subject: How To Save Money On Car Hire [print this page] So how can you protect yourself from hidden fees and extra charges when booking car hire online?
1. Perhaps the most important - Use a Car Hire Broker
But, isn't it better (or cheaper) to go direct to the car hire company that actually owns the cars?
No single car hire company can cover every destination all of the time. Even if they could it would be almost impossible for them to offer the most competitive pricing all of the time!
BUT a car rental broker has access to virtually every hire car that is available worldwide! By sifting from this huge pool of hire cars a car rental broker has the best of all choices i.e. availability of hire cars worldwide -without the need to own and maintain those vehicles or staff pick-up desks. This allows a broker to reduce overheads drastically and enables them to pass on huge savings to you, the renter!
2. Timing
Car rental companies charge by every 24 hours or part thereof.
If possible, make sure your drop off time is the same (or slightly earlier than) your pick up time. This way you will avoid being charged extra for "running over" for what may be only a few hours.
3. Duration of Hire
Most car hire companies charge the same for 5,6 or 7 days they treat these periods as a week. It's sometimes better, therefore, to book a week even if you only need the car for 5 or 6 days take it back early. However, some companies (notably in the US and Canada) charge a penalty for returning a car early so check at the time of booking.
4. Choosing Your Car
If you are a large party please make sure the vehicle you choose is large enough remember all that luggage! However, it may sometimes pay you to rent a smaller car for the bulk of your holiday - when you wont be needing that luggage space - but rent an extra one for the start and end days of your trip so you have extra space for all that luggage!
5. Insurance
Remember that your insurance (even when "fully inclusive") will not cover glass, tyres, punctures, roof, underside or interior of the car! These days many car hire suppliers offer a "top up" at quite reasonable rates. (purchase at the check in desk usually) well worth it for peace of mind!
Also remember that off-roading invalidates your insurance completely even if it is a 4 x 4!
