Car Rental Companies
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Car Rental Services and Tips
Several leading car rental companies heatedly compete with each other for
business and leisure car rental customers in the USA and popular overseas
destinations. As a matter of fact, more than 1.6 million vehicles
now make up the rental fleet.
The rental car business has developed into a $15 billion dollar industry, and standard car rental rates continue to rise. So how do we ensure that we get the best deal possible when renting a car? Look for special packages and deals on weekend rentals, off-season vacation rentals, and category upgrades. Also consider your make and model preferences and mileage requirements when renting a vehicle. Auto rental companies with convenient on-airport locations will often charge higher rates than smaller companies with off-airport locations, so consider this price versus convenience trade-off when you reserve a car. As a courtesy, most car rental firms offer free local maps and driving directions to their customers. Some companies will even deliver a rental car to your home or office.
To negotiate the best price on your rental vehicle, avoid calling the
company's 800 number, which sends you to its national reservation
system. While the national reservation system can see inventory
and quote rates, they are not able to negotiate a better deal. To
negotiate the best deal possible, interact at the local level.
When renting a car, be sure you have a valid, current driver's license and ask your auto insurance company what coverage your insurance policy provides for rental cars. Purchase optional insurance coverage from the rental car agency if necessary. Additional car rental restrictions or fees may apply if you are under 25 years old. Most companies also charge fees if the car is returned late or with less fuel than the rental agreement specifies.
Finally, make sure you don't pay for things you don't need. While
the car rental agent may make it seem like additional insurance and other
protection services are needed, in many cases these things are already
covered by your own automobile insurance or, to some extent, by the credit
card used for the rental. It's a good idea to talk to your auto
insurance agent before buying any of these extras.
Browse the international and regional auto rental firms and reservation services listed below, so you can make an informed car rental choice when reserving a vehicle for your business or vacation travel.
American Car Rental Companies — Rates and Reservations
- Hertz
The world's leading vehicle renting organization. "Get A Quote … Reserve A Car."
www.Hertz.com - Avis
The world's second largest general-use car rental business. "We try harder."
www.Avis.com - Budget
Offers car rentals, moving trucks, and online reservations. Features Ford vehicles.
Rent.DriveBudget.com - www.dollar.com
This economical source of rental cars features a fleet of Chrysler vehicles.
www.Dollar.com - Enterprise Rent-A-Car
"Pick Enterprise. We'll pick you up." Business rental program.
www.Enterprise.com - National
Get car rental rates and make reservations. Features GM vehicles.
www.NationalCar.com - Thrifty Car Rentals
Rent a wide variety of cars with their easy online reservation system. Features Chrysler vehicles.
www.Thrifty.com - Alamo Rent A Car
Get rate quotes and make reservations at this discount auto rental company. Features GM vehicles.
www.Alamo.com - Payless Car Rental
Low-cost alternative to major car rental providers. Available vehicles vary by location.
www.PaylessCarRental.com - Advantage Rent-A-Car
Offers rental cars throughout Western United States. Features Chrysler vehicles.
www.Advantage.com - Rent A Wreck
This alternative to new car rental companies features used car and truck rentals at locations in all 50 states.
www.RentAWreck.com
European Car Rental Companies
- Europcar
This global car rental company features Volkswagen vehicles. It operates in Europe as well as parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
www.Europcar.com - Auto Europe
This car rental services company features over 4,000 locations worldwide and offers a range of ancillary services.
www.AutoEurope.com
Auto Rental Organizations and Resources
- American Car Rental Association
This voice of the American auto rental industry strives to support and promote sensible legislation that will benefit its members.
www.ACRAORG.com - Auto Rental News
Magazine for the car and truck rental industry.
www.AutoRentalNews.com
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