Many major airlines have partnerships with rental car companies offering discounts, the ability to earn miles, and more. Also, your own car insurance or credit card coverage may cover rentals.
The size of the rental vehicle you choose is influenced by your destination and the number of people on board. Other factors that impact rental cars include fuel economy, safety, and reliability.
Fuel economy
Whether you’re traveling for work or vacation, a rental car is often a necessary part of your travel plans. But many people approach these vehicles in a very utilitarian way — they look for a vehicle that seats the family or fits all the luggage. A little more thought into your vehicle options can make the trip that much more enjoyable and stress-free.
A good place to start is by choosing a company with a strong reputation for customer satisfaction. Enterprise has topped the annual J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study for the second year in a row, and it’s easy to see why: the company offers the most variety of vehicles, the lowest prices, and the best loyalty program among rental car companies.
If you want to avoid overpaying for your rental, keep in mind that the base price you see on booking sites doesn’t include taxes and fees. It’s also important to know if you’re paying upfront or if you’ll be charged upon pickup. Many rental car companies have a pay-now option that allows you to skip the counter and drive away at the same time, saving you both time and hassle.
Fuel economy is another important factor when selecting a rental car. The better a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, the more miles it will be able to travel with a given amount of gas. The measure is usually reported in miles per gallon (mpg) or kilometers per liter (kpl), depending on the region.
There are several ways to get better fuel economy from your rental, including driving a hybrid, an electric, or a diesel vehicle. Some companies also offer fuel-efficient models in their fleets, so ask about what’s available when you book your reservation.
In addition to the legacy rental car companies, there are a growing number of alternatives. These peer-to-peer rental companies operate sort of like Airbnb for cars and include companies such as Turo and Getaround. These services are generally cheaper than traditional rental car companies, and they can be even more affordable if you use discount codes or maximize perks built into your frequent flyer or credit card programs.
Safety
Whether you're traveling for work or vacation, renting a car is almost always a necessity. But most of us take a very functional approach to our rental decisions, looking only at the vehicle's passenger capacity and whether it has GPS or a DVD player. It pays to delve a little deeper because a well-chosen rental can make your travels much more comfortable and enjoyable.
For example, by choosing a car with the best safety features, you'll not only keep yourself and your passengers safe but also minimize the potential for damage to the vehicle you rent. Safety features such as lane-detection sensors, blind spot monitoring, rearview cameras, and parking assist can help you avoid collisions and other costly mishaps.
In addition, it's a good idea to take a walk around the car with the rental agent at pickup time to identify any existing damages that might result in additional charges when you return the vehicle. Doing this could save you from being stuck with unwelcome fees at drop-off, and it might also minimize your chances of getting scammed by a rental agency that's trying to charge for damages you didn't cause.
You should also check with your credit card company to see what rental car benefits are included with your membership or rewards program. For instance, USAA members can enjoy basic insurance coverage for rented vehicles as part of their membership. Other credit cards, such as the $150-annual-fee American Express(r) Green Card*, may also provide coverage.
Ultimately, the rental cars with the best safety features have the most financial benefits for both rental companies and customers. By investing in a fleet with the latest safety technology, Sayara Car Rental minimizes the risk of accidents and their related liability costs. And by requiring that all drivers wear seat belts and follow other traffic laws, they reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, which are the most common causes of car crashes. These savings can add up over a year or more, depending on how many accidents and injuries occur. *This card is not available to residents of Quebec or Canada.
Reliability
It's customary for car rental companies to have a quick inspection before you drive away, and that's a good thing. It allows them to document existing dents, scratches, and other flaws that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. This can help prevent you from getting slapped with damage charges that you didn't cause.
Many rental companies pitch a variety of add-ons, such as GPS, child safety seats, and ski racks. These can add to your final bill by anywhere from 20% to 40%, and most aren't required. Before you agree to the extra fees, consider alternatives, such as using your smartphone's GPS or bringing your booster seat.
Another way to maximize your rental benefits is to check if you have coverage through your credit card or auto insurance. Having these backups can protect you in the event of an accident, and can also save you from paying unnecessary ancillary costs such as refueling or lost keys.
When you rent a vehicle, the company will often provide you with a choice of economy, midsize, or standard vehicles, depending on your travel needs. The size of your family should be a major factor in choosing the best option. For example, an economy car may be fine for two people, while a standard vehicle is typically enough to accommodate four adults.
Rental cars tend to have higher mileage than the average used car, but Bennett points out that this is just one factor to consider when evaluating a car's reliability. He says that other factors such as maintenance and repair history, accident claims, and ownership records can also influence a vehicle's reliability.
When it comes to maximizing your rental car benefits, the key is to shop around, book early, and avoid add-ons, all while enjoying exclusive savings with Budget Australia Promo Codes. Those who follow these simple tips can significantly cut their rental car costs. In addition, many of the major airlines offer a wide variety of partnerships with car rental companies, providing discounts, frequent flier miles, and other exclusive perks for their members. To take advantage of these perks, be sure to register your preferred airline's loyalty program before you head to the counter.
Convenience
A rental car can offer a lot of convenience. However, it can also be expensive. A little planning and research can help you save money when it comes to renting a car. By using discount codes, maximizing perks built into frequent flyer or credit card programs, and knowing when to rent, you can minimize overspending on your next rental.
Avis is a good choice for travelers who want to save money. While the company has a lower satisfaction rating than other top rental companies, its prices are typically much lower than Hertz and its competitors. In addition, Avis offers an extensive selection of new and next-to-new cars for a fraction of the cost you’d pay elsewhere.
The company also provides several add-ons at no extra charge for loyalty program members, including GPS, child safety seats, and ski racks. These perks can save you as much as 40% on your rental.
You may also be able to save on your rental by booking through cash-back shopping portals like Rakuten and Citi Bonus Cash Center. Both of these sites return a percentage of the purchase you make, which can add up over time. In addition, the majority of premium cards that carry the Visa or Mastercard logo offer rental car savings as a part of their benefits packages, so it can be worth checking your cards before booking.
Another potential source of savings is the car rental loyalty programs that are built into frequent flyer and credit card programs. These can often provide primary collision damage waiver coverage, rental car discounts, and complimentary status with major rental car companies. Some cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Platinum, include this coverage for free on every rental and provide automatic status bumps with Hertz, Avis, and National.
If you don't have a loyalty program, consider signing up for one before your next trip. Not only will you earn points and rewards, but you'll be more likely to avoid the pitfalls that can come with the rental car experience, such as paying for fuel or being hit with fictitious damage claims. Explore the benefits of Travel Promotional Code and make your travel experience even more rewarding.
Conclusion
Finding the best rental car deals requires research and patience. By comparing prices, considering rental car insurance options, and booking in advance, travelers can save money on their transportation costs. It's important to also read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. With these tips in mind, travelers can confidently navigate the rental car market and find the best deal for their needs.
