Compare cheap car rentals Nov. 27, 2018

Car Rental Tips

CompareAutorentals.com Need a cheap car rental on your next trip? Renting a car can give you freedom and flexibility when you’re traveling, and in some parts of the world it’s the only feasible way to get around. But a rental car can also add complications to your trip — like trying to find the best deal or sorting out exactly which insurance options you need. Read on for our practical tips on saving money, understanding your autorentals agreement and avoiding problems with your car rental. Choosing a Vehicle Think carefully about what kind of autorental you’ll need. If you’re traveling with children or with a lot of gear, you may want a large sedan or SUV. If you’re simply looking to save money on auto rental rates and gas, you’ll want to reserve the smallest car class available. But size isn’t the only factor. Looking for something environmentally friendly? Many car rental companies now offer hybrid vehicles. Can’t drive a stick shift? Be sure to reserve a car with automatic transmission. (In many countries, a manual transmission is the norm — so read the fine print before booking. Learn more with our International Car Rental Tips.) Also, be sure that the company from which you’re renting offers any extras you might need or want, such as a ski rack, child safety seat or GPS system.

Booking Your Car rental

Book in advance. AutoRental rates are almost always higher at the counter than they will be over the phone or online. If you have time, Visit compareautorentals.com as early as possible and see all the best rates from all the major rental car companies and the local specialists and search for your travel dates. Whenever possible, make all car rental arrangements, from booking to payment, immediately after booking your flight or as soon as you are able to confirm the rental period. Doing it this way generally makes the process cheaper, easier, safer and less likely to overpay due to low car rental supply. Once you are overseas, shifting exchange rates, unfamiliar rental specs, language barriers and other cultural differences can cause unexpected problems. Make sure at the time of booking you leave plenty of time for the return process when choosing your return date and time. Many rental agencies begin charging for each 24-hour-period from the time of rental, and will bill a full day for cars returned after another 24-hour period begins. Be aware that many autorentals agencies have a minimum and maximum age for renters. Drivers under the age of 25 or over the age of 70 may face surcharges or not be permitted to rent at all. When making reservations for car rental pickups at an airport, sometimes there is a savings if you choose a smaller car than you would typically desire. Airport fleets are often stocked with larger cars, as they are primarily used by business travelers, and you might receive a free or inexpensive upgrade from a subcompact booking. Be aware, however, that European cars tend to be smaller than their American counterparts; while this might be useful if you’re planning on driving on narrow country roads, it’s not so great for those who are extra tall, carrying a lot of luggage, or traveling with a family or large group. In these cases, don’t take a risk — be sure to order the size you need just in case you don’t get an upgrade. In many countries, rent a cars with manual transmissions are the norm, and you’ll have to pay a premium for an automatic. If you can drive a stick shift, it could save you money and hassle. Driving overseas can often be more strenuous than what you’re used to at home; roads may be poorly paved, winding, or precariously placed on a mountainside or ocean cliff. For this reason, it’s often a good idea to divide up the driving — so if not everyone can drive a manual transmission, consider looking for an automatic. Also, if you’re going to a country where they drive on the opposite side than you’re used to, be sure everyone is comfortable with that; it can be challenging!

Selecting an agency

You’ll find major international car rental agencies all over the world — think Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt and Thrifty. But depending on where you’re traveling, locally owned companies could offer lower rates and more personalized service; before booking, read reviews to be sure their companies are up to the standards of the majors. With compareautorentals.com we only work with reputable car rental companies.

To lower your auto rental rate

Sign up for our free membership and get membership pricing and the promotional rates and discounts via e-mails. If you haven’t already, consider joining Compare Auto Rentals loyalty program when you book. Our loyalty program is free and entitles you to certain privileges when picking up your vehicle; your information will be on file ahead of time, allowing you to jump into the car and go rather than standing in a long line or filling out paperwork . You could also be eligible for special discounts or free upgrades.

Understanding Your Rental

If you’re booking online, read the terms and conditions carefully before confirming your reservation. If you’re booking over the phone, ask the agent about restrictions. Be sure you understand the conditions of your reservation. Is there a penalty for no-shows? How long will the car be held if you’re stuck in traffic on the way to the pickup station? Is there a fee for additional drivers and must their names be listed in the contract? Is your 20-year-old daughter old enough to drive the car? (For liability reasons, this is important.) If pertinent, ask about any restrictions on travel across state or country borders. For your own protection in case of breakdown, be sure the company has offices in all the states or countries on your itinerary. Always get a confirmation number. For airport rentals, be sure to give the customer service representative your flight number and scheduled arrival time. This will usually protect your reservation if the flight is delayed.

The True Cost of Car Rentals

The rate you see advertised in big print may become so inflated with state and local taxes, airport surcharges, additional driver fees, insurance, gasoline bills and drop-off charges that you end up paying more than double what you expected. Make sure you compare the final price that reflects all mandatory fees, taxes and extra’s. Compare Auto Rentals is always 100% transparent about rental car rates, and we show you the total cost of your rental, including estimated taxes and fees, early on in the booking process. Like the airlines, the major autorentals companies have adopted “yield management.” That means that their computers can quickly readjust prices according to changes in the supply of cars available, and so the rental rate you are quoted is valid only at that moment. Unless you reserve immediately, the rate is likely to change.

Saving on insurance coverage’s (CDW) (LDW)

If you need or want insurance coverage you can get more coverage/better protection almost always for a much lower rate when purchased online at the time of booking vs. purchasing the coverage at the rental car counter at the time of pick-up.

At Pickup Time

Before you drive away from the pickup station, inspect the car carefully for body damage. Be sure the lights and turn signals are working properly, and check the mileage odometer. Report any defects at once. Familiarize yourself with the workings of the car rental before you leave the lot. Check which side your gas tank is on, and learn how to use the headlights, windshield wipers and turn signals. It may seem obvious, but you’ll also want to memorize the make, model and color of your rent a car or take a picture with your phone — that way you won’t lose it the first time you park in a crowded lot!

Returning Your Car rental

Be wary of prepaid gasoline plans. Always fill the autorentals tank yourself before returning the vehicle so that you’re only paying for the amount of gas you actually used. Try to avoid the gas stations right near the airport where you’re dropping off your car — the prices tend to be highest there. Instead, fill up a few miles away. Even better: Check GasBuddy.com before your trip to find out where the cheapest gas stations are in your area. It may seem counterintuitive, but returning your car early may actually cost you money. You might have to pay an early return fee, but even worse, your rate structure might change, leaving you responsible for the difference. (If you’re paying a weekly rate but return the car after only six days, you could end up paying a more expensive daily rate.) Of course, returning the autorental late could cost you too — many car rental companies only give you a 30-minute grace period before beginning to rack up the late fees. Before leaving the vehicle, check to be sure you haven’t left any personal belongings. Don’t forget to check the trunk! The most common lost articles include cell phones, sunglasses and umbrellas. Be sure that the check-in attendant inspects the autorentals body in your presence and that you agree about any damage. Examine your rental agreement carefully for all charges and make sure the agent credits any deposit to your account while you wait

International Autorentals Tips

Need an autorental for your next trip abroad? There’s more to consider than driving on the “other” side of the road. From international driving permits to liability insurance, renting a car abroad can be a bit more complicated than renting one at home. Our international car rental tips will help you get a great deal, make sure you have the right documentation and drive safely while abroad.

International Driving Permits

If you’re traveling to an English-speaking country, chances are you’ll be able to get by with an American,UK or Canadian driver’s license. However, many other countries will ask that you also obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is basically just a piece of paper that translates your information into 10 different languages and is recognized by more than 100 countries. If you are planning to rent a car abroad, you may be asked to present one along with your regular license from home. You must be at least 18 years old to get an IDP. There are only two agencies in the U.S. authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. In Canada, you must consult the Canadian Automobile Association. Be warned that IDPs from any other website are fakes — don’t be fooled. Be sure to get your IDP before leaving home, as it must be issued in your home country. An IDP is not a license itself, merely a translation of the license issued in your country of residence. If you are stopped by law enforcement officials abroad, you must present both your IDP and your home country’s license. The only driving record you have, therefore, is within your home country, so obey the local driving rules! Any infraction or citation issued abroad will be waiting for you when you return home. Check with the consulate or embassy of the country you’re visiting to find out its policies on international drivers.

Know Before You Go

Make sure you have a realistic idea of how much you’ll pay to fuel your car in the country you’re visiting. Generally, drivers in the U.S. pay less at the pump than drivers in most other nations. Leave plenty of room in your budget for autorental gas expenses. Familiarize yourself with the local rules of the road well before you actually get into the rental car. Study up on such details as which side of the road to drive on, who has the right of way in a traffic circle and whether you’re permitted to turn right (or left, in some countries) on a red light. The best sources for this type of information are the country’s consulate or embassy, or an up-to-date guidebook. Check with your auto insurance company to see whether a rental car abroad would be covered under your current policy. In most cases you won’t be covered in foreign countries, so you’ll need to purchase insurance for your autorental at the time of booking or pay more at the autorentals counter at the time of pick-up. Don’t forget your map! Most of us rely on our favorite smartphone mapping app when navigating, but this can get expensive in foreign countries, depending on your cell phone plan. Also, coverage can be spotty in remote parts of the world. We always recommend having a paper road map as a backup. Renting a GPS unit from your rental car company is another option; make sure the staff sets it to speak to you in the language you are familiar with, if you don’t know the local language.