When you travel to a new city, bear in mind that a rental car isn't your only option. There are many cities in which you can easily get by without one. However, if your plans do necessitate getting a rental, keep these nine tips in mind in order to get the best bang for your buck at the rental company.
1. Additional transportation options. Cities like New York, Philadelphia, London, Seattle, Paris, and Las Vegas, for instance, offer inexpensive and readily-accessible mass transit systems. Cities that lack mass transit systems may still offer tour buses for the traveler's use. Why pay for a rental car, parking, and gasoline when you could opt to ride a subway to your point of interest? You should also weigh out time spent searching for reasonable prices, and the potential for time spent in traffic congestion.
2. Rental Location: When renting a car, consider the costs associated with specific locations. Airports often charge fees to the rental agency that get passed on to you in the form of higher rates. In addition, the demand for cars at the airport allows agencies to charge top dollar. Renting from a car rental agency near your hotel may save you a lot.
3. Which type of car? Perhaps you'll want to consider renting a compact car. There are several benefits to renting a compact car: the rental will be less costly, you'll spend less on gasoline, and parking in a big city will be easier. Also, rental agencies will frequently upgrade you to a mid-size car, at no additional cost, if there are no compact cars available.
4. Small companies. Smaller companies located nearby may provide a better rate than nationally operated chains. Look for companies that offer availability in the area you will be traveling to. You just might find a great deal!
5. Coupons. Since a number of rental agencies have special discounts in case you have a certain insurance or work for certain companies, you should look for websites which offer car rental discounts.
6. Purchasing gasoline at the car rental lot is a mistake. More than likely you will not need a full tank of gas, and the local gas stations will probably have better prices too.
7. Rental period. You should only rent a car when it is required; return the vehicle as soon as you no longer will use it, even if you are still in the region without a vehicle.
8. Insurance. Make sure you are covered if something costly happens while driving the rental car. Your personal car insurance and your credit card company are good resources.
9. Add-On Services: Choose additional services wisely: In order to turn a profit, car rental employees will offer high mark-up add-ons. Do not feel compelled to accept each one.
Richard Edmunds worked as a manager of a big name Car Rental Agency for the past 20 years before retiring. He now spends his time writing car rental articles for you about such topics as Rental Car Insurance and other rental car tips.
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