If you’re in the market for a car, there are many options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a compact, mid-size or luxury vehicle, there is a company that can meet your needs and budget.
Renting a car is not only convenient, but it can also save you from the hassle of paying a maintenance fee and depreciation loss. However, you need to be aware of a few things before booking.
Budget
Budget offers many car rental options to fit your needs. Its economy cars are great for travelers on a budget, while its compact models are popular with frequent-travelers.
When you pick up your Budget rental, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and international driving permit (if required by the country). Be sure to bring these documents with you to your location.
If you’re a business customer, you can save up to 30 percent by signing up for the BudgetBusinessProgram. They also offer special rates for AARP members and military veterans.
If you plan on renting a car with Budget, be sure to review their cancellation policies. You can easily cancel and request a refund online.
Insurance options
At the rental counter, a salesperson will offer a variety of insurance options to protect you in the event that your rented car gets damaged. These include collision damage waivers and personal accident insurance.
But if you have adequate liability coverage on your own auto policy and don’t need any of the other insurance offered by the rental agency, you can probably skip these.
Another option is Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), which covers items inside the car like laptop computers, clothing and anything else you may have brought along with you. PEC is available for an additional charge and is not required by law, but it can be a good idea to purchase it.
In addition to options from the rental agency, you may be covered by your credit card or a travel insurance plan. However, these policies usually come secondary to your own personal auto insurance and should be checked carefully before relying on them.
Add-ons
While it’s no secret that rental cars are expensive, you can actually save money by limiting the number of add-ons you opt for. Many car rental agents will try to upsell you on gizmos such as GPS systems, satellite radios and in-car entertainment options.
There’s also the not-so-necessary add-ons, such as a border-crossing fee or a prepaid fuel option. These can add significantly to your total rental cost.
It’s no secret that the best way to keep your rent-a-car costs down is to pick a reputable company and negotiate a good price. However, it’s also important to be aware of the pitfalls that may crop up along the way. Keeping these tips in mind will help you avoid the car-rental maze and score you the car of your dreams for less. For more information, read our guide to renting a car. Then, use our handy car rental app to find your perfect vehicle. We’ll even handle your paperwork.
Pick-up and drop-off locations
If you’re going to be renting a car on your next trip, it’s important to know where you’ll be picking up and dropping off the vehicle. This can help you save money and ensure that you get the best deal on your rental car.
When choosing a car, it’s often best to look for companies that have an extensive range of pickup and drop-off locations. This can include both traditional rental companies and peer-to-peer car rentals through sites like Turo.
In addition, some rental car companies offer free pickup and drop-off services to their customers at certain locations. For example, Avis and Budget both provide this service at many their locations.