Tips On How To Get The Most Off A Budget Car Rental
Many a traveler has turned to budget auto rental as a way of getting around without having to use expensive taxi services. It’s best done before your trip is undertaken but you can just show up to a budget rental place and sign up for a car.
Many of these businesses really want to match the right person with the right car but others just want to take your money so you need to look out for yourself as you maneuver your way through this travel experience. Let’s look at some tips you can use to get your way through this.
1. If you don’t mind which agency you’re using, choose sites that allow you to pick your price. You will definitely get the best price for the value and they might even choose to give you some upgrades and an unlimited mileage package. It won’t cost you extra and you’ll get a nice budget car out of the deal.
2. Try and find some fly, hotel and airline packages where you’ll pay a single fee and get a discount on the car. It’s not recommended that you go through the airlines for such packages because you’ll actually pay a bit more for what looks like a package deal.
3. Use the internet to reserve a rental car. Ah, the internet, what other good can it provide? Yes there are budget car rentals on the internet that can give you a better bargain. Some budget car rental sites even go as far as internet only discounts. Aside from that you can easily get upgrades and depending on the season, at least one rental company is bound to have a special offer that can help you save money, plus, you can rent a car in the comfort of your own home, beat that!
4. Make sure you take the time to ask for discounts that fit for you. Even when you think you may have gotten the best deal and are ready to sign on the bottom line, there may be a deal through your Credit Card Company or AARP card that you haven’t thought of. Some frequent flyer miles apply to the renting of budget rental cars. Not everyone will have such discounts but if you dig deep, you may just come up with something.
5. Be sure to check all sides of the vehicle for any scratches or dents because a lot of budget companies don’t have the maintenance in their budget to thoroughly inspect all vehicles. You really don’t want to pay extra for damages that already existed on your vehicle. Make sure you check the AC, the wipers and other functions of the car to make sure they work. Believe it or not, not all places check those things out in advance for you. You could be charged extra if they come back broken even if they were broken to begin with.
6. Check to see if your own insurance company covers for automobile rentals and if it does, you don’t need to buy extra insurance through the rental company. Even though auto rental insurance through the company doesn’t cost you much, it is an extra cost you don’t need to pay for if you don’t have to.
7. You’ll save money by picking your rental car early in the morning as soon as the agency is open. They rarely have their returns back by then and you’ll have a better chance of getting an upgraded car for free at that time.
Jonathan is a regular traveller in his role as consultant for an air travel website. He often is asked how to find the best value cheap travel tickets as well.