Rental Car Odds and Ends

Rental Rates

To find the best deals on a rental car the consumer should recognize that rates are not set in stone. This is truly a supply and demand business. Rates can vary from week to week or even day to day. Single daily weekday rates are the highest rates paid by consumers. Weekend daily rates are usually based on a mandatory two day rental and are usually cheaper than weekday rates absent a special event in the area. Weekly rates apply to rental periods of 5-7 days. Long term rates are the cheapest and can apply to periods of 30 days to a year depending on the company.

The following is a vehicle classification comparison of 5-7 day rates for one of the larger rental car companies. This comparison reflects the average price among larger companies as reflected on September 6, 2005 and is only intended to give the consumer an idea of the different prices between classes. They are as follows: $139 off-airport compact; $169 airport compact; $174 off-airport intermediate; $189 airport intermediate; $194 off-airport full-size; $214 airport full-size; $219 airport premium; $239 airport mini van; $239 off-airport standard SUV; 249 airport standard SUV; $234 off-airport mini van.

The following is a single vehicle classification comparison, based on the “compact” vehicle, from one of the larger rental car companies. This comparison demonstrates how prices differ within a classification based on the duration of the rental. Again, this comparison reflects the average price among larger companies as reflected on September 6, 2005 and is only intended to give the consumer an idea of the different prices between classes. They are as follows: 5-7 day rate airport compact $169.00; 5-7 day rate “last minute deal” airport compact $119.00; single week day rate airport compact $35.99; single weekday rate “last minute deal” compact $24.99; weekend rate airport compact $25.99, minimum 2 days of rental.

As can be seen, if the consumer is flexible in their travel plans, “last minute deals” offered by many of the larger rental car companies can lead to a substantial savings. Always remember, when comparing rates from one company to another, that rental car companies usually advertise only their base rate. This charge usually does not include many other special fees and surcharges. (see below: Additional Deposits, Surcharges and Fees)

Rental Car Discount Websites and Software

Recently, websites specializing in travel arrangements, (such as Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity, Hotwire and Priceline), have entered into deals with some of the major rental car companies to offer substantial savings on rental cars. Unfortunately, the catch usually requires the consumer to book his or her airline ticket and hotel with the website in order to take advantage of these deals. One exception appears to be Orbitz which works in conjunction with any other travel site. Orbitz is user friendly, utilizing a helpful matrix display concept, developed by ITA Software, to display the results for rental car rates.

There is also software available that will allow the consumer to shop for the cheapest rental cars in a way similar to that of travel agents. SideStep is a computer program that is downloaded to your PC. Quarterly tests for U.S. airport cities have found that SideStep generally finds the lowest prices for on-airport or nearby off-airport rental cars. Prices obtained through Sidestep are usually better than those offered on the car rental companies’ web sites, and there is no service fee. The only problem with the Sidestep program is that it does not provide access to all rental car companies and is limited at present to Alamo , Budget, Dollar, or Thrifty.

By quickly checking the best and most useful web sites, and computer programs the consumer will be able to find the best savings on the vehicle classification of their choice. However, not all consumers want to take the time to make their own travel arrangements. Unfortunately, these consumers will usually wind up paying higher rates for the same classification of rental car.

Requirements to Rent

Simply stated there are four requirements needed to obtain a rental car. The consumer must be at least 21 years of age, possess a credit or debit card, have a valid state driver’s license, and a good driving record.

Most rental car companies will not rent to consumers under 21, and in some states/companies, 25 years of age. Insurance statistics show that teenagers are more likely to be involved in accidents and rental car companies, which generally insure their own vehicles, are well aware of these statistics.

Most rental car companies will not rent to Consumers without credit or debit cards. Rental companies require a major credit card or debit card as a way to secure a deposit from the consumer at the time of rental. Sometimes, companies will accept prepaid vouchers, available through travel agents, from people not having credit or debit cards.

Today, thanks to modern technology, rental car companies have the ability to check the driving records of potential customers prior to renting the vehicle. Under current laws, rental car companies have the right and even the duty to reject customers whose driving records are substandard. Despite a confirmed reservation, the consumer may be disqualified from renting a vehicle if he or she has a history of: moving violations, seat belt violations, accidents, DUI or DWI convictions, reckless driving convictions, or other vehicle convictions. Some companies will rent a vehicle to a consumer with a poor driving record but will demand the consumer pay a heavy surcharge and increased insurance premium.

Understanding the Terms and Charges

A consumer should always inquire about additional charges not covered by the base rental fee before booking with a specific rental company or signing a rental agreement. Asking questions about additional charges information avoids disputes that might otherwise arise later and may save the consumer substantial money during comparison shopping.

When shopping, the consumer should make sure that the quoted rate from each company includes identical additional surcharges and taxes and fees. These fees can be upwards of 50% of the base rental fee, so it is important to shop knowing what is and what is not included in the base fee of each company.