subject: Renting A Car For Your Travel Needs [print this page] Car rental companies are having much success in the U.S. and abroad. Car renters, like never before, have a litany of choices for their car rental needs. In this article, we will discuss the various benefits and features that car rental companies offer and no particular car rental company will be endorsed. This article is intended to assist the consumer in comprehending the virtues of renting from car rental companies and to help them find a car rental company that meets their car rental needs.
The United States has many well-known car rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. In addition, the age of the Internet has seen the introduction of websites, such as Orbitz and Travelocity, which contract with car rental companies that advertise on their sites. Making car, hotel, flight, train and cruise reservations at the same time and at a discounted rate is a major benefit that these websites provide the consumer.
One advantage that national car rental chains have over local, "mom-and-pop" shops is that they offer a wider selection of vehicles from which to choose. Some car rental companies in travel hotspot cities, such as Los Angeles and Miami even specialize in sports car, Jeep and Hummer rentals. These cars even have features, such as navigation systems and satellite radio. Consumers cannot only access car rental companies online, but they can also access these companies onsite at many airports. Many rental companies not located at the airport offer shuttle service to car renters from the airport to their nearby rental offices.
In addition to having a wider choose of vehicles and online access, many national car rental companies also offer incentives to consumers. These incentives include allowing consumers to make simultaneous car, hotel and flight reservations at a discounted rate, notifying their frequent car renters in advance with specials and offering discounts. In addition, many national car rental companies also offer additional benefits to their consumers, including deep discounts for reservations made well in advance of the travel date, 50 percent off weekend rates and group discounts.
Most national car rental companies offer similar benefits and discounts, but none are any better than the other. One thing is for certain: car rental companies attempt to make the car renting experience beneficial to the consumer. Most offer insurance and roadside assistance. Also, the larger rental companies also offer frequent renter memberships with discounted rates and advance notice of car rental specials. Discounts to state and government employees, large corporations, associations, and military personnel are also benefits that large rental car companies provide.
