires at least 10 rentals or spending $2,000 per year. At this status level, the renter is entitled to a one-car-class upgrade (up to a premium car) and a 25% bonus on each reservation.
Choose your car.
Once you are enrolled in Gold Plus Rewards, you can take advantage of Hertz Ultimate Choice. This service at most Hertz airport locations that lets you choose your car from an entire row of available vehicles. National Car Rental offers a similar service when you have Emerald Executive status.
Skip the line.
Joining a company’s rental rewards program is the easiest way to skip the line at the rental car counter.
Remember.
Be sure to add your loyalty club member number when reserving your rental through AutoSlash. That’s a key step to ensure you receive the benefits of membership and bypass the line at the rental counter.
PRO TIP 2: Turbocharge your status with the right credit card.
If your credit card doesn’t deliver travel benefits, you’re doing it wrong — simply because you’re leaving free perks on the table. The best credit cards with travel rewards can add instant value to any trip. That’s because they deliver services and perks you would normally pay for. Or they might give you points or cashback that can be redeemed later.
If you have any Visa Infinite Card, you are instantly eligible for elite status in the rental car reward programs of Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards, National’s Emerald Club and Avis Preferred. It’s a perk worth thousands of dollars.
Alternatively, if you are renting with Hertz, the Capital One Venture X Card delivers automatic top-tier status in Hertz’s President’s Circle. Normally, you would need 15 rentals or you must spend at least $3,000 per year to get this status. This status entitles the renter to a guaranteed one-car-class upgrade (up to a premium car). There’s also a 50% point bonus on each reservation, designated parking spaces at major airports and a vehicle guarantee if you book at least 24 hours in advance. It’s great to have a guaranteed car when everyone else is told “no cars available.”
Not renting from Hertz? No problem, thanks to elite status matching. Your elite Hertz status can be matched to elite-level status with National and Avis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an Italian car and drop it off at France?
It might not be possible for you to rent a car in Italy and drive it around Europe. Europcar offers rental cars all across Europe, so you might consider using it. You will need to reach them directly to inquire about renting cars for Italy and dropping them at another location.
What documents is required to drive around Europe?
All documentation is required for every country, including passports, visa requirements and customs clearance.
You also need copies of your passport, driving license, and insurance policy. It will be necessary to have your insurance policy cover you when driving in Europe.
In certain countries, you may need to provide proof of ownership. This could include registration papers or a bill de sale.
Some countries require drivers that they have a valid driver’s licence from their homeland.
If I’m from another country, can I rent a car in America?
Without permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you can’t rent a vehicle in America if you’re not an American citizen. This could include a waiver of visa requirements for certain countries. Also, you need to meet certain requirements such as having valid documentation (e.g. passport) and proof of your insurance. Further information can be found on the DHS website.
Can I pay with credit cards for a car rental?
Yes. But be aware that there could be additional fees if you use your card abroad. Compare rates before you make a reservation. Some websites let you make reservations without having to pay until your arrival, which is a great way to save money.
Can you rent a car in Portugal and drop it off in Spain?
It is possible. This is called “car rental”“. This service is offered by many online companies.
Simply check with Spanish and Portuguese authorities to see if they license them.
Contact them on their websites for the best way to get this information. You should be able to contact them directly on their websites.
Who is the best American car rental agency?
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. You can rent a vehicle for as little as $10 per hour.
Hertz also provides free airport pickup and drop-off, 24 hour roadside assistance, and even an extensive line of accessories and gear to help ensure your safety while driving in the town.
Visit the Hertz website today if your goal is to have a memorable experience renting a car.
Can I rent a car in Germany and return it to Switzerland?
The answer to this question depends on many factors, including what type of vehicle you are renting, how long you plan to spend driving, and whether you have any special requirements for your rental car, such as child seats, etc.
You don’t have to rent a car if you drive from Munich to Zurich. Renting a car might be a good option if your goal is to drive from Munich, Barcelona and back during your holiday.
Statistics
- For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day’s trip cost. (insider.com)
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.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)
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
- I’d say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
External Links
autoslash.com
alamo.com
enterprise.com
kayak.com
How To
These are 10 tips to help you rent a car at the lowest price
Renting a car to move around in your local area is one of most affordable options. Many companies offer services online as well as offline. These services are different from one another, so be sure to check out what they offer before renting a vehicle. You can choose private cars, vans, minivans, SUVs, luxury cars, etc. There are some companies that offer discounts for two people traveling together. Check out reviews of the companies before you make a decision on which one to rent from. Book your car rental at least one month in advance to save money. Book at least one month in advance to avoid paying extra fees for last-minute bookings. It’s always worth comparing prices between companies.
Make sure to verify if the company requires you to have insurance.
If you are going to drive yourself, make sure you have enough gas. Many companies charge higher per gallon rates. When driving outside of major cities, you might get stuck in traffic jams. You might consider public transport in this situation. However, it would be easier to take a taxi or a shuttle van if you have a lot of luggage. You should make sure you choose a reliable company if you decide to hire a taxi. Ask for references, and read customer reviews.
You should also remember that you usually have a specific mileage limit when you rent a car. Make sure you read the contract thoroughly and check whether you can exceed this limit. Be sure to know how much you’ll pay per mile.
Most companies permit you to use the GPS navigation system at no cost, but you may need to pay additional for satellite radio.
Another thing to remember is that you might not be able to return your vehicle until after certain hours. It is important to not leave anything valuable in the vehicle.
Your driver’s permit, credit card and passport are necessary to obtain the rental car. Fill out all paperwork correctly. A confirmation email will follow with details regarding the pickup date and times. You can then drive the car as safe as possible and follow the instruction.
Once you reach your destination, make sure to park your rental car in a safe place. Many companies require that keys be dropped off at the office. Keep the receipt handy in case of misplaced keys. After you have completed your transaction, return to the office with the receipt and any supporting documents. Enjoy your vacation now!
