Renting a car is expensive, yes. But often times necessary. When I think about the convenience of being able to move at my own pace and go wherever I want, the cost is much more digestible.
In some areas, it’s absurd to rent a car, for instance in New York City or Paris, because their public transportation system is excellent while traffic is chaotic.
But if you’re going to Orlando, or want to direct your independent cultural travel for a month through Italy or Spain, a car is your best choice!
Renting a car may be an art form
You’d think things were simpler when it comes to travel, and to the “spontaneous” traveler, they may very well be.
But for us geeky organized tourists, there are seven steps to avoid being overcharged for things we don’t need or we may get a fantastic deal for the same price.
So here’s my simple methodology to rent a car:
Step 1: Decide on your travel plans
Shopping for a rental car is best when you have already purchased your airline tickets because you can then coordinate pickup and drop-off times accordingly.
Though sometimes picking up a car outside of the airport may offer a discount, in my experience the cost of time and loss of convenience is not worth it.
Once you know specific dates and hours of your plane (or train) tickets, go ahead and start shopping for you rental car.
And the earlier you start shopping and make that reservation, the better prices you’ll get.
Step 2: Compare prices online
I like to use very well known worldwide companies like Hertz or Avis. I tend to buy from the same brands because I know them and know what to expect from them.
I read that europcar.co.uk is a good resource if you’re going to Europe.
However, do your homework and compare thoroughly. Beware of hidden fees and take into consideration things like:
- GPS navigation system (the cheaper cars don’t come with GPS).
- Child car-seats.
- Insurance.
- Different drop-off location.
- Upgrades.
- Returning the car before the booked return date.
… because all of these will increase the price.
Often the best deal is to book weekly, because this will grant you a smaller weekly rate than booking based on days.
Usually the seventh day of the week is free!
Also, compounding discounts from airline frequent-flier plans or hotel plan can sometimes give you a great deal!
Step 3: Credit card insurance coverage
Credit cards like Visa and MasterCard offer travel insurance that sometimes covers car rentals.
Make sure you confirm with them the coverage of those policies abroad. You may be able to save on insurance at the counter.
Having said that, I would much rather pay for every insurance policy they offer. An accident can happen to anybody and I’d rather be covered.
Especially abroad.
Step 4: Brace yourself; there will still be hidden fees
I may be doing something wrong, but in my experience, not all fees are disclosed online. They will either include some insurance that you hadn’t thought of and taxes.
In any case, these unexpected fees can go up to twice the price you’d anticipated to pay.
I’ve heard of people having to pay an additional “cleaning” charge at drop-off. And do fill up the tank before returning the car, so that they don’t charge you extra from their pump.
If you’re on a long trip, prepay for the tank and return it empty.
Step 5: Research
Learn about traffic regulations and traffic in general at your country of destination.
Maybe you need to be prepared to drive on the other side of the road, or take a crash course on driving with a mechanic transmission.
Or perhaps you’re going to India or Cambodia, where the traffic is chaotic and hectic (to say the least) and traffic signs or traffic lights are not respected whatsoever (in some areas).
Learn about this in advance.
Also, in most countries your own country’s driver’s license will be valid to rent a car (not drive any car, like a friend’s for example), provided it hasn’t expired. Research first.
If not, you can get an International Driver’s License or International Driving Permit at home.
Step 6: You’re not done shopping until…
You drive out of the parking lot with the car. Once at the counter ask for any upgrade specials or discounts.
Also, you can play a little bit and haggle (this has been my experience) when all those unexpected fees show up.
Whenever I have not agreed with them and showed them my printed online reservation (granted, they won’t take down the price) you can get some really good upgrades!
Step 7: Check your car before leaving the parking lot
It once happened to me that when I was getting into the car, I noticed that the license plate was about to fall off.
I told the clerk about this, and he not only apologized for having a damaged car, but gave me an instant upgrade from a regular sedan, to a fabulous SUV!
So there you go! Do you have any other advice when renting a car?
How about sharing your comments in the field below!
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