How to Save Cash on Car Rentals
with
Jonathon E. Stewart
Sometime you just have to rent a car, but you don't have to break the bank in the process. Find out some simple ways to save when money renting a car.
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Transcript: How to Save Cash on Car Rentals
Hey guys - Jonathon Stewart here for About.com with today's 90-second quick tip. Many times the best way to get around, once you hit the ground, is by car. And after you've been denied a lift by your mom, brother, sister, cousin, and best friend since kindergarten, you know it's probably time to bite the bullet and get a rental. But take a look at these simple tips, and save yourself a bundle. Check it out.Book Rental Cars Far in Advance
Timing is everything. If you're looking to rent a car on the spot, just know you're likely to pay out the wazoo, especially if cars are in high demand, like around the holidays. The bottom line is that if you know you're going to be traveling, book your car as far in advance as possible for the days you'll need it. And all a car reservation costs you in most cases, is time, since booking online rarely requires prepayment. If you do have to rent in a pinch, try sites like Priceline which allow you to set your price, before you pay.Don't Settle on the First Rental Car Offer
Like many travel deals, it's not always the same company that will be able to offer you the best rate every time. When you're booking your reservation, look at as many sites online as possible, and be sure to include both travel related companies like Travelocity, Orbitz, or Expedia, as well as the rental car parent companies as well. Simply doing a search for "car rental" may turn up some interesting prospects, too. It's not uncommon to be able to find rentals for as low as ten or twelve bucks a day, so be sure not to settle. And I'm not even talking rent-a-wreck here, although that's a way to go, too.Rent Cars Using Perks
A lot of times you can save money by using perks you hadn't thought of. Being a member of travel organizations like AAA will often give you a discount in the range of 10-20% with many car companies, and even your credit card may offer travel benefits that you're not aware of.Avoid Unneeded Car Rental Costs
Finally, check with your personal car insurance carrier to see if you can avoid having to pay for the expensive coverage offered on your rental. Although when you total that Dodge Neon making a left out of the rental lot, you just might be happy you got the $17 a day bumper to bumper collision. Finally, be sure to dig up and avoid any hidden costs when you're booking, and always print or request a copy of the quote you ultimately agree to.Thanks for watching! To learn more, visit us on the Web at About.com.