If you’re planning to rent a car for your vacation, it’s important to shop around and understand the fine print. Here are some tips from the experts:
Try using an aggregator site like Kayak that searches both major brands and peer-to-peer services such as Getaround and Turo. These may offer lower rates than renting through an airport location.
Car Types
Whether you’re looking for a mini car for navigating city streets or an SUV to transport your entire family, there are plenty of options available when you rent a car. Rental companies typically classify vehicles into different categories to make the process easier for customers. These vehicle types may include sedan cars, SUVs, convertibles, and more.
Understanding these different categories can help you determine which type of Car Rental Orlando will be best for your trip. It’s also important to keep in mind that you won’t always get the exact car you see online. Most rental companies display a specific model “or similar” instead of a specific car when booking, since their fleets change frequently.
Costs
The car rental business has always been a bit of a Wild West, full of hidden fees and charges that often surprise travelers. From “drop-off” fees to taxes on top of the base rate to insurance rip-offs and other extras, it can be hard to know what you’re really getting into until you pick up your keys and start driving.
The best way to avoid surprises is to rent directly from the company. This eliminates the middleman which can sometimes lead to miscommunications over pricing or additional charges like extra fuel. It also gives you access to all of the vehicles that the company has to offer instead of being limited to what a broker has on hand.
It’s also a good idea to look for loyalty programs that can help you save money on rentals. Most are free to join and can include perks like member-exclusive rates or even free rental days. In addition, these programs may be able to help you skip the line when picking up or dropping off your car.
Insurance
Many car rental companies offer an insurance policy you can purchase at the counter. These policies typically cover collision damage, loss of use and other fees assessed by the company if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. But these policies may not be necessary if you have full coverage on your own auto policy or a credit card that provides protection.
At the car rental counter, the rental company will likely encourage you to buy these supplemental insurance policies, which can add up to $30 per day or more to your bill. These are how the company makes money. But most personal auto insurance policies already provide this coverage. If you’re unsure whether your policy does, call your insurance agent or check with the car rental company to find out. If you do need to purchase the insurance, be sure to read the fine print. Some of these policies may exclude certain vehicles or cover only a portion of the fee.
Other Fees
Some efforts to crack down on “junk fees” have been under way in the rental car sector, but that’s unlikely to change the fact that they’re a common problem. Some of these add-ons include transponders for toll roads, the cost of extra equipment (like a GPS), and penalties for car rental orlando early or late returns.
Local taxes can also increase the rate, including airport surcharges and premium location charges, plus city and county sales tax rates that are different from the company’s own. Then there are the facility charges, which can cover things like vehicle licensing fees and energy recovery fees.
In addition, some companies tack on stadium or downtown arena taxes on to the renters’ bills even though they aren’t likely to use those facilities. So, before you sign on the dotted line and accept those extra charges, consider whether your personal auto insurance or credit card coverage might cover you instead. In the meantime, compare prices online and look for any additional fees that might apply when you get to the rental counter.