Sunday, May 15, 2011

Tricks to keep away from rental auto gasoline penalties and other fees

Gasoline costs almost $4 per gallon average in the U.S. today. However if you are dealing with a returned rental car that you forgot to top off before returning, did you know it will cost you more than double? Don’t let this and other “hidden” fees burst your spending budget. Go to the rental car counter armed with knowledge and conserve.

Rental vehicle gasoline at $9.29 per gallon

Car rental companies at 13 United States airports were studied by USA Today. It found out that $9.29 a gallon is what Hertz charges to top off your gasoline tank while $8.99 a gallon is what Dollar and Thrifty charges. This price could be reduced significantly if renters pay for a tank of gasoline ahead of time with the rental business, however the price gouging illustrates how add-on fees can strike after low base rates reel in consumers.

More rental auto fees added on

1. Additional driver fees – About $10 per driver is typically charged by rental corporations.

2. Insurance – You’ve no need to buy extra insurance if you already are paying for it every month. This is especially true when you have comprehensive on your insurance. To be safe, see if your charge card business insures against rental auto losses.

3. Early/late return fees – It is always important that you return the automobile on time. Every day that you are late, it can cost $10 or more. However, you need to also know that several rental companies charge about $15 for early returns.

4. Child automobile seats – When renting, it helps to have your own vehicle seat. Make sure you bring it with you if you have kids. For every child safety seat rented, you will pay about $7 a day.

5. Toll bypass – Some rental corporations will sell you an electronic toll road pass. Just say no if you don’t want one or already have one.

6. Mileage – Watch the mileage limit. Make sure you find an unlimited mileage rental if you’re going to be driving long distances for the time you have the auto.

7. Cleaning – Don’t smoke in the auto and clean up your mess. Cleaning fees could be sizable.

Finding cheap vehicles to rent

To discover the least costly rental vehicles, start by searching travel websites like Travelocity.com, Expedia.com, Priceline.com and Hotwire.com for deals on rental vehicles. Plan ahead and you also may even be able to discover a good rate that comes as part of a package deal with airline tickets and hotel. You may be able to conserve even more with entertainment coupon books and websites like RetailMeNot.com. Make sure you rent for what you need. Do not go any longer. As long as you do not have too much stuff, you may be okay with an economy compact which will get you there safely.

Citations

Bankrate.com

bankrate.com/financing/cars/rental-car-gas-costs-9-a-gallon/

MSNBC

today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23471992/ns/today-money/t/secrets-renting-car-without-overspending/

Dollar Rent-A-Car was caught red-handed

youtube.com/watch?v=ZY4A-EJAbZs



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