How to save money on my Rental Car rates?
Shopping the Internet can be the quickest and best way to compare many Rental Car rates.
If you are planning on purchasing extra items such as a damage
waiver or insurance, you should also comparison shop those rates.
Make sure their mileage policy is favorable to you so you can avoid extra charges.
Airport fees can be quite large so you might see if it is worth
it to use an off-airport facility. However, if the off-airport company
picks you up at the airport, you'll probably still have to pay some of
the fee.
You can check their national reservation centers and their local
offices; one may be offering a better deal than the other. ASK, if this
is the best rate they have available.
Make your reservation as soon as you have decided on plans. Most
Rental Car Companies increase their rates as reservations come in and
their fleets become booked. Also, certain classes of cars will sell out
and you may have to end up reserving and paying for a larger vehicle
than you want.
Being flexible about your travel plans can save you money. Rental
Companies that focus on the business or replacement market customers
often have great weekend specials. The best rates are found during the
off season and at other times when the Rental Companies have extra cars
sitting around.
Check into booking your vacation as a package. You might be able
to save by booking your car along with a certain airline, hotel or
attraction ticket package.
Book the smallest car that you will need and hope for a free upgrade. But, remember you may get stuck with that small car.
Check into other size class vehicles. They may have extra cars in
a certain class and be offering discounts for that size class.
Use coupons, but read them carefully for exceptions. Most upgrade
coupons are "based on availability", so if you have an upgrade coupon
that you wish to use and also have a monetary discount coupon, bring
them both. If they can’t honor the upgrade, they may still give you the
monetary discount. Also, remember to book any coupons or discounts in
your reservation.
Apply any special discount programs for which you are eligible.
When you get to the counter, ask if there are any upgrade specials available, they might have some good deals.
