subject: Great Tips On Car Hire [print this page] With gas prices climbing, even a weekend road trip can be an expensive propositionespecially when you throw in the cost of a rental car. And while cost is on everyones mind right now, it shouldnt be the only factor in determining which car company and model to choose. A successful car hire experience is one that brings together price, model, service, and timingand it can prove frustratingly elusive, even for the savviest travellers.
So how do you guarantee yourself a good price on your next car rental without going through a shady company? Actually, theres plenty you can do to make the rental-car stars align and end up with a lower bill.
And lets not forget about those complicated insurance questions, which still bewilder travellers at home and abroad. Knowing your coveragewhether through a personal auto insurance policy or that of your preferred credit cardis the best way to ensure peace of mind and avoid overpaying at the counter.
But some industry changes are for the better, like increased competition from independent companies like rent-by-the-hour companies, and a larger number of deal-finding tools online. International Web sites of Singapore rental agencies, for example, often have better rates for travel abroad than their counterparts.
But one of the most positive changes is coming from the rental-car companies themselves: theyre offering more hybrid vehicles, which not only minimize your carbon footprint but also save you money on fuel. A gas/electric vehicle can help you save as much as a days worth of rental fees on a weeklong trip.
While the larger companies typically offer more choice of vehicles at cheaper prices, at certain times of the year or in some locales its good to check out some of the smaller independent rental companies. Smaller companies also can offer a more personalized service and more flexibility. You can look for car hire Singapore that gives local service to get the best possible service.
Wedding, whose agency represents more than 300 smaller operators, says, If you need a car for another couple of hours beyond the official end of the day, you could probably negotiate something like that and the manager has the authority to say, Fine, you have a deal. Small companies are interested in repeat business and a way to get it is to provide excellent customer service. They cant advertise the way the major chains can.
Remember, smaller companies add on hidden fees and charges just as frequently as bigger rental chains.
Hiring a mid-range or compact car and expecting an upgrade to a larger or more loaded model is a common strategy among consumers, but it doesnt always lead to the expected results. Around holidays, you can pretty much forget about an upgrade, but much will depend on individual circumstances. In some cases, consumers will even get downgraded to a cheaper vehicle, though without having to pay the more expensive rate.
Ultimately, of course, renting a car is about enjoying the road trip, but its always nice to save a few bucks along the way.
