How to Shave Costs When Renting a Vehicle
Did you know that if you rent a car or van at most airports, sales tax and airport charges can be higher than 25%? Rent one down the street or from your hotel and avoid that extra cost.
Insurance is another biggie. Check your own insurance and turn down car rental insurance if you already carry full liability insurance through your auto insurance or a credit card. Know exactly what your regular insurance plan covers before you rent. Don’t double up by getting the following coverages:
- Collision damage waiver – damage to the vehicle
- Personal accident insurance – people in the car
- Personal effects coverage – your property
- Supplemental liability coverage – third parties in event of an accident
(When renting an accessible vehicle, you may need proof of full coverage insurance – comprehensive, collision, and liability – that extends to a rental vehicle).
Other tips:
- Reserve online. Many car rental companies offer huge discounts for reservations made online.
- Fill up before you return your vehicle or pay a high premium for returning an empty tank, and don’t pre-pay for gas. Fuel surcharges can double and triple the price per gallon you’d pay at a regular gas station. Check GasBuddy.com or GasPriceWatch.com to find the cheapest gas.
- Ask if an extra fee is charged if the car is returned to a different location than where it was picked up.
- Return the car within 24 hours – not minutes late – or you may be charged for another day.
- Drivers under 25 may pay extra – those under 21 sometimes are charged more.
- Adding more than one driver to the agreement often carries a surcharge.
- Using frequent flyer miles? You may be charged a small fee when you request frequent flyer miles for your rental. The fee varies from a few cents to $2 a day.
Ask if the agency offers any senior discounts.
This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is an expert in mobility equipment and accessibility!