Random Holidays

Many a traveler has turned to budget auto rental as a way of getting around without having to use expensive taxi services. It’s best done before your trip is undertaken but you can just show up to a budget rental place and sign up for a car.

Well maybe not a lawnmower, but sometimes, well most of the time, the people that assist you in car rentals just doesn’t have your best interest in mind, so you end up paying a truckload of money for a pool of frustrations. To avoid this here are a few tips to get the budget, out of budget car rental.

1. If you don’t care exactly which agency you use, think about choosing a budget car rental place that lets you set your own price. Such places just want to negotiate the best possible deal and may also give you upgrades and unlimited mileage offers, just to get you to go with their company. You’ll stay in budget and they’ll seal the deal.

2. Try and find some fly, hotel and airline packages where you’ll pay a single fee and get a discount on the car. It’s not recommended that you go through the airlines for such packages because you’ll actually pay a bit more for what looks like a package deal.

3. Make use of internet resources in order to book a vehicle. There are, in fact, better deals to be had on the internet than you’ll find in person or over the phone. Upgrades are easier to get and there are some rental companies that provide seasonal deals for those who sign up on the internet. Besides, nothing is more convenient than booking a budget car in the comfort of your living room.

4. Make sure you ask about any discounts that could possibly apply to your situation. For example, there can be discounts available from your VISA card, your AARP membership or from membership in the military that can give you further discounts, even after you’ve gotten all of the discounts available to through the rental agency. Check your wallet for card discounts you may have and while it might be a long shot, you might also get that extra discount you’re entitled to.

5. Be sure to check all sides of the vehicle for any scratches or dents because a lot of budget companies don’t have the maintenance in their budget to thoroughly inspect all vehicles. You really don’t want to pay extra for damages that already existed on your vehicle. Make sure you check the AC, the wipers and other functions of the car to make sure they work. Believe it or not, not all places check those things out in advance for you. You could be charged extra if they come back broken even if they were broken to begin with.

6. Check to see if your own insurance company covers for automobile rentals and if it does, you don’t need to buy extra insurance through the rental company. Even though auto rental insurance through the company doesn’t cost you much, it is an extra cost you don’t need to pay for if you don’t have to.

7. You can actually save money if you check out with the agency early in the morning. This is because the previous days cars haven’t been returned yet so you are more likely to get a free upgrade to a bigger car.

Jonathan is a regular traveller in his role as consultant for an air travel website. He often is asked how to find the best value cheap travel tickets as well.