When it comes to traveling, today’s consumer is quite savvy about finding the best deals on airfare and hotels. What was once a difficult task (or one that you entrusted to a travel agent) is now pretty easy, thanks to the abundance of travel websites that compare deals from different airlines and hotels.
But there’s another travel need that most travelers often fail to pay as much attention to, and that’s the rental car. Renting a car makes it much easier to get around when you’re traveling, but it’s not always cheap. Travelers often assume that there isn’t much difference in prices of car rentals, but actually, prices can vary greatly.
Just like anything else, it pays to shop around and look for deals when considering car rentals. Here are a few pointers that could save you big bucks.
* Check prices from several different sources. Many travelers make the mistake of only checking with the same sites they use to find the best deals on airfare and hotels, but these frequently fail to provide the best rates on rental cars. Visit the websites of the major rental car companies and see what they have to offer before making a reservation.
* Go with the smallest class of car that will meet your needs. If a compact will accommodate you, your passengers and whatever you need to bring along, that’s the most economical choice. And unless you’re going to be hauling a lot of stuff around, renting an SUV is rarely a good idea. Not only will the rental cost more, it will also use more gas.
* Take fees into consideration. Read over them carefully before making a reservation, and avoid any of them that you possibly can. It’s also a good idea to avoid renting a car at the airport, because extra fees are usually tacked on that you wouldn’t have to pay if you were to rent offsite.
* Find out if your auto insurance covers any cars you rent. Most policies offer the same collision coverage you have on your own vehicle. If yours does, don’t cave in when the clerk tries to convince you to pay for insurance from the rental car company. If it doesn’t, some credit card companies provide insurance on cars rented using their cards. Check with yours before you buy from the rental company.
* Consider paying in advance. Many companies offer a worthwhile discount if you do. But keep in mind that some will charge fees for any changes you make. As with anything, read the fine print before proceeding.
Don’t slack when it comes to looking for rental car deals. If you spend as much time trying to find them as you would on other travel needs, you could save quite a bit of money.
