There is much speculation out there about how to get the best price for a rental car, and how to avoid getting ripped off, but it’s hard to say what’s actually accurate. How do you know you’re getting the best deal, and how do you know when you’re getting a poor deal? While that can be hard to tell, there are a few surefire ways to set yourself up for the best experience possible. Like most rental decisions, they involve being informed and doing your research ahead of time. To aim for the best rental car deal possible, check out these tips:
- Don’t rent from the airport – Since rental agencies have to pay a fee to the airport, their prices for rental cars are almost always higher. If you can locate a different rental spot a little further from the airport, you’ll avoid those extra fees, and you’ll probably have a shorter wait time. A lot of rental car places in airports are constantly busy, due to the amount of traffic in the airport, and this means they don’t always have as many cars available. If you rent your car from your hotel, or from a few miles away, you’re likely to get a better car, for a better deal, in less time.
- Check your insurance – Obviously, the rental agency is going to want you to purchase their insurance. It’s a good idea to call or email your insurance agent to see exactly what coverage is included on your policy. Then call your credit card company, as they may offer coverage where your policy leaves off. One way or another be sure you are covered.
- Do your research – The best way to get a great deal is to shop around. Prices will almost always be cheaper online than they will be in the actual shop. Since there’s no cancellation policy with most companies, you can always make a few car reservations and watch for deals to pop up before your trip, cancelling the others once you decide on the best option. There are apps that will do this for you too. Autoslash will check your reservation against new rates and deals a few times a day. When it finds a cheaper one, it will cancel your original reservation, and make the new one for you.
- Recognize that you have options – The number one goal of a car rental agency is to have the most cars out of their lot as possible. This gives you a little bit of power, whether you use it or not. If you reserved an inexpensive option, but it’s a busy weekend, ask about an upgrade. Most people want to pay the least amount possible, which means that an agency might be getting low on those mid-sized and compact cars. Sometimes the agent will even offer you a free or reduced price upgrade before you get the chance to ask. Know that most times you can negotiate the price with them, since their main focus is getting cars out of the lot.
- Inspect it before you leave – Before you leave the lot, make sure you give the car a thorough inspection. Don’t just look for little dents or scratches either, sometimes bigger issues are hiding in plain sight, and if you don’t catch them before you leave, you’ll be responsible when you come back. The more thorough you can be, the better. Also make sure you have an agent walk with you, even if they’re reluctant. You might consider taking a video of you slowly walking around the car, for proof.
- Bring your own extras – If you have kids who need a booster seat, or if you want to have a GPS in the car, bring it with you instead of renting it. Rental agencies charge hefty fees per day for some of these extras because they know you’ll pay. If you bring your own then you’ll avoid those extras fees.
- Gas up on your own – One of the biggest things you can do to save money on your car rental is to fill the car up before you return it. Some people let the rental agency do it because they don’t want to be late for their flight, or don’t know the area well, but there’s a serious upcharge for having the agency take care of that. When you leave the lot with your rental car, check out gas stations on your way to your destination. Make note of which ones are close, and have reasonable prices, and gas up there on your way back. Just planning the extra 15 minutes into your drive time to the airport can save you a lot of money.
When it comes down to it, you’re the customer, and in our consumer culture, the customer is always right. If you feel you’re being slighted or are being upcharged on your rental car, make it known. Ultimately, rental agencies want you to rent from them, and keep renting from them trip after trip, so while they are looking to turn the biggest profit, they’d rather keep you as a satisfied customer than lose your business all together. Make sure you’re informed, and do your research, and you’re sure to find a rental car that’s great for your budget and your trip!
If you have any questions regarding rental car coverage and your auto insurance we can find you the best price and better coverage. Call the experts at Doyle & Ogden Insurance today at 616-949-9000 or get your free quote online today!
