subject: Making Profits From Car Rental Trade [print this page] The business of renting a car can be easy, but it can also be expensive, sometimes unnecessarily so. Unclear small print, invisible costs, and ignorance of the deals available can make car rental more expensive that it has to be. A well-informed consumer has many options available, any combination of which might just let you keep dollars in your pocket.
To start, always have information for at least three different rental agencies on hand: the first step in saving money is always to know your options. The specifics you'll want to gather when you call the agency are pretty basic: where are the offices local to your pick up location, what is the availability during your travel period, do they have any special deals or rates while you're renting, and does the agency have any connections to hotels or airlines you are using on your trip. Having all this handy will help you with your search.
At this point, it is important to keep track of the pick up and drop off locations for your trip. If you do, you'll almost certainly get hit with extra charges. Next, think about what size of car you need, then once you know that, use a credit card to reserve your rental, that way you won't have to worry about not finding a rental the day of pick up.
Aside from the usual business of the rental, there are details a smart renter will want to think about when renting. Do you want 24-hour roadside assistance? How are you going to get yourself to the car and back from the drop: sometimes the agency will offer to help you with this? Do you need insurance, and has the rental agency checked to be sure that you do/don't need it before charging you? And do you need unlimited miles on the rental? If not, you may be able to get a cap that reduces the price.
Lastly, keep a few details in mind when renting. Summer rentals are usually more expensive. Rent in-town as opposed to from airports. Always have the person renting be over 25. Remember these details, and it will help save you some gas money for your trip.
