FAQ: How to book a cheap rental car
Are there risks in choosing an option outside of traditional car rental companies?
The risks in terms of renting a car are about the same as using a traditional company, and in fact, most of these alternative companies are less likely to overbook. However, as always, be sure to read the fine print in regard to your policy before booking to avoid possible fees or problems.
How far in advance should I book a car rental?
The short answer is: as early as possible. Between three to six months is optimal to find the best deals. Early booking has become even more important recently with last-minute car rental reservations being nearly impossible to find and car shortages happening nationwide.
Why are rental cars so expensive?
Pricing is higher than ever due to an unprecedented demand for rental cars. Additionally, each company will work to its own pricing algorithms, and some have a flat fee or membership rate.
In general, though, weekend pick-ups tend to be slightly cheaper, with Monday and Tuesday pick-ups usually slightly more expensive as travelers start their week. If there is a choice, compare airport pick-ups versus locations in the city, even factoring a taxi to other locations. Some cities will always be cheaper at the airport, while others will see the complete opposite.
Should I add car insurance?
First, check with your current
car insurance
policy to see if you’re already covered, or call your insurance company or credit card holder to find out if your existing coverage extends to a rental car.
Some of these alternative rental car companies include insurance in the rental fee, but make sure to check what exactly is included. For example, some require an extra payment to upgrade from third party to comprehensive insurance.
Is it worth joining car rental loyalty programs?
Most loyalty programs are free to join, and sometimes there are immediate benefits or offers, so, there’s really no downside to signing up.
Joining a loyalty program is even more attractive right now since they often come with perks like getting to jump the line or priority car rentals. With longer-than-ever wait times and lines at many locations, those special perks might come in handy.
Where can I find a car rental quote?
Most of these companies will happily supply quotes on their websites without too much information being required.
What do you need to rent a car?
Typically, just a driver’s license and a credit card. Most companies also require drivers to be age 25 or older.
What if I arrive for my car rental reservation and no car is available?
Unfortunately, this is turning into a real possibility amid ongoing rental car shortages. These days, it’s always worth calling ahead to confirm the reservation and make sure there are cars on-site at your rental location.
If you show up and your car isn’t available, there are a couple of options:
Ask if there’s another car available in a different class. Ideally, you would be able to upgrade at no extra cost if the company is at fault.
However, if they only have cars in a downgraded class, this may still be a better option than no car at all. Just be sure to receive a credit or a voucher for the difference in price.
You can also ask if a nearby location might have a car available and if the company will cover your taxi or Uber. If it’s late in the day, you may also want to consider coming back earlier the next day to see if any cars have been returned.
If no car with your original company is available, unfortunately, your only option may be to hunt around at other car rental companies. In that case, always ask for a refund, but be prepared for the fact that if you had a prepaid reservation, it may be challenging to get your money back.
Are car rentals safe?
The CDC says that travel in the US is safe for fully vaccinated individuals.
Additionally, all of the rental car companies on our list have announced enhanced measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, and have stepped up cleaning and sanitization procedures.
Additionally, experts agree that a well-sanitized car rental is safe. Strict checklists, new cleaning products, curbside and contactless pick-up, and thorough cleaning and disinfecting protocols are all part of new levels of service designed to assuage concerns regarding COVID-19.