Depending on what you are looking for you can either rent the car of
your dreams or one that’s easy on the wallet. If you are just
looking for a car that will get you around, you can definitely do it
cheaply.
Thing No. 1 Consider size.
If saving money is your goal,
get the simplest car to satisfy your needs. While usually this
means driving out of the lot with the Ford Focus or a gold PTCruiser,
you get the lowest price. If your goal is show up at your
destination in a newest Hummer, be prepared to shell out the cash.
Thing No. 2 Consider where you rent.
Most people rent
their vehicle right from the airport. If convenience is your main
objective, go this route. If you are pinching pennies, take a
shuttle from the airport to the next closest car rental spot. You
will save a lot of money by renting off-site.
Thing No. 3 Check out the insurance policies.
It’s
almost always in your best interest to pay the extra few bucks for the
insurance on the car. Even if you’re the best driver in the
world, other people are not. You don’t want to get stuck paying
for damages to a car that is not yours, especially if the fender bender
is not your fault. But, do read the fine print. Some credit
card companies will cover the cost of repairs, so look into yours.
Thing No. 4 Know the names.
“Compact”, “Mid-Size”,
“Luxury” may be some terms thrown around depending on the company that
your going with. Don’t worry about looking stupid for asking what
these mean, what you’ll get, and what each cost, specifically.
Thing No. 5 Ask around for deals.
Many companies offer
weekly or weekday deals, and more often than not, the advertised price
is not always the actual price. Don’t hesitate to try to
negotiate when booking. Many companies can be talked down a bit,
as their prices are not set in stone. The cars that aren’t rented
aren’t making the company any money by just sitting on the lot.
On a similar note, make sure there are no hidden costs or extra
charges, such as deposits or airport surcharges.
Thing No. 6 Know the rules of the company.
Some have
clear rules about who may drive the car and how many passengers you can
travel with. If for some reason you are pulled over or the police
are involved somehow, there can be serious repercussions for and fees
for breaking these contracts. Also, the rates per day depend on
the company, so be sure to look into them before deciding to rent by
day or by week.
Thing No. 7 Consider renting from an independent or smaller
agency as opposed to a larger chain.
These places often have more
flexible rates and better customer service and selection. Either
way, check out their customer service record, what kind of cars they
carry, as well as what services they offer, such as roadside
assistance, and their hours, in case you have a late flight.
Consider the city-based rental services that you join.