Saving Time and Money on your next Car Rental

When it comes to travelling, not all places are equipped with a first-rate public transit system. North American cities and towns in particular are notorious for their lack of communal transportation. In these situations, sometimes your best option is to rent a car for your trip. So what are some of the things to watch out for when you’re renting a car? How do you score the best deals?

Renting a car can be pretty involved if you don’t do it often. But even if you are an infrequent renter, you can save yourself lots of time by signing up for the rental agency’s loyalty programme. Doing this means that the rental car company has your information on file, and can just pull it off of their systems when you turn up to rent a car. You’ll still need to bring a driver’s licence and credit card; but often the contracts will come pre-printed for your reservation meaning all that you have to do is verify and sign, and you’re on your way!

Not only is joining the loyalty programme a potential time-saver; it can also save you money with free upgrades and member-only discounts. For example, National offers a unique booking code to any of its members and lets you choose any car and go at many of their US destinations. Sometimes you can be lucky and get a full-size car or SUV when you book with the mid-size rate, just for being a member. Being an Emerald Club member at national also allows you to bypass the counter at their so-called “aisle” locations.

Shopping around can also save you money. Not only between brands, but different locations in the same city of the same brand can yield savings. Sometimes airport rental locations charge a premium, whereas neighbourhood locations don’t; which can lead to substantial savings on the total cost; however, this isn’t always the case. In cities where parking comes at a premium cost, downtown locations will often pass this on to the consumer in the price of the rental and you might find that the airport is the best place to pick up your car.