Where to Begin

You’ve made the first smart step in your travels by seeking online advice for rental car deals. In fact, online is where you’ll find not only the best but fastest and most accessible deals.

Which Rental Car Company

You have so many options that you might want to give up and just grab any deal closest to you. But it helps to do a few minutes of comparison research:

1. First, ask friends and colleagues what companies they have used and were satisfied with in the past. They will tell you if the rental folks were attentive, kept efficient reservations, and whether or not the rates carried hidden fees or tricky rental agreement plans. The ideal car rental service will have a sweet customer service record.
   
2. Next, consider what your most important preferences and needs are. For example, do you want a company that is flexible on duration of rental, one that is not too harsh when it comes to penalizing overtime returns in case you have an unexpected delay? What are the company’s rental policies?
   
3. Also define the terms and services you need and decide whether going through a car club or special group might not help. If you already belong to a car club/emergency roadside service club, look for discounts and specials.

What to Look for Specifically

1. What combination deals do they offer? You might benefit from a particular package that offers a discount on a hotel and car if you sign for that rental car arrangement. Some rental car companies have a partnership with the airlines. Others use a combination credit card/rental service deal. If this appeals to you, look into these dual offers further.
   
2. Always ask about special promotions, even and especially if you don’t see any advertised. For instance, if you are a teacher, you might get a special
   teacher discount. If you are a military or government employee, you might get a special rate, even if you are traveling for recreational purpose. But you must ask in advance, for some of these discounts require special behavior on your part, such as showing up within a 24-hour period of the offer, presenting your arrival ticket, etc.
   
3. Also ask about how their frequent flyer program works. Do they give you credit points, applying them to your account/credit card? And always ask if the deal they offer is the best one available.
   
4. Just as important to many of us is the type of cars the rental companies offer. You may prefer a particular automaker that you “always” drive, or you may need a special luxury or utility vehicle.
   
5. Does the service include 24-hour emergency roadside service? Do they accommodate special needs (for the disabled, for example)?

Where to Rent

1. If convenience is your primary concern, the airport is the best way to go. But if it’s savings, you may want to rent further into town. In many cities, the further you go from the airport the cheaper the rates will be.
   
2. Is there a rental company site in the location you are destined for? If not, is there one in close proximity that will deliver and/or pick up a rental car for you?

What Time to Rent

1. Will you need a pick-up time that coincides with your red eye flight? You’ll want a place that is available and open late. Even better, if the company stays open 24 hours a day, you will have the convenience you need. And check that you will not be charged extra or penalized for those early morning or “off-hour” times.
   
2. Besides time of day, day and week increments are important. Consider the number of days you need a rental and figure accordingly. If you rent a car using a daily plan but then decide to turn the three days into a week, you may pay steep penalty fees. On the other hand, purchasing a week-long agreement may be a waste if you only use the vehicle for two or three days. Try to plan accordingly, using the weekly plan as a safe bet if necessary (and keeping in mind that many rental plans give you a free sixth and/or seventh day if you go weekly).

When to Make the Reservation

Once you make a choice, make a reservation. You can avoid the rate increase that many companies will use when they get near full booking status. You’ll also be sure to get the larger car or the luxury car if you reserve it in advance, whereas if you wait, those rates might be jacked up as well.

How to Enjoy the Rental Car Experience

Try to look at the research and reservation process as part of the travel and exploration experience. Don’t stress yourself before you even go on the trip! Be patient with the car rental personnel, for they are just that—personnel who are following the policies and programs of the company.

While it seems like a lot of work to make car rental arrangements for your trip, the effort should pay off.