Many of us think that renting a car is quite expensive. Well, you do not really get a rented car for free but you can shave off a few dollars from the rent amount if you know how to get cars rental discounts. Aside from that, you can always maximize the amount of money you pay by getting the best car rental service around. Here are some of the best cars rental tips that you can use the next time you book yourself a car for personal or business reasons:
1. Book online.
If you want to have both convenience and savings at the same time, then you might want to book and reserve online. The best car rental companies often have websites where you can get not only useful rental information but also a means to book and make a reservation. Bigger companies even have online car galleries where you can choose your preferred rental car. Booking online gives you this convenience plus savings on the amount or rental money you have to pay. By booking online, you can make use of coupon codes and discounts. You can shave off 5% to 15% of the rental charge instantly if you enter a valid coupon code upon booking.
2. Book early but return the rented car on time.
Some of the best car rental companies often offer the early bird or early booking promo to all customers. If you book well in advance then you can shave off a neat amount from the car rental fee. However, it is also important to know that you must return the car on time to avoid late return charges. Booking your reservation early can also help you choose the car you prefer. This is applicable especially to smaller rental companies which often have limited car options. Booking early can also help you avoid the rental rush during peak seasons.
3. Avail of Loyalty or VIP memberships.
Car rental agencies usually offer loyalty programs as well as VIP memberships. These are meant to encourage return customers. If you are the type of person who rents cars often then it would be more practical to avail of these promos. As a loyalty program member, you can get discounts upon cars rental bookings. Also, some companies which often get the services of cars rental agencies are given automatic VIP membership for their employees. Check with your company so you can get the best car rental price or package for business or personal use.
4. Understand the rental terms.
Reading the terms and conditions of cars rental agreements seem to be pretty obvious but not all of us take the time to actually understand them. Sometimes, we are surprised by hidden costs or surprise charges. The best way to avoid them is to carefully understand the agreement or cars rental contract. That way, you will never have to pay more than what you expect and get the best car rental experience in return.
5. Opt for long term bookings.
You can also get a discounted car rental rate if you book for longer periods. If you know that you will need a rental service for a number of days, then you should already book the desired car for the entire duration. Booking by the day can lead you to a more expensive accumulated car lease amount.
Sam Oct 23, 2010 1:59 pm