Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, renting a car can be a convenient way to get around. But it’s important to shop around and understand your options before you make a final decision.
There are plenty of rental companies to choose from. Compare prices online to find the best deals.
Pick-up Service
Most car rental companies offer some form of pick-up and drop-off service. For example, Avis has its free Neighborhood Delivery program available at certain locations, while Enterprise and Budget will pick you up from your doorstep or airport terminal for a fee.
While these are all pretty great features, they do have some pitfalls. The first is that they only happen during business hours and aren’t offered at every location, limiting your options.
The other is that most companies only pick-up and drop-off at their local branches. This means that if you want to get picked up at the nearest airport you may need to call around to multiple locations to see which one is most likely to do so.
In the end, it’s all about choosing the best service for your needs. With a little research, you can find the most reliable and affordable option. The key is to plan ahead and don’t wait until the last minute.
Reward Programs
Many rental car companies offer rewards programs that can make renting a car easier and faster. These programs can also help you avoid upsells at the counter and save you money on your rentals.
When you sign up for a rewards program, you typically get access to certain perks such as free upgrades or discounted rates. Some of these perks are only available to members and some are available to all customers.
If you’re a frequent traveler, it can be worth joining a loyalty program for your rental car company. These programs often provide you with elite status and perks such as free upgrades, return grace periods and rental discounts.
For example, Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards Program offers a number of benefits including Carfirmation, a fast access system that emails you your car and its location on the lot when you arrive. It also gives you free day rentals and online rewards.
Convenience
A car on rent is a convenient way to get around, especially for travelers who want the freedom of not having to wait for a cab every time they need to travel beyond walking distance. But it can also come with hidden costs if you don’t know what you’re getting into.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save money on a car rental without sacrificing comfort or convenience. One way to do this is by booking in advance. This will allow you to secure the best deal and avoid any last-minute surprises.
Insurance
When you walk up to the counter to rent a car, a salesperson will ask you if you want to buy extra insurance. They’ll offer options like liability insurance and collision damage waivers.
Often, these are optional coverages that can add up to $30 a day to the rental cost.
It’s important to understand these benefits and what they do and do not cover before you decide to use them. You may not need this coverage if your own auto insurance already covers your rental expenses.
Another option is to look for a credit card that offers car rental insurance as part of the benefits package. These types of cards usually provide secondary insurance, which means they’ll kick in after you’ve used your personal insurance policy or the insurance offered by the rental company.
Some credit cards will also reimburse you for “loss of use” fees if the vehicle is out of commission because it needs repairs at a shop. However, you must know that these benefits vary by credit card and the type of car being rented.