Many people love road trips these days. If you’re traveling alone, renting a car gives you the freedom to go where you want. If you’re not using your own car, we have some great tips on how to save money when renting. Here are some simple tricks for a smooth solo car rental experience:
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Book in Advance
Book and pay as far in advance as possible. There will be periods when rental agencies will be completely sold out, so increase your chances of getting a car by getting ahead of the crowd. As an added bonus, you may save a bit of money by doing so.
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Book at an airport location, if it makes sense for your trip. Cars are often not available on time because some customers return them late, and rental agencies don’t have extra cars to fill the gaps. If you pick up your car at an airport, there’s a better chance of getting it on time because many customers there return their cars promptly to catch their flights.
Discovering Hidden Gems off the Beaten Track
Having a rental car at disposal enables the discovery of less frequented places that public transportation doesn’t reach. It gives you many chances to experience local cultures more authentically. If you love taking photos and you’re traveling alone, you can stop whenever you want to capture beautiful landscapes.
Online car rental services often provide useful technological tools for planning these offbeat explorations. Understand costs and make comparisons.Understanding what the costs of renting a car actually are, can really help when choosing what’s the best option for you.
Look beyond price per day
When you’re checking the cost of renting a car, don’t just focus on the daily rates that catch your eye. Take a closer look and find out the total price.
Rental agencies often advertise low daily rates to draw customers in but keep silent about taxes, fees, and other additional charges included in the total rental cost.
Moreover, these additional charges are not uniform across different companies or locations. Where you pick up the car, the type of car, and when you book can influence the total fees. So, a low daily rate might end up costing you more in the end.
Round trip versus one-way rentals
Choosing a one-way rental makes sense if you’re starting your trip in one city and ending in another. Unlike regular round-trip rentals that require you to return the car where you picked it up, one-way rentals offer flexibility, which is handy if you’re exploring multiple cities or regions.
However, note that one-way rentals may carry additional charges, commonly known as ‘drop-off fees.’ These fees cover the costs of returning the vehicle to its original location, and their rates can vary wildly depending on the pick-up and drop-off locations and the rental company’s policies.
Be aware of the extra fees
Beware of ever-present additional charges when renting a car. Knowing about these charges can help you avoid surprises when you’re paying the bill.
- Extra driver fees: Some rental companies charge a daily fee for each additional driver. It’s better to stick to one main driver if you can.
- Underage driver fees: If you’re under 25, you might have to pay an extra fee.
- Late/Early return fees: Returning the car earlier or later than agreed could cost you a fee. Try to bring it back on time.
- Fuel charges: If you don’t return the car with a full tank, the rental company might charge you for refueling.
- Cross-border fees: Check the company’s policy if you plan to drive the car out of state or country to avoid unexpected fees.
- Insurance costs: Using the rental company’s insurance can be expensive. If your own insurance covers rentals, consider using that instead.
Study the contract closely and confirm the presence of these charges before signing. Don’t assume the advertised rate matches what ends up on your credit card. Paying attention to these details can save you significant amounts and ensure a smoother rental experience.
Inspect the Car
After renting the car, it’s important to check it thoroughly before you start driving. Look for any dents, scratches, or damage, and make sure to note it on the rental agreement. Take pictures or videos as proof in case there are issues later. Test the lights, brakes, and windshield wipers to make sure they work properly. Check the fuel gauge to ensure it’s full or matches the agreement. If anything seems wrong, let the rental company know immediately. Also, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the car’s features and controls for a safe and enjoyable journey.
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