Car Rental Tips

With the myriad of recent changes in the world of car rentals, here are some very important points to help you get the car that you want at the best possible rate.

Your driving record has more to do with how the rental company considers you as a risk. If you've had too many moving violations in the past 4 years, you might have to opt for a smaller rental company that hasn't really started checking state DMVs just yet.

Price shop different rental companies. You just might be able to save an entire day's worth or rental by going to another company.

Surcharges abound. Taxes, airport rental fees, special gear, multiple drivers, or under age 25. Some companies won't even rent to under 25-year-olds. Others charge up to an extra $20 a day!

Insurance waiver, specifically collision damage, if often added onto your bill, whether you want it or not. You may certainly refuse it if you wish. In fact, you really should refuse it if your auto insurance at home already covers it, or if it's already covered through your credit card company.

If the car breaks down or needs repair work done, contact the rental office and they should authorize everything first.

Failing to return the car with a full tank of gas often results in a charge to your credit card at very high per gallon rates. Not all companies practice this must-return-full policy, however, so check first.

Ask the rental company for the vehicle with the lowest mileage. The won't volunteer the information, but their computers always have that information.

Don't rent at the airport. Airport and parking fees can become quite costly. Look either just outside the airport, or start looking once you get to your hotel.

Some auto rental companies automatically out a hold on your credit card while you are renting the vehicle. Read the fine print in the agreement first!

Always check out the car before taking it! Be sure to write about any major dents and scratches that are on the car before you even drive it.

Return the vehicle on time, or even early. Hourly rates are usually horrendous!

Now that you're ready to rent your next vacation vehicle, go on over to www.kingarthur.myttn.com and let's get it booked so you can start saving money today!