Finding a deal on a car rental is easy when you know how the system works. In short, prices are controlled by the traditional market forces of Supply & Demand with a healthy dose of local competition. Rental Agencies need to keep cars on the road. Like airlines they will lower rates to fill seats.
Follow these five steps to get the best deal:
- Avoid paying excessive taxes.
- Avoid paying 3rd party markups.
- Book early and check often.
- Only purchase coverages that fill insurance gaps.
- Make a friend at the agency.
Avoid Paying Excessive taxes by finding
an ‘Off Airport’ Car Rental Agency
Let’s face it, local governments are always looking to raise taxes on people who can not vote against them. Avoid paying for a new building project by finding a rental agency that is not obligated to collect excessive Airport Fees. Don’t get fooled by a Low Base Rate. Compare apples to apples and get the 'Out the Door' price from each agency. Check your destination airport’s web site for a list of car rental agencies, a few will list ‘Off Airport’ agencies. Another great place to look for local car rental agencies is www.CarRentalExpress.com.
Avoid Paying 3rd Party Markups
The web is a great place to locate companies and services that you have never heard of before. However, 3rd party web sites are in business to make money. That money is coming from you.
Have you ever clicked on a link that offers $8/day cars? Soon you find the price is only available at a Ski Resort in Maine during the summer when you searched Google for a rental car in South Florida.
Travel web sites and car rental aggregates use various come-on's to get you to their site. In reality, these sites have three revenue streams:
1. Kick backs from the rental agency in the form of a percentage and/or a booking fee - both push up your cost.
2. Offering Collision and Liability coverage that you probably do not need. (Learn more below)
3. Selling your data! Be sure to read their privacy policy and beware of a site that does not specifically state that it will NOT share your information.
Tip: Check the 3rd party sites to find the least expensive agencies, then go direct via the web or phone. Regardless of the Brand name showing on the booking engine you must determine who the actual vehicle provider is. Often, you can find the agency’s local number by reading the shuttle information.
Book Early and Check Back Prior to Traveling
We live in a Free Market system. Rental rates are controlled by Supply & Demand. The earlier you can book your reservation, the lower the rate should be. Be sure to check back just before your trip to see if the price has gotten any better.
Don’t Buy Redundant Coverage
The easiest way to keep your total price down is to rely on insurance and coverage you already have with your personal auto insurance and the benefits provided by some credit cards. In short; only buy coverage at the rental counter to fill in any gaps you have. A person with State Farm and an American Express Gold Card may want the optional Loss of Use Coverage. Learn more about this subject here.
Make A Friend at the Rental Agency
You should get to know the rental/reservation manager if you travel to the same location frequently. Being on a first name basis with the staff will make sure you are always given VIP treatment. More importantly, it will allow you to get a car at a great rate during peak or SOLD OUT times. Managers will appreciate your loyalty even when you ask them to match a rate from a competitor.
Now use the money you saved to have some FUN!
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