How to Get the Best Deal on Your Rental Car
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These days with gasoline prices so high, its still possible to get rock-bottom pricing when you're renting a car. Armed with the following information, you can tackle the big guys like Hertz, Avis or Dollar or even search out the unknowns for a great deal.
Company Name Affects Price
Often times, people seek low prices on car rental with smaller companies that are either little known and/or independently owned. One problem with these car rental companies is the unknown factor and the perceived lack of credibility and safety concerns about how their vehicles are maintained.
What makes them attractive is the difference in quoted rates which vary from $10.00 to $30.00 a day. One reason these smaller companies can charge less is that they are often located away from major airports, and typically don't have to pay airport taxes and fees.
How the Rental Location Affects Rates
Many of the biggest rental companies offer special deals and car rental discounts. AAA and travel websites like Travelocity and Expedia are great sources for coupons. But even within a particular company, where you rent can vary the pricing. For example, rental rates can be as low as $26.00 a day for a compact car in one city, while in another location that rate could be $43.00 for the same car.
Location is the key factor for these companies because of the additional taxes imposed by cities and counties. If the car rental company is located at the airport, there are often surcharges. Sometimes these surcharges and taxes can add as much as 35% to the cost of the rental.
A survey of recent weekend prices at Hertz locations in Los Angeles showed that although daily rental car rates from the airport were very similar compared to off-airport rates, the taxes for a vehicle rented at the airport were approximately $30.00 more for the 3 day rental. Obviously the challenge is how to get to the off-site rental location. The cost of a cab may eat up the $30 price difference.
Day Of The Week Affects Costs
The car rental companies make their biggest money during the week on business travelers. Weekend rates can realize tremendous savings for you as can weekly rental. Most savings coupons are good for a free day on the weekends or a specific dollar discount off of a weekly rental. The bottomline is, just about any package is usually better than renting by the day.
Renting Often Reaps Discounts
Frequent renters can accumulate points with various companies. Its very easy to sign up for Avis, Budget or Hertz programs. Some car insurance companies even run specials where the fee to join these programs is waived. Once youre a member of a frequent renter program, you will likely be lavished with offers and bonuses. Avis provides free ITunes with every rental. Budget often provides free upgrades or a discount on a future rental.
Another advantage of using car rental company programs is that the cost of a rental can be converted to frequent flier miles for the airline of your choice. Over the years, I have gained thousands of airline miles just for completing a vehicle rental. The key is to ensure your personal profile is completed and that you indicate the airline you want miles credited to. If you take advantage of these, programs, check to see your options.There's plenty of bonuses available when you rent a car.
Name Your Own Price Specials Limit Outlay
Some travel sites offer name-your-own-price specials where you submit the rates that you want to pay. These offers can be accepted or declined by the rental companies. If an offer is accepted, there may be restrictions on the use of any other discounts, such as frequent flier discounts and frequent renter points, AARP discounts, corporate and government discounts and coupons.
Once I made an offer to a Kansas City car rental company of $45.00. The offer was accepted, but after fees, surcharges and taxes of $16.85, I only saved $1.01 off the regular price for a one-day rental on a compact car.
Dont forget, there may be restrictions on cheap car rental pricing that make it unavailable or limits the number of vehicles available during peak travel times. For example, availability may be limited during major holidays. A few years ago, I paid less for a Surburban out of Denver Airport for 1 week during Thanksgiving, than if I had rented from Wednesday to Sunday of that week.
Package Deals Save Money
Package deals that incorporate air, hotel and car rental combinations can be a great source of savings. Whenever I fly with Southwest, I always check the rental car rates provided after I purchase my plane ticket. Southwest usually negotiates rates that are even better than those available through Avis or Hertz websites. I recommend reviewing the deals available on internet travel sites. Depending on the length of the rental, you may save $100+. I have found that usually these sites dont allow use of other discounts (found on coupons or in advertisements).
Use of Sites Like HotWire
If you dont have a preference for the car rental company you use and youre willing to pay for the rental when you make the reservation, then you should consider using a website like HotWire. One of the requirements of these sites is that in order to get the best deal, you must pay upfront and then the rental car company will be revealed.
Dont worry, the company is usually a big name company. However, a word of caution is to pay attention to all terms and restrictions of the rental. I once attempted to pick-up a rental hour ahead of the scheduled time. The car rental company would have charged me $53 for that hour. Instead I simply waited 10 feet from the counter until my scheduled pick-up time.
Leave no pixel undisturbed in searching for the car you need. The deals are there to be had but require some effort to locate and secure. Confirm in writing your advance reservations with special pricing.
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