How To Save Money On Your Next Car Rental
If you are like most people, you want to save money. This applies even when you are on vacation. Luckily, it’s not as difficult as you might think.
A fantastic way to save money while on vacation, or at any time really, is to save money when you rent a car. Here are some car rental tips that will help you do just that.
Leave Your Ego At Home
Some people consider vacation a time to rent a luxury car, or at least a car that’s more expensive than what they have at home. This does not make financial sense. Think about it. Are you going to remember the car you drove while you vacationed in London?
Rent a car that has just what you need and nothing more. If you know how to drive a stick shift, see if you can rent one of those because they will definitely cost less than an automatic. Also, if it’s just you and your spouse on vacation, do you really need a four-door sedan? Save money and rent a compact car instead.
Grab It During The Week
If you can start your rental during the week, go ahead and do it. Most rental companies charge less for renting during the week than renting a car on the weekend. And be aware that for some rental companies, Friday is now considered part of the weekend.
When you go to pick up your rental car on a Monday or Tuesday, make sure you read all the fine print. Many rental car agencies count on the fact that most consumers just sign away and take the keys. In the meantime, there might be some added fees that you won’t be aware of until you turn the car back in.
The same goes for penalties. Make sure you know what the penalties are for returning a car without a full tank of gas, or for returning it to a different franchise location. All of these things can add up very quickly.
Say No To Insurance
Be prepared for the nice clerks at the counter to try to talk you into buying insurance. They will tell you horror stories that might make your skin crawl, but you need to resist. The truth is you are probably already covered. Your job is to find out by whom.
It could be your regular car insurance or your credit card. Before you go on vacation, check to see if either one of these will cover car insurance on a rental. If they do, say no to the insurance at the rental agency and know you are saving money.