How to Compare Auto Rentals
- 1). Look at the final cost for the rental vehicle instead of the daily rate. This is because one car rental company may have a lower daily rate, but the taxes, surcharges and rental recovery fees may be higher. By looking at the final price, you will know exactly how much your rental will cost minus the cost for rental insurance.
- 2). Determine the cost of rental insurance per day if you don't have your own rental insurance. Most rental car companies will provide two types of rental insurance, coverage for the rental car only, or coverage for the rental car plus damages to the other person's vehicle. Add the total cost of insurance to the total from step 1 to determine which rental will be the most economical.
- 3). Compare the mileage allowance for the rentals. One rental agency may offer unlimited mileage to anywhere in the U.S., whereas another may offer limited mileage or unlimited local mileage. If the mileage allowance is not sufficient for the trip you need to take, choose a different rental. If you rent a car that has limited mileage and you exceed the mileage, this will drive up the cost of your rental.
- 4). Verify the amount the rental company holds on your credit card. This fee can average between $150 to $300, depending on the company. Some rental companies will hold a higher deposit if you book your rental using a debit card instead of a major credit card. If you know that you will need more money to spend on your trip, use a car rental company that has a lower deposit. Otherwise, the company will be holding money that you could be spending.
- 5). Check the additional features the car rental companies provides for your rental. Some of the additional features may cost extra money, but it's good to know that they are available if you need to use them. For example, you can add a child safety seat, road side rescue or navigation system. Check to see whether 24-hour customer support is offered in the case of an emergency.
- 6). Determine whether the car rental company allows one-way rentals if you want to turn your car in when you get to your destination. Some car rental companies only allow round-trip rentals. For a round-trip rental, you must return the car back to the location you picked it up from.
Source...