Looking For Cheap Car Rental? Here are 5 Ways To Find Some!
Post Date: August 19, 2011
In a struggling economy, vacationers are trying to find a way to maximize their holiday without whittling away their savings. Finding a cheap car rental can help individuals focus the bulk of their expenditures on more important things, such as fun activities, mementos, sightseeing, and beer. All it requires is a little preparation and research. Here are 5 helpful tips to finding a car rental on the cheap:
1. Book Your Reservation in Advance
As it is with airline tickets, booking a reservation months in advance will grant you a better rate on your rental. Conversely, waiting until the last minute or attempting to book your reservation during the holidays will cause your rate to spike. Remember, rates often fluctuate due to demand. The further in advance you book your reservation, and the less competitive the date, the less the overall demand, which causes rental companies to lower the price in order to attract business. In some cases you may be able to reserve a car without a cancellation fee, and continue shopping for a better rate. Be sure to get a confirmation number and email for every reservation you make. If reserving by telephone, take down the name of the agent and the time of the call in addition to asking for a confirmation number.
2. Shop for a Discounts
Many retail websites will offer discount codes or coupons for car rentals that can significantly lower your rate. In addition to online savings, discounts have been traditionally awarded to members of specific organizations, such as auto clubs, travel clubs, or those affiliated with partnering business.
Some car rental companies will provide discounts for weekend or weekly rentals, as most of their cars are issued out during the weekdays to accommodate business travel. This will be especially true for smaller sedans and luxury cars. On the other hand, family vehicles such as minivans and SUVs may fetch higher prices on the weekend. Finding the least competitive niche will usually result in better savings.
3. Size Doesn't Matter
It's important to remember that the rental car is simply a means of transportation. You want to spend the bulk on your finances on the vacation itself, not a luxurious car. When you make your reservation, book a vehicle that meets only your basic requirements of space. Often times a car rental company might even overbook their smaller vehicles, and offer you a free upgrade as a result.
4. Avoid Extraneous Fees
There are a host of charges a rental company will invoke or cram into the fine print in order to increase the cost of your rental. One of the more common tactics is a special surcharge for failing to fill up the tank, regardless of how much you drove. There may also be fees with regard to mileage, and late fees for returning a car even minutes after the designated return time. It's important to talk with the agent about the limitations regarding your contract before you make a reservation.
5. Save on Rental Car Insurance
Depending on your existing coverage, you may or may not need rental car insurance. Consult with your insurance agent to pinpoint whether or not you are covered for rental cars, and more specifically, the type of vehicle you intend to rent. Often times a rental car company will offer liability or health insurance that is completely unnecessary given the comprehensiveness of your auto insurance coverage.
About the author: Article written by Claire Mills of CarHire.org - UK Car Hire. Claire covers a wide range of travel topics including car hire in ibiza.
Categories : Blog, Travel Tips
