No matter the app or online reservation platform, renting a car can often be a headache. It's rarely clear which add-ons are necessary, costs range widely between rental companies, and what type of insurance you need. Here are some tips for navigating the rental car market.
Preparation is Key:
Begin your car rental search well before your trip, comparing rental companies, pricing structures, and add-ons to get the best fit for your needs at the lowest price. Once you've found a good option, do a quick search comparing rates with major third-party sites like Priceline, Hotwire, or Booking.com to ensure you've found the best deal. If the price is comparable, elect to book directly with the rental company to avoid any additional restrictions or confusion.
Look into variations in rent depending on the pick-up location as well. It might prove significantly less expensive to rent from a non-airport location, and many will allow you to return the vehicle to the airport location at no extra charge. Then, book a refundable option as early as possible. If something better arises in the intervening weeks or months (AutoSlash can monitor rate changes and email you if better prices are found) you can cancel and, if not, lock in an agreeable rate.
Add-Ons:
After you've found your vehicle, a host of add-on decisions await.
- Insurance: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance...to buy it or not...If you don't have personal auto insurance that includes collision and comprehensive coverage then the answer is most likely yes. If you do have that coverage there could be charges from the car rental company that might not be covered by your personal insurance policy including loss of use, diminishment of value and towing. These charges could be substantial. If you are using a card to rent, check to see if the credit card company provides similar coverage.
- GPS: This add-on is typically unnecessary; use your phone or a personal GPS device.
- Satellite radio: The daily surcharge for this adds up quickly. Instead, the TuneIn Radio app is free and provides a wide selection of music, podcast, sports, and news options.
- Car seats: If you're traveling with kids, consider bringing your own car seat to avoid costly fees and to ensure that the seat meets your safety standards.
- Drivers: You can eliminate additional driver fees by selecting and sticking with a single driver for the rental duration.
- Gas: The prepaid gas option is rarely advantageous for the renter. Often, the price per gallon determined by the rental company will greatly exceed local gas station rates, and if you don't use the whole tank, you lose again. Just fill up your tank before returning the car and save yourself the headache. You can even check out the cheapest gas stations near the airport through free apps like GasBuddy, Waze, or Upside.
Here are a few further considerations to minimize cost and ensure a positive rental experience:
Stick with companies you recognize – Enterprise (owns National and Alamo), Avis (owns Budget, Payless, and Zipcar), and Hertz (owns Dollar and Thrifty). While it might be tempting to save a few dollars with a non-name agency, it's rarely, if ever, worth it.
Use Costco, Sam's Club, or AAA membership benefits to lock in competitive rates.
Book the cheapest model that meets your needs, considering that it might not be the smallest economy car. Sometimes, agencies run specials on certain classes, so check out all the options before making a selection. Remember, you can always request a free upgrade when you pick up your vehicle; they're widely available and it often just takes asking nicely.
For any insurance question, call or contact InSouth Insurance Services today.