Article by D.K.
Car-rental industry has been rapidly growing and this time these changes are for better.The biggest U.S. car-rental company Enterprise just purchased National and Alamo and their online tools allow drivers to find best deals. At the same drivers are still facing rising taxes, hidden fees, and strict fuel policies so here is few tips on how to get good deal on car-rentals before your next trip.
1.Go opaque for big discounts
Booking through opaque travel site like hotwire.com or priceline.com-where you pay upfront without knowing exact car-rental company you are booking with-can ensure you big discounts. If you prefer not to use opaque site don?t go around from one company website to another but use an aggregator. Sites like kayak.com or sidestep.com will directly take to the rental agency?s website once you are ready to book.
2.Avoid renting at the airport
Most of the airport location is required by law to add local and state surcharges. It is estimated that renting a car at the airport can cost you 25%-45% more than if you rented a car in city center. Also rent locally when you are traveling abroad. Web sites like Autoeurope.com will offer you better deals because they specialize in foreign car renting.Check for international based websites like Hertz and compare rates with U.S. based sites.
3.Restrictions
Check insurance coverage and age requirements when renting abroad. Some credit cards don?t cover the insurance in selected countries and some countries impose restrictions on older drivers. Also some options common in U.S.A. are not available abroad (Like unlimited mileage).
4.Opt for a smaller car.
Do you really need a larger car? If not, go compact. Here’s a little secret: Rental car companies often run out of economy models because they’re the most popular, so you’ll often be steered toward an upgrade in the hopes that you’ll cave in and pay for it. Just say no. You stand to get the upgrade anyway for the economy price.
5.Be on time.
If you return your car late, the rental agency may charge you as much as a full day’s rental. If you are going to be late, call the agency and explain your situation. It may help.
About the Author
Planing to visit Europe and renting a car? For Cheap Car Rentals in Europe visit AirTicketsForCheap.net.
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