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A few Tips to get the best possible experience out of your Car Rental at the lowest price
Research different automobile rental companies and check there car rates worldwide
Before booking a car rental, it’s important to know all your options. You can do this by researching different rental companies and their offers. This will give you a better idea of what to expect, including their prices and terms, so you can make an informed decision. Some of the things you can research are:
The auto rental company’s location and fleet – This includes the type of automobile they have, their make and model, their age, fuel type, and transmission type.
The company’s booking methods – Does the company have an app or a mobile website or do you need to book over the phone?
Payment methods – What forms of payment does the company accept? Do they allow debit or cash payments?
The motor-car rental company’s cancellation and change policies – You should know what to do if you need to cancel or change your booking.
Airport location and other pickup and drop-off locations – You can often find out where the company’s location is at the airport and nearby cities so you know where to go.
Understand the rental rules
Before booking your auto rental, it’s important to know the rental rules. These vary between companies and can have a significant impact on the cost of your rental. Some of the most important rental rules you should know include:
Minimum age – Some rental companies have an age restriction for their rentals, especially if you’re under 25 years old. Be sure to check the rental auto rules to see if you meet the minimum age requirement.
Types – If you have special needs, such as having a baby or a small pet in the vehicle, be sure to check the rental rules to see if this is possible.
Driving license – Some rental car rules state that you must hold a valid driving license from your country of residence.
Credit card or debit card – Some companies may require you to provide a credit or debit card as a deposit against damages or fines.
Compare rental companies
When you know all the auto rental companies at your destination, you can compare the different rental deals to find the best one for you. You can do this by looking at the rental rates, rental periods, add-on items, and special offers. These will help you find the best rental auto deal for your needs.
There are many factors that can affect the rental rates, such as your pick-up and drop-off dates, the type of vehicle you choose, the time of year you travel, and your method of payment. These can help you find the best rental deal and get the most value for your money.
Calculate taxes, fees, and surcharges
Before you book a your rental, you should be aware of the extra fees that might apply, such as taxes and surcharges. It’s important to know these fees upfront so there are no unexpected surprises when you pick up your automobile. You can find out about these fees by contacting the rental company directly. You can also use a rental comparison tool to see the rental rates with taxes and surcharges included. This can help you find the best rental deal and know exactly how much you’ll pay. It’s important to understand that taxes and surcharges can change from time to time, so make sure to check the latest information before booking your rental.
Look for discounts and promo codes
Before you book your car rental, make sure to check for any available discounts or promo codes. These can help you save some money and can be applied during the booking process. There are many car rental websites that offer discounts to their customers. You can find these by doing a quick internet search or checking car rental booking websites. Be sure to check out the different rental car companies to find a promo code. Some common discount and promo codes include:
Referral codes – If you have friends or family who have previously booked a rental and recommend a specific company, you can use their referral code to get a discount.
Frequent rental program – If you rent a car more often, you can sign up to their frequent rental program to earn rewards.
Flight rewards partnerships – Many rental companies are partners with airline companies, allowing you to earn reward points for your flight.
Check for hidden fees and charges
Before booking your rental, it’s important to know that hidden fees and charges can significantly increase your costs. You can find out about these fees by contacting the rental company or looking for the rental terms on their website. Some of the most common hidden fees and charges you should look out for include:
Drop-off charges – This applies if you drop off your car at a different location than where you picked it up.
Pet surcharges – If you have a small pet or want to bring a baby in your rental, you might be charged a pet or child-related surcharge.
Taxes and surcharges – Taxes and surcharges can vary depending on your pick-up and drop-off locations.
Additional driver fees – If you want to add another driver to your rental, you might be charged an additional fee.
Upgrade or downgrade fees – If you want to upgrade or downgrade your rental, there may be a fee involved.
Read customer reviews
It’s important to read customer reviews before booking a rental. This can help you understand what to expect and give you a better idea of the rental company’s service. Some car rental companies have their reviews available online, while others don’t. If the rental company doesn’t have reviews online, you can ask your friends and family who have previously rented a to recommend a specific company. Alternatively, you can also read reviews from trusted review websites to find out more. Some review websites where you can find customer reviews include Trust pilot and Trip Advisor.
Choose the right rental cars
Before booking a rental, you need to decide what type of car you want to bring. This can depend on your travel plans, such as if you’re travelling with a small child or pet, or if you have a specific requirement for your travel. You can find out about the different car types by reading the rental guide, or you can talk to an agent from the rental company. This can help you find the best rental deal that meets your needs and requirements.
You can also find out about the different car features by reading the rental guide or by talking to an agent from the rental company. Some of the most common features include:
- Air-conditioning – This helps keep you cool on hot summer days.
- AM/FM radio – An ideal way to listen to your favourite music.
- CD player – If you prefer to listen to the radio, you can also use the CD player.
- Child safety seats – If you’re travelling with a small child, this is important to keep them safe.
- Navigation/GPS – This can help you navigate to your desired location.
- Spare tire – This is recommended for long-distance or international travel.
Check for insurance and coverage
Before booking a car rental, it’s important to check for insurance and coverage. This can help you understand if the rental you want to bring is covered and what the terms are. Some of the most common rental insurance and coverage include:
Types of insurance – Most car rentals are covered by an SMA (single-loss-coverage) policy, which means you only pay one insurance deductible if there is any damage to the car.
Exclusions – Make sure to check what is not covered by your rental insurance, including the tires, windshield, windows, and undercarriage.
Coverage period – This can help you understand when your car rental insurance coverage starts and ends.