Before your drive off into the sunset in your rental car on a road trip we have a few
basic tips that could save you a bundle and take the sticker shock out
of your next rental car contract. Make your next car rental chaaper.
DestinationVillas.com offers budget car rental tips that can save you
plenty.
- Always Ask for Discounts: most rental companies offer sizable discounts for association memberships in AARP or AAA, but you have to ask to receive.
- Local’s Discounts..If
you own vacation property in a Hawaii ask about getting a Kamaina
(pronounced Ka-ma-i-na) discount, it will reduce your total bill by as
much as 35%. Other destinations offer long-term discounts, so be sure
to inquire, as policies will vary by location.
- Don’t Super Size Just Yet. If
you want to save money on a larger vehicle, pre-select a smaller car
when you book the reservation. Once you arrive at the rental desk, you
can often negotiate an upgrade for far less than you’d pay if you
ordered the larger vehicle outright. (Average savings of $100 per
weekly rental)
- Do Your Homework. Prices and discounts vary widely from company to company. Find the cheapest car rental rate with just one click at Priceline.com or Travelocity.com
Remember, once you have narrowed down your options it still pays to
call and speak to a representative who can offer more specialized
discounts and bargains to get you the best rental cars deals.
- Join the Club.
Most rental car companies offer club memberships that include discounts
and other perks. Usually they are free to join. Membership does
have its rewards, so be sure to join prior to your departure.
- Insurance Costs Add Up.
Rental companies profit by selling you insurance coverage for the
duration of your rental. Know before you go…call your insurance
company at home to find out if your personal policy will cover rentals
as well. The savings can be as high as $37.00 per day!
- Calculate Fuel Costs. Get a good gage on what it will cost to fuel any vehicle using a great tool provided via RoadTripAmerica.com’s Fuel Cost Calculator
- Pick Up Your Rental at a Nearby Hotel. If
you can take the free hotel shuttle from the airport, you can save on a
day’s rental cost, not to mention the hassle of driving from the
airport. Most vacation properties are in close proximity to a
hotel that has car rental offices right on the property.
- Inspect the car with the agent.
It’s a good idea to preview the vehicle with the agent to take note of
stains, scratches or dings so that you are not held responsible. Never
accept a vehicle that is in poor condition.
- Access our Rental Car Resource Page. Our rental car resource page offers a complete listing of 800#’s and web addresses.
Savings are easier than you think. Remember to consider a
vacation rental home too for aded savings.
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