It’s been years since I rented a car, so I’m researching the topic for a trip to Elms College in Massachusetts to see my grandson’s graduation in May.
There certain pitfalls when renting a car, so doing research is essential.
I learned it’s important to plan ahead, which I didn’t, and you may be able to use rewards programs points for car rentals, which looks like it’s going to save me money.
Here are my tips:
Book early and online. You’ll likely get a better price and your selection of cars will probably be better if you book early. And, don’t walk up to the counter at the airport to rent a car. You’ll pay a hefty price. Booking online is usually cheaper due to lower operational costs, access to discounts and promotions, and the ability to compare prices.
Choose economy cars. That will be the best deal, unless you’re traveling with a group and need a larger vehicle.
Compare prices. Always a good idea, it pay offs when renting a car as well. Use Kayak or another third-party comparison website to get an idea of pricing. Then go to the company’s website to book the car. Be sure to use the incognito search on your browser when comparing prices.
Check your auto insurance. If it provides coverage for your rental car, it will save a lot of money. About 40 percent of car renters get the rental company’s insurance, despite having personal or credit card coverage available, and only 25 percent of renters fully understand what their personal insurance covers when renting a vehicle, according to a study by the Insurance Information Institute.
Avoid one-way rentals. It will cost $45 to $200 or more to drop off a rental car at a different location.
Research the companies and read reviews. You can find verified reviews at ConsumerAffairs.com. For the best companies to rent a car from, I found this list: Enterprise, National, Advantage Rent A Car, Sixt, Hertz, and Ace Rent A Car. For the worst car rental companies, I found this list: Avis, Budget-Rent-A-Car, Dollar and Thrifty Car Rental, Advantage Rent A Car, Ace Rent A Car, Fox Rent A Car, and Payless Car Rental. Note: Advantage Rent A Car is on both lists.
Fill the gas before you return it. There are so many complaints about this. If you don’t return the car with a full tank of gas, most companies will charge you their price for it – which usually costs more than if you fill the tank at a local station.
Check out mileage costs. Most companies offer unlimited miles, but not all of them. Some may have limits depending on the type of car you rent, for example, some SUVs or high-performance cars. It helps to estimate how far you plan to drive and choose the company that offers the best mileage terms.
Ask about equipment-rental fees. Adding items such as a navigation system, car seat, or ski racks will cost you.
Inspect the car for damage and take photos. This is really important. People report being charged for minor dings and scrapes, which may have been there when they rented the car.
Check for discounts. The three rental car companies that currently provide AAA car rental discounts are Hertz, Thirty, and Dollar. Avis, Budget, and Payless offer discounts to AARP members. In addition, check with your credit card rewards program to see if they offer car rentals.
Watch out for added fees. Some companies advertise a low daily fee but add on charges for additional drivers, under age 25 drivers, and late or early returns.
Keep your rental agreement and receipt. You may need to show the receipt and, if a dispute arises, you can check the terms of the rental agreement.
Ask how tolls are handled. Most rental companies offer ways to pay tolls automatically, but that convenience comes at a cost. What you pay depends on where you drive and the rental company you use. As you compare companies, think about whether you’ll be using toll roads, bridges, or tunnels.
Check the cancellation policies. You may need to cancel in advance, sometimes as much as a week ahead, to avoid cancellation fees. And, if you paid ahead of time for the rental, sometimes called a “prepaid reservation,” there may be fees no matter when you cancel.
Ask about roadside assistance. Sometimes, this service is included in the base price of your rental car. Ask if you’ll have to pay extra. If there’s a fee, find out what it covers, for example, if you have a flat tire, dead battery, or lock the keys in the car. If you belong to an auto club, your membership could include roadside assistance, so you may not need to pay the rental company’s fee. Or, you might have roadside coverage through your credit card, assuming you’ll use it to pay for the rental, or your personal auto insurance policy.
Best wishes with your travels. I hope these tips help with your car rentals.
