Going on a trip can involve a lot of details. From arranging plane tickets to a place to stay, it’s important to stay organized. For many people, planning a trip involves renting a car once they arrive at their destination. Since a rental car offers convenience and more options, it’s no wonder why so many people decide to budget it into their trip.
There can be a lot of confusing details, however. Unfortunately, many car rental companies aren’t completely honest. If you’re not careful, you can end up spending a lot more money than necessary. In order to make sure that you don’t get the sour end of the deal, it’s important to know the right advice. Here are some of the best tips on renting a car abroad.
Research Eligible Memberships
It’s ideal to look at any associations or memberships you’re a part of which may offer a deal. For example, your bank may have deals available through certain car companies.
You may also be eligible through AAA. Call around and see if there are any special member discounts which may save you extra money.
More Insurance Isn’t Always Necessary
A lot of car companies will try to convince you to pay for their extra insurance. However, paying for additional insurance may double or even triple your total bill. While it’s important to make sure that you’re ok if you get into an accident, you may already be covered.
If you pay for your rental with your credit card, you may be covered for up to a certain amount. Do your research and make sure you’re not giving away your money for nothing.
Compare Prices
It’s a good idea to shop around for the best prices. The internet makes it easy to visit different sites and find the best deals.
In many cases, you may be eligible for a lower price if you book your car with your hotel and flight.
It’s a good idea to remember that these companies are clever and may use cookies and IP location to their advantage. Often they may offer more affordable deals depending on where you are. Try to use a VPN and private browser to find the cheapest deals. If you haven’t already got one then you may want to give surfshark vpn a try to see how you can change your geographic region to access deals not tied to your actual location.
Try Different Options
Sometimes cars are cheaper to rent if you pick them up away from the airport. Try adjusting the settings to different pickup and drop off locations.
You may also want to try different pickup and drop off times which can also affect the price. It may seem like a pain in the neck, but if you can potentially save hundreds, it’s well worth the effort.
Read The Fine Print
In many cases, the price you see isn’t always the final price you’ll pay. Often these companies will charge extra fees for things like child seats, air conditioning, and extra legroom.
In addition, you may be expected to pay extra if you drive the car further than the mileage limit. It’s better to know all of the charges up front rather than finding yourself with a surprising bill at the end.
