Cars companies have gone through a radical period of mergers, acquisitions and consolidations. Currently, Avis owns Budget and Zipcar, Hertz has Dollar and Thrifty, Enterprise acquired Alamo and National and E-Z Rent-A-Car was bought by Advantage. In addition, there are a handful of smaller companies, Europcar, Ace Rent- A-Car, Fox Rent-A-Car and Payless Car Rental, to consider for particular destinations. The smaller car rental agencies usually have “off-airport” locations.
Shop around for the best rate. On one trip, I was checking rates for a 6- day rental with a pick-up at Washington Dulles and a drop at La Guardia in New York. Avis priced a mid-size vehicle including taxes/fees at $1,108.00. For the same 6-day rental and mid-size car, Enterprise’s rate with taxes/fees was $264.00 – and we received an upgrade to an SUV.
The rate you are quoted on the telephone or view online is the base price before taxes and fees. Apply any discounts offered to frequent renters as well as member discounts through AAA or AARP. Remember, most of the major car companies are tied to an Airline loyalty program.
There are optional add-ons such as Collision Damage Waiver, Loss Damage Waiver, Personal Accident and Roadside Assistance Protection, Gasoline prepayment, car seats and GPS devices which can significantly add to the rental cost.
Here are some guidelines to consider before purchasing add-ons.
Understand your own auto insurance policy and coverage. Does your policy cover damage to the rental car? Does it matter if you are traveling on business or leisure? Does it cover towing charges? Does it cover loss-of-use? (Rental companies are now charging for loss-of-use which is the time the rental vehicle is out for repair and out of the rental inventory.) It should be noted, that even if you take the Collision Damage Waiver or the Loss Damage Waiver neither policy covers injuries you may experience with loss or damage to your personal property.
In most cases, full or comprehensive personal car insurance will include coverage for rental cars. The credit card you use for the rental car transaction provides secondary coverage in many instances.
However, there are times the renter may be responsible for repair of certain mechanical problems, from transmissions to tires, if the issue happens while you are renting the vehicle and the cause is attributable to the driver.
Gasoline Prepayment is a plus for the car company only. The charged refueling rates are normally higher than if you gas up yourself.
How can you avoid some of the pitfalls of renting a car?
Before driving the car off the lot do a visual inspection of the outside and inside of the vehicle. Note the condition of the tires as well as scratches and dents, loose handles and mirrors. Take pictures of the car, if possible. Check for torn seats or fabric and note the functionality of all mechanical features – windows, heating/AC, lights, window wipers, radio, turn signals, mirrors, dashboard lights, hazard lights etc. If something is discovered, bring these issues to the attention of the car company attendant before driving off the lot.
And finally don’t stuff the Rental Agreement in the glove compartment. Read over the terms and conditions. It’s better to know and be prepared at this stage of the rental than when you are traveling and encounter a problem.