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Assuming you have already
researched airfare and hotel, it's a safe bet that you're
not going to want to put the same amount of effort into
finding a rental car. And, that's perfectly
understandable.
However, if you're not
careful it could cost you dearly. When researching
rental cars, you need to take more of a defensive position
to protect yourself.
The rental
car market is highly competitive. There are well
established national companies, and there are smaller, less
known companies. The rates are competition driven, but
there is a minefield of headaches and fees and caution flags
between you and the front seat of your Chevrolet Impala.
The Rental
Car Shell Game
Add this, take away that.
Subtract two here, add three there.
Do not fall for this.
This industry is fraught with extras and add-on's.
When you're doing your initial research, make sure you are
comparing apples to apples. Ask questions and make
sure you leave them no room for surprises.
Below is a screen shot of car
rental figures from the Los Angeles airport area. As
you can see, the daily cost of a rental car can vary widely.
A lower price up front could mean hidden fees somewhere else
in the transaction.
The
Difference Between Rental Car Companies
Why do some rental car companies
offer a car for $20. per day while others go as high as $50.
per day? There are too many variables to list, but
here are a few.
First, some companies may be run
out of a kiosk-type stand in the lobby of a hotel while
others have their own dedicated lot. Some may have
their location within the airport complex while others are
20 minutes off site. Some will run airport shuttles
from their location to the airport every 5 minutes while
others may run them twice per hour. And, some
companies have membership programs allowing their
recurring customers to basically help themselves to a car
without the hassle of waiting on line to complete rental
paperwork.
The frequent business traveler
often needs more of these higher scale services while the
budget traveler can survive with longer waits as long as it
helps keep the price down.
Be Weary
of Great Customer Service?
You may be surprised as to
how accommodating rental car companies can be during the
initial process. Full reservation, great car,
fantastic rate, no deposit, no extras, no fees, and all
without even having to give them your credit card number.
This is all, of course, until
you land at the airport and are shuttled to their off-site
location where they slam you with the intricacies of the
fine print.
Wherever possible, you want to try and negotiate
all the details before you arrive at your destination.
Rental Car
Insurance
You reach the counter and are
asked, "Would you like full coverage or just the basic
coverage?" The question suggests that you must choose
between the two. Usually, that is not the case.
Rental car insurance can cost
you $10, or $20. per day or even more. You may need
it, you may not. Either way, the time to do
your homework is now, not when you and your luggage are
standing at the counter.
First, you need to make a couple of
telephone calls. Begin by calling the agent with whom you
have your personal car insured. Often, your own personal car
insurance will cover rental cars as well.
You also need to call each of
your credit card companies. Find out if and how much
rental car insurance comes with each of your credit cards.
Try and get a web address of a page explaining your
coverage too.
Armed with this information,
you will be in a better position when dealing with the
rental car companies. Also, if you are going to
decline the insurance offered by the rental car companies,
you may be asked to product proof that you already have
automobile insurance. It's a good idea to keep an
updated, valid copy of your car insurance identification card in
with your other travel papers.
On a side note, some
countries do require that you purchase additional insurance.
It's a good idea to research this before traveling outside
of the USA.
Finding
Rental Car Deals
Begin your research
with at least four different sources. No single travel website
will have all the best rates. Here are four to get your
started.
Before finalizing anything, first go to
the website of the company with the best deal. Enter
your trip details to see if you can get a better deal from
them directly.
Rental Car
Coupon Codes
When you determine - after
considering all the variables - which company is best for
you, do one last search for coupon codes. You can
often squeeze out a little more savings by finding a coupon
or promotional code for the company you will be using.
Rental Car
Membership Programs
It's nice to always get the
absolute best deal possible, but there is something to be
said for convenience too. If you find a rental car
company that routinely meets your expectations in price,
service, and product, you should consider enrolling in their
membership rewards program and making them your permanent
choice for rental cars. Just about every major company
has such a program, and most of these programs offer
additional price reductions as an incentive in addition to
numerous other benefits.
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