Image Source: Flickr
There are plenty of reasons why people rent cars, so whatever your reason is there are a few things you’ll likely find handy to know. Whether it’s your first time renting or not, there are plenty of things to look out for and keep in mind during your search for a rental car. Take a read:
Size Always Matters
When you rent a car, you pay for the size of the vehicle as much as anything. Things to watch out for are terms that illustrate car sizes, because often you won’t find ads with dimensions. If you hear/read works like ‘compact’, ‘mid-size’ and ‘luxury’, you’ll find it difficult to get a hold on rental prices as these will vary massively across companies. Instead, try to find out how many passengers the car seats safely or ask for the car model name for you to research.
Don’t Put Your Eggs In One Basket
Don’t simply rent the first car you see – even if it seems like a good deal at the time. Much like anything, shopping around is a good idea to get a feel for what’s already out there. There are plenty of price comparison websites out there to help you do so for this very reason.
Fish For Deals
Depending on what you intend to use the rental car for, you may be flexible enough to consider renting when price breaks and special offers are available. This way, you get the same model for a discounted price. Booking in advance is also a great way to save money, as well as combining it with flights and hotels. Be sure to always read the fine print, though.
Join Motor Clubs
Many people are unaware that motor clubs are a ‘thing’. If you join such an organisation you may well receive special rental car offers. For keen motorists, these clubs provide plenty of benefits.
Query The Fees
When you’re purchasing anything, you need to have a clear idea of exactly how much it will cost you. Many advertisers are unclear on displaying prices and do not always give consumers an accurate picture of the price you will pay. To steer clear of this, it is a good idea to ask for an ‘apples to apples’ comparison, including all mandatory fees, VAT and service charges.
Don’t Forget The Past
It comes as a shock to many people when they realise that their driving record is just as important to car rental services as it is to insurers, although really this should be obvious. Many companies will do a record check before renting a car out. Those who do not meet company standards will be rejected, and others may be charged accordingly.
With the currently economy, every little helps. Having these little tips to hand may just save you money and will surely help you find the best deal out there.
