By
Erik Hastings
1. Browse OnlineThe
World Wide Web is a great resource to get the “lay of the land” on
who's offering what car and for what price. I tend to stick with
rentals from the larger companies because of the flexibility in
selection and streamlined process. Not to say you can't find a good
deal with a smaller company, it's just my preference. Here are few deals from some of the big companies:
Save 15% on Weekly Rentals at
Avis.com
Save up to 25% on business travel rentals at
Budget.comSave 10% on any vehicle at
Dollar.com when you purchase and rental 24 hours in advance read more...
2.
See a Rate Online? Call Them
Pick
up the phone and ask the representative if they can beat the online
price you're looking at. In addition, ask them about special
promotional codes or discount programs they are offering.
3.
Book Direct
Not
to offend the aggregator websites or the packagers, I just like as few
middle-men as possible. This especially comes into play should anything
go wrong with your reservation.
4.
Confirm
Get
your confirmation emailed to you. Print it out and bring it with you.
Also, let them know if any drivers also need to be registered as well.
They will have to be there when you pick up the vehicle.
5.
At The Counter
Have
your confirmation email page handy. Choose the “I'll fill my own tank”
option. Some places will allow you to bring it back empty (usually for
an additional fee), but I fill it up before I bring it back.
6.
Insurance?
Get
only the insurance you need. Be sure to check with your auto insurance
agent before your trip to find out what coverage you may already have.
Also ask about your auto rates if you get into an accident. In
addition, check whether or not auto insurance is offered with any of
your credit cards. If so, it's probably only good if you use that card.
7.
Yes, Look At It
Take a
good look at the car (with a rep handy if possible) and look for
scrapes, dents or other body issues that may come up when you return
it. It's worth looking into before so it doesn't pose a potential
problem later. Before you get in, secure your luggage and make sure
both the trunk and the hood are closed properly. You don't want a
little “unlatched hood surprise” when you're zipping down the
interstate.
8.
Lots of Switches and Buttons!
Before
you leave the lot, get an idea of how to operate some key switches and
controls. These are the functions you take for granted in your own
vehicle but are most likely a little bit different in your temporary
means of transport. The lights, windshield wipers, rear-view mirrors,
defrost, the horn and cruise control just to name a few.
9.
Road Side or Anyside
If any issues come up, call the rental
car agency immediately. Don't wait. I also bring my GPS with me (or
rent one from them).
10. Return On Time
Car
rental agencies LOVE to penalize you because of your poor planning or
execution of your plan. Gas it up and return on time or perhaps face
another day's rental.
Here are
a few car rental agencies for you to browse through...
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