Advantage Car Rentals

You no longer rent a car for business purposes alone. If you are bored of the surroundings around you and even your own dear car, you think of renting a car and moving elsewhere for a few days. Even an urge to move off the beaten track can prompt you to go for a rented car if you are planning to celebrate your marriage anniversary or birthday. Or, if your car has an accident and needs repairs, you still need the help of a car rental agency.

If you make your plans carefully, the idea of car rentals can prove to be of great advantage. While traveling, it not only gives you freedom from anxiety over your own car that sits safely in your garage, it can also save you some money that you can utilize elsewhere.

How to save money

While renting a car, you can save a good amount of money if you rent your vehicle at a location off site of the airport. A car rental at the airport usually makes you pay more than what a nearby agency does. There is little harm in taking a cab a few miles to pick up the vehicle at a different rental location.

Try to avoid bigger and fancier cars, as they will burn a hole in your pocket. If you are in no need of additional space, do not waste your precious money on sport utility vehicles and minivans. Better go for a no-frills car rental and rent a smaller car. You get better deals on compact vehicles and get better mileage from them.

Car rental agencies often offer prepaid fill-ups when you return the vehicle. Compare their costs with the gas pump prices and find out beforehand which is a better deal.

You will observe that in most cases a weekly car rental costs less than paying for five or six days alone. It is, therefore, wise to pay this rate and return the car early if you are staying just under a week.

Try to rent a car on weekends and holidays because it is less costly. As most of the car rental business is geared toward business travelers, you can get the best rates during non-work times.

It does not make sense to insist on new vehicles as a used advantage car rental company often provides efficient, good quality used cars often for half the cost of renting a new car.

Make it a point to fill the tank before returning the vehicle, as advantage car rental companies can charge up to several dollars a gallon to refuel. Before you embark on your journey from the pickup station, check the car carefully for body damage. Find out if the lights and turn signals are working properly and inspect the mileage odometer. If you find any defects, report to the car rental agency immediately.

Choose a designated driver as some car rental agencies charge more for an extra driver.

Insurance

The question of insurance needs a very careful consideration. You must have a thorough understanding of your insurance options to ensure that you are covered. Sometimes, it may appear wise to avoid buying insurance from the car rental company as many credit cards cover car rental insurance, promising to take care of you in the event of collision or theft. But some credit cards will not cover certain types of vehicles, and may not apply in certain areas. So, it will be better if you pay a little more for the rental company's insurance, as it may prove wise in the long run. Never forget that you can be held responsible for the full amount of any damage done to the rental car while it is in your custody.

Using the Internet

One of the best ways to locate potential advantage car rental deals is the Internet. As the Internet generates friendly competition among rental companies, the consumer becomes the beneficiary. You can surf the Internet to look at the various rental car company websites. They often have web-only specials where you can find current specials listed on their websites and you may have to book your rental car online in order to avail of the special offer. You can also find on the Internet a number of package deals where rental car prices are heavily discounted. Some travel websites that offer special packages which include airline tickets, lodging and a rental car for one price. This package costs less than the cost of purchasing each of these items separately. However, you should read the fine print carefully as blackout dates and other restrictions may apply and also understand any policies related to cancellations, refunds or changes.

Special discount programs

You can be entitled to special deals with your memberships in associations or clubs.

Memberships in premium clubs, loyalty or frequent flyer programs can fetch you discounts. Some credit cards offer special discounts or upgrades with some car rental agencies. Discounts are also offered for government, military or corporate employees. There are some car rental agencies that are ready to offer these discounts during leisure travel also. AAA and AARP members also get preferential treatment.

How to choose a car rental company

Before making your choice, you must evaluate your requirements, and decide on the size of car you want so that you don’t have to regret your decision later. As "compact", "mid-size", and "luxury" may mean completely different things to different people, take care to ask specifically what you are getting and for how much.

For getting the best deal possible, search on the Internet or call different rental companies seeking a price estimate. Check if any specials are offered that are related to the length of time you will need the car; many companies’ offer weekly or weekend deals. But remember that the advertised price is not always the actual price; so ask about restrictions on special offers, including blackout dates when that specific rate is not given.

Compare all the rates and facilities offered by different car rental companies before making the final decision.

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