With a full-empty policy, your car will come with a full tank that you pay for when you pick up the car. You do not have to refuel the car before returning it, but you will not be reimbursed for the fuel that is still in the tank, so you must return the car empty or as empty as possible. A full to full policy means you have to refuel the car just before returning it. You must return the car with the same level of fuel as when you picked it up, otherwise you will be charged a high refueling fee. Take all the necessary documents with you when you pick up your rental car.
This means you don’t have to buy an overpriced policy from the rental company or depend on your personal coverage in case you run into obstacles on the road. Some companies offer daily rental prices or long-term rental offers. Other car rental companies have minimum car rental periods, mileage plans, or even time plans. Look for companies that offer unlimited mileage plans and insurance coverage to save money. If priority is priority, but you still want a recognizable car rental company, Budget can save you up to 35% off when you pay upfront at the time of booking rather than at the time of pickup.
But pickup at the airport or train station can still be worth it; many rental locations in the city have shorter hours or are buried in a maze of narrow streets. Also, pay attention to traffic – it may be easier to get away from an airport or train station than a parking lot in the heart of the city. Before choosing a rental location, you will find it on a map.
Price-conscious tenants should also turn to discount brands, such as Advantage, Fox, and Payless. While you won’t find these budget rental companies in every city, and you shouldn’t expect the latest fleet of cars, sometimes you’ll find prices at the lowest. However, beware and read the pricing details to avoid surprise costs. Or, if you book directly with a car rental company, ask AutoSlash to check your reservation for a price drop.
If you rent a car in a neighborhood or suburb, you will find cheaper prices. If you rent at an airport, the cost of convenience can double. And for guaranteed low prices, you can’t beat online booking with a reputable car rental site.
Contrary to popular belief, pickup points at the airport can be economical because competition and inventory are often higher, says Jonathan Weinberg, founder of consumer website AutoSlash. Join the loyalty program, which allows you to skip the lines Travel during pickup. Another thing to consider when renting a car is additional insurance. Most rental policies offer you basic insurance, but you may want to buy an extra one depending on the conditions you’re driving in and the risk of damage to the car.
If you want to add additional drivers to your rental, you must add them to the rental agreement. Depending on the company you rent from and where, this may result in additional costs. Just search for the dates you need your car, choose an offer and location that suits you, click on the supplier and follow the instructions on their page. On the day of your rental period, you will need to bring certain documents to pick up the car, such as your driver’s license and a payment method. Keep in mind that you may need a second piece of identification if your driver’s license is your primary ID.
I recommend using a credit card to buy your rental car as many come with coverage for rental cars that can be quite extensive. Most rental cars allow you to do unlimited mileage, but it’s important to check this out, otherwise you may end up with an expensive rental if you plan to drive a lot. It is also important to make sure that you understand the terms by which it should be brought back. For example, with a full gas tank or car wash, otherwise you encounter unwanted additional costs.
Most car rental companies charge you an extra $30 for the “privilege” of picking up the car at the airport. Instead of throwing away that money, choose a non-airport pickup location. So, before booking, check if the weekly rate is cheaper than the daily rate.
If you plan to take your rental car on a ferry, you should first check the specific regulations of the company where you are renting. Some companies will agree with this, but others won’t allow you to take your car on a ferry, even if you’re staying in the same state or country where you picked up the car. It’s also worth checking your insurance policy, as some policies don’t cover you in case the car is damaged during a ferry crossing. It’s worth doing some research before booking your car to make sure you book with a company that allows you to take it on a ferry. You can also inform the agents at the rental office of your intentions to make sure you don’t face unpleasant surprises later.