If you’re traveling abroad, renting a car can save the cost of taxi rides and Agence de location de voitures Cabestany allow you to visit more places in your vacation. But it’s essential to research and understand the extra fees you might face.
Taxes, fuel surcharges, additional driver fees, and after-hours return can all add up. Learn how to minimize your expenses by following these tips.
1. Know What You Want
Clearly define what your needs are and what is important to you. Then, find a car rental company that matches those needs. Consider factors like the size of the vehicle, price range, and convenience of the pick-up location. Read reviews of different companies to get a feel for how they compare in these categories.
Whether you rent regularly or only occasionally, you should sign up for whatever loyalty program the rental car company offers. This usually takes only a few minutes and often allows you to skip the line at the counter. It also provides a variety of other benefits which vary by loyalty status.
Check online for rates. Be sure to compare the total cost of the rental, including taxes and fees. Some companies charge for mileage and others have other fees that may not be listed in a quote. Use a service such as AutoSlash to track a reservation and notify you when there is a better deal.
2. Book Early
Car rental prices can be notoriously volatile, especially during peak travel seasons. It’s often best to reserve your car as early as possible in order to lock in a good rate and avoid any potential last-minute hikes in price.
Many rental companies have a limited supply of certain vehicles like minivans, swanky sports cars, and SUVs so booking farther in advance can help ensure that you’ll get what you want.
Additionally, you can save time at the rental counter by prebooking a vehicle with GPS or EZ Pass transponders. Adding these items to your reservation in advance also helps you avoid any hidden fees that may be added to your final bill at the counter. Another tip Michaels shares is to keep an eye on rates (he recommends a tool called Autoslash) and cancel if the rental rate goes down. Some companies will waive cancellation fees as long as you’re not a few days out from your reservation date.
3. Inspect the Car
Some car rental companies conduct an inspection at the time of pick-up. Others do it after the car is returned. Whether you do the inspection at pickup or after return, it’s important to check it thoroughly.
This means looking for any pre-existing damage. It also means checking the oil, fluid levels, and battery. It’s a good idea to take the vehicle for a test drive, as well. This is the best way to check how the car drives, what sounds it makes when going through a curve, and if there are any strange noises.
Using a solution like Record360 can help you capture photos and notes that provide a more comprehensive overview of the condition of the vehicle. This can reduce disputes over damage claims and improve accountability. The ability to share these inspections with all stakeholders can help you avoid unforeseen charges when it comes time to turn in the vehicle. It can also help you budget for any excess wear and tear that you may incur.
4. Return the Car on Time
After a long trip, it's easy for car rental plans to go awry. That's why it's so important to be on time when returning the vehicle. Many rental companies have designated return areas. Follow the signs to the proper spot and park the car accordingly. The attendant will likely check the car over and may even ask to take photos.
If you're planning to be a little late, try to call ahead and see if the rental company will extend please click the next internet page time on your contract. They may be able to do so without charging an additional fee.
Make sure to fill up the gas tank before you return the vehicle. Many rental companies have a marked fuel tank, and you'll be charged if the car is returned with less than full fuel. Also, clean the car inside and out before returning it. Some rental companies charge a premium for dirty cars. This is especially true if you have dogs or children in the car.