How to Save When You Rent a Car

Car rental prices can seem incredibly high. But there are ways to save, if you know what to look out for.

For example, if you’re a frequent traveler, check with your credit card company. Some offer car insurance coverage, which can save you the extra rental charge. In addition, be sure to read the fine print.
1. Pay in Advance
When you reserve in advance, you typically get a better selection of vehicles. Plus, you may be able to avoid some fees like early return.

Some rental companies offer prepaid rates that are often discounted. However, they are nonrefundable and will cost you if you cancel. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.
2. Don’t Pay for Tolls
Car rental companies can jack up the cost of your road trip with hidden fees for tolls. They usually charge a per-day fee to use their transponder and Payday Loans Cincinnati they also collect an administrative fee for the exact change lanes or license plate scanning options.

To avoid these charges, bring your own transponder or pay at the toll booth. You should also keep your receipts to use when filing expense reports for work.
3. Don’t Upgrade
The car rental agent has a lot of discretionary power in what vehicle you end up driving away with. A friendly demeanor can make all the difference.

Getting upgraded is always a crap shoot, but if you’re a regular customer you’ll usually get some sort of preferential treatment. Just be prepared to pay for the upgrade, Payday Loans Portland as bigger vehicles use more gas and have higher insurance costs.
4. Don’t Pay for Extra Drivers
Most rental car companies charge a fee to add an additional driver. However, there are several ways to avoid paying this fee.

Many rental car companies waive the fee for the renter’s spouse or domestic partner. Dollar and HI Thrifty also waive fees for spouses who are loyalty program members.

You can save money on fees by comparing prices online before you pick up your car.
5. Don’t Pay for a Full Tank of Gas
Many rental companies charge a premium for prepaying for a tank of gas, but you can avoid this fee if you decline it. If you do, you must return the car with a full tank or provide a receipt from a gas station nearby.

The price of gas at the airport is typically inflated by high taxes, so buying your own fuel farther from the airport is cheaper.
6. Don’t Pay for a Collision Damage Waiver
Many car rental companies offer a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW). This is expensive, especially if you cause an accident.

Credit cards typically cover rental car damage, so you should decline the CDW at the counter. Your personal auto insurance or travel insurance may also cover the damages. CDW doesn’t cover risks from risky behavior such as speeding or off-roading.
7. Don’t Pay for Extra Insurance
While rental car companies sell collision damage waivers or loss damage waivers, these options are typically unnecessary. Your personal auto insurance and credit card probably already cover you for any possible damages to a rental car.

Instead, inspect the car before you drive off the lot. Take photos of every angle so that if something is damaged, you have proof.
8. Don’t Pay for a Convenience Fee
Taking out unnecessary accessories is one of the biggest mistakes renters make. These items can increase the car’s overall cost and may result in lost or damaged equipment.

Also, be sure to inspect the car for dents and scratches before you leave the lot. Rental agents aren’t sticklers for detail and sometimes miss larger blemishes.
9. Don’t Pay for a Full Tank of Fuel
A lot of rental car companies offer a pre-paid fuel policy. If you choose this option, you will pay the rental company’s price for a full tank of gas upfront.

This is not a good deal for you. You will almost always return the vehicle with less fuel than when you picked it up. So, make sure to check the fuel gauge and odometer before driving off.
10. Don’t Pay for a Third-Party Website
Avoid paying through third-party websites — such as Kayak and Payday Loans Portland Priceline — when booking your car rental. Instead, book directly through the rental car company to avoid extra fees and earn points with their loyalty program.

Another tip is to ask for a newer car, as many companies charge daily rates based on 24-hour periods and may tack on an extra day’s fee if you return the vehicle past that window.