Useful Tips on Renting Cars
Useful Tips on Renting Cars – Each traveler has different needs when it comes to renting a car, and most of the times when you are on holiday (vacation) you do not feel like reading all the fine print a rental agreement entails.
It just happened to me at the Florence airport in Italy. After so many hours traveling I was so eager to get to my Tuscan villa. I just wanted to get out of there and plunge in the pool. Nevertheless, having read the damage policies, choosing your model and make may require some thought. That is why below are a few tips to help you sort out the most thrifty rental in the least time necessary.
Save Time, Save Money
Renting way in advance not only saves you time at your rental location, it also saves a lot of money. While renting you should also ask for special rates and other promotions. If you decide to book online, you are likely saving more money. Furthermore, in many areas, weekend car rental rates are lower than during working days. Checking if the car has any nicks or worse prior to grabbing the steering wheel for the first time is the best way to make sure you will be liable only for your damages.
Be Loyal
If you are like me, you may feel that you are entitled to choosing, and that you should always go with the best price. However, I have to admit that in today’s rental car market the difference in prices is slim, and what really makes a difference is being part of a rental company program that gives you niceer perks the older your rental history with them is.
Rent in City Locations
It may be less convenient, but you save money. Plus, city rental agencies often provide free shuttle buses to and from the airport. Airport locations always include surcharges and taxes that city locations have not. This is due to the fact that local governments do not care about taxing tourists.
A Renter, A Brand
This is something that few may know. Rental agencies have agreements with a few major manufacturers, which sell them cars at favor prices. This ultimately comes to a lower rental fee for you. If you have a preferred car make, you should check out what company carries models of that make. As an example, Thrifty favors Chrysler.
Fuel Yourself
Say no to the refuel option rental companies offer. Finding a gas station and pumping gas is not difficult at all, even if you are in great haste to leave. When you refuel yourself you are putting in exactly what you consumed, and you know the price you are paying for a gallon of gas. Rental companies that refuel for you usually apply higher per gallon rates and make you pay for a full tank even though you only used it partially! If you are traveling to Italy in the near future this could amount to more than hundred dollars, since a gallon of gas there may be higher than 7 Euros per gallon! So remember to follow the above tips to save money on your next rental car. In addition, drive safe and slow: you will enjoy your holiday(vacation) location more, spend less in gas, and avoid costly accidents.
Matt lives and works in Italy, where he advises on <a href=”http://thriftytuscany.com/tuscany-villas” title=”Tuscany villas with pool”>Tuscany villas</a> for holiday rentals and <a href=”http://thriftytuscany.com/tuscany-hotels” title=”city and country hotels in Tuscany”>Tuscany hotels</a>. He’ll be happy to help you find your next villa to enjoy Tuscany.
