Renting a car has several benefits. You can get one if the car that you own needs repairs or a rental car can be used if you need transportation from an airport to home. There are some mistakes that you can avoid when renting a car that will save you time and money.
Avoid the Airport
If at all possible, arrange for a rental car before you get to the airport. Some airports charge additional fees when you rent at the location. The companies that are inside airports have to pay for the space they take up, and these costs are passed on to you, which is why the rental fees are more. You can possibly save money by taking a taxi to a nearby car rental business.
A Day Or A Week
Some companies charge one rate for a weekend and a cheaper rate if you rent a car through the week. Most weeks are five days, so if you need to keep a car for an extended period of time, it might be in your best interest to get a rental car through the week, find other transportation on the weekend, and then rent another car starting the following Monday. You also need to look at the cost of the fuel. Some companies want you to return the car with a full tank of gas, and even though you drive the car all week, you might come out cheaper than if you were to keep the car on the weekend because of the lower daily rates.
Car Availability
Unless you call ahead of time to reserve a car rental, you might have to wait for a few hours at the location for a car to be returned. There are numerous people across the country who rent cars, and until the cars are returned to the business, there might not be any at the location. Some companies can get cars from other cities, but you will still have to wait for the car to be delivered.
Inspect the Car
One of the most common mistakes that you might make when renting a car is failing to inspect the vehicle. Look at the tread on the tires, and check the fluids to make sure they are at the appropriate levels. You should also make sure the brakes work and all of the lights. Start the car to see if there are any odd noises before signing any paperwork, and make sure you get insurance on the car that covers repairs if they are needed.
