Planning to rent a car on your upcoming trip? Renting a car gives you the privilege and option when you’re traveling, and in some parts of the world, it’s the only practical way to get around. But sometimes renting a car can also add complications to your trip – like trying to look for the best deal or sorting out exactly which insurance options you need. See our practical tips on how you can save money, understanding your rental agreement, and avoiding problems with your car rental.
Picking the right car
You have to think carefully about what kind of vehicle you will need. If you’re traveling with the family or with a lot of gear, you may want a large sedan or SUV. But if you’re simply looking to save money on rental rates and gas, you will want to get the smallest or cheapest available model.
However, size isn’t the only factor. You will also have to consider other factors like if you want something that is environmentally friendly. A lot of car rental companies now offer hybrid vehicles.
Before you book online, do an Internet search for coupon or promotion codes to put into the booking engine of your car rental company’s site. Just type the name of the company followed by “coupon code” into the search field and you’ll often find special promotion codes that could save you anywhere from 5 to 20 percent off the cost of your rental. For more ideas on saving money when you rent a car.
If you haven’t already, consider joining your car rental company’s loyalty program when you book. These vary by company, but most of them are free and entitle you to certain privileges when picking up your vehicle; your information will be on file ahead of time, allowing you to jump into the car and go rather than standing in a long line or filling out paperwork. You could also be eligible for special discounts or free upgrades.
Understanding your Rental
Always read the terms and conditions carefully if you’re booking online before confirming your reservation. If you’re booking over the phone, ask the agent about restrictions. Be sure you understand the conditions of your reservation. Is there a penalty for no-shows? How long will the car be held if you’re stuck in traffic on the way to the pickup station? Is there a fee for additional drivers and must their names be listed in the contract? Is your 20-year-old daughter old enough to drive the car? (For liability reasons, this is important.)
Always get a confirmation number. For airport rentals, be sure to give the customer service representative your flight number and scheduled arrival time. This will usually protect your reservation if the flight is delayed.
Car rentals real cost
Remember: The rate you see advertised in big print may become so inflated with state and local taxes, airport surcharges, additional driver fees, insurance, gasoline bills, and drop-off charges that you end up paying more than double what you expected.
Nowadays, the major booking engines have become more transparent about rental car rates, and they now usually show you the total cost of your rental, including estimated taxes and fees, early on in the booking process.
During Pickup Time
Consider taking a shuttle van to the hotel instead if your first drive will be from an airport to a hotel for the night. By doing this, it may save you the price of a day’s rental. Even if you must drive the same day your flight lands, you may not have to get the car at the airport. By picking it up downtown, you can often avoid hefty airport surcharges.
Returning Your Car
Be mindful of prepaid gasoline plans. Always fill the tank yourself before returning the vehicle so that you’re only paying for the amount of gas you actually used. Try to avoid the gas stations right near the airport where you’re dropping off your car — the prices tend to be highest there. Instead, fill up a few miles away. You can also check your fuel policy, if it is full to full that means you received a car with a full tank and you should return with the same.
Before leaving the vehicle, check to be sure you haven’t left any personal belongings. Don’t forget to check the trunk! The most common lost articles include cell phones, sunglasses, and umbrellas. Be sure that the check-in attendant inspects the car’s body in your presence and that you agree about any damage.
So now all clear? If you are looking to rent a car you can go for a car rental in Dubai with Finalrentals now. Happy driving.
