Car rentals are so commonplace in the U.S. that you’d think the process is straightforward. Many people make rental car mistakes, which leads them to spend a lot of money.
Even though flights and hotels are often the primary concerns for tourists, renting a car can be expensive. Alan Fyall, the Visit Orlando endowed chair of tourism management, said, “With the shortage of cars available nationwide to rent, it is a purchase that can break the budget.”
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Here are the common mistakes travelers make when renting a car, shared by Fyall and other experts. Whether it’s paying too much for add-ons or forgetting to go through the car before leaving the lot, here are expenses you should avoid when renting a car.
Getting Ready To Book
Summer Hull, director of travel content at The Points Guy, said that the biggest mistake with a car rental nowadays is not booking it early enough or assuming it will cost $30 a day. Snag a deal before and do your research. Be flexible with the booking. It may cost more to rent a car nowadays than to fly, so don’t leave it till the end.”
Overpaying For Insurance
“The biggest mistake tourists make paying extra for car insurance when they usually don’t need it,” Fyall said. Many major credit cards include insurance, while standard car insurance policies often cover the rental car. Check your car insurance and credit card terms before you pay for rental car insurance that you might not need.
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Comparison Of Prices Is Not Made
Most people overlook comparing car rental prices between different agencies, models, or sizes. You may end up spending more as a result.” To find out which car rental companies offer the best rates, she suggested comparing prices with search engines such as CarRentals.com.
Forgetting To Enroll In Free Membership Programs
Most car rental companies offer loyalty programs that are free and easy to join. The benefits might not be lavish, but every little bit helps. It’s a good idea to join the membership program of that car rental company ahead of time since you can usually skip the line at the airport counter and go directly to your car.