Posted on: Sunday, February 17, 2008
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SAVVY TRAVELER
Don't overspend if renting wheels
By
Irene Croft Jr.
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Accept that car-rental agents are purely in the business of sales.
Their goal is to increase a company's earnings by encouraging customer purchases of as many, and often unnecessary, extras as possible.
This is entirely reasonable from a marketing point of view but much less so from yours. Admittedly, you can't avoid certain imposed charges, such as airport taxes, facility-usage fees and fees levied by off-site car-rental agencies. But you can take control of your rental expenses by rejecting many of the costly options and taking advantage of free discounts that are yours for the asking.
Here are 11 strategies that will help to improve the bottom line on your car rental contract.
Browse the Web. Comparison shopping is critical to identify and obtain the best possible rental car deals. Try BreezeNet, www.bnm.com, a nifty search and booking engine that compares directly the rates of virtually every major rental car firm in the country. The resulting lowest price is your benchmark, the one to meet or beat.
Claim any discount to which you have access. Members of frequent-flier programs, American Automobile Association, AARP and many other groups, as well as subscribers to certain publications, may be entitled to discounts of 5 to 25 percent, depending on the rental company, the size of the car, the rental location and the time of year or days of the week. The frequent- renter clubs operated by the larger car rental companies are often free to join and usually offer their members a 5 percent or more discount.
Rent the smallest car. The smallest cars have the cheapest rates, and if the location doesn't have a subcompact when you arrive, they'll give you a free upgrade to the next-size vehicle they have on the lot. If you had really wanted a bigger car, you can always ask for an upgrade on the spot if a freebie is not forthcoming.
Call your travel agent. Travel agents scan their computer screens to see which companies are offering short-term deals at your destination. They also often receive free upgrade coupons for domestic rentals from the car agencies with which they book the most clients. Always inquire about any perks or special pricing that may be available only through your travel agent.
Refuse the collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver. CDW and LDW masquerade as insurance, but they are not. It is what it says, only a waiver relieving you of responsibility to the rental agency for damage or theft of a rental car. It also relieves you of your money. You could be charged up to $30 a day on top of the rental price.
If you have automobile insurance, your regular vehicle liability usually covers you for damage to other people or property when driving a rental car in the United States or Canada. And most elite versions of credit cards, VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club, provide free coverage for 15 to 30 days, here or abroad. Some coverage is primary, most is secondary, and certain countries as well as certain kinds of vehicles may be exempted. Investigate carefully the provisions and exclusions of any insurance you may already have access to. If you are still nervous about what-ifs, take out the extra coverage offered by the car agency, perhaps a small price for your total peace of mind.
Reject personal accident insurance or personal effects coverage. Accident insurance covers injuries or accidental death to you or your passengers in the event of an accident. But it costs up to $10 extra per day, while it's likely you're already covered by your own health insurance or the personal injury coverage in your auto insurance policy. Similarly, for an additional daily fee, personal effects coverage protects you against the theft of anything left in the car. However, if you have homeowner's or renter's insurance, you are probably covered for off-premises theft. Smart travelers don't leave anything to steal in their cars.
Don't buy additional liability insurance. For upwards of $10 a day, you're purchasing an umbrella liability policy that provides as much as $1 million in coverage for the time you have the rental. If you have a typically low-cost homeowner's umbrella policy, your liability bases should be covered. Ask your insurance agent.
Choose the smart refueling option. The cheapest car-rental refueling option is to take the car with a full tank and return it full, allowing you to price-shop for gasoline. Avoid buying fuel from the rental company, either by contract agreement or upon return, as you will pay significantly more for their inflated gasoline charges.
Pass up an all-inclusive rate. For a single price, you might be offered a car with unlimited mileage, additional drivers at no extra charge, a full tank of gas, a baby seat or a ski rack, CDW with a $500 deductible, any airport taxes or fees, plus state and local surcharges as well as local sales tax. Although the concept seems pretty favorable at first inspection, the cost is not. You could pay as much as double the normal, stripped-down daily rental rate. Essentially, you're being charged for a bundle of extras whether you need them or not.
Return your rental car on time. Most car-rental companies allow only a stingy 59-minute grace period beyond a contract deadline. If you're late with a return, an exorbitant hourly rate kicks in automatically until you reach an equally hefty per diem rate. Similar penalties may be imposed nowadays if you return a car a day or more in advance of your contract termination date. Ask the rental agent to state in writing on your contract what rates or fees would be calculated if your return is too early or too late.
Book rentals for overseas countries in advance. Car rental companies abroad, particularly in Europe, charge as much as 50 percent more if you book a rental car after arrival rather than making reservations in the U.S. well before departure. Every major car agency offers promotional rates for American travelers, but they're only available on confirmed, advance bookings made in North America.
Irene Croft Jr. of Kailua, Kona, is a travel writer and 40-year veteran globetrotter. Her column is published in this section every other week.
