Secrets For Finding Cheap Car Hire
How do you get a good deal on car hire? What most people don’t know is that the supply and demand of car hire fluctuates wildly. Therefore, car hire companies bend over backwards to keep coming back.
Negotiating a deal for your next car hire is easy, if you keep a few tips in mind.
1. Loyalty Programmes
Most car hire companies have free membership programmes targeted at frequent customers. Even if you don’t use their services often, this gives you a bargaining chip when negotiating rates. You may also get bargains for being a frequent traveler on different airlines.
2. High Demand? Rent a Car for a Deal
One secret car hire companies don’t want you to know is that they would rather hire a car at a reduced rate than not hiring a car at all. If the vehicle you want is not available, they will often put into a nicer or larger car at the price of a smaller car. Because the stock of cars decreases during holidays and Friday nights, you can often get free upgrades if you rent at the last moment before a major holiday period or on the weekends.
3. Ask About Grievance Pricing for Family Emergencies
Most car hire agencies understand that when you travel for a family emergency, you must do so on short notice. Many will try to help out. Traveling for a family emergency such as a funeral or visiting a relative in hospital? You may be eligible for a grievance or hardship discount. Most companies will not advertise this discount, so you’ll need to talk to the manager and ask for it. This can save you 10-20% off your rental price.
4. Not Being Rented? There May Be a Special
If it’s not being hired, you can get a deal. Convertible cars will be cheaper when the weather is bad and sports car hire will be cheaper when petrol prices are high.
5. Go at Peak Rental Times
At peak rental times, the sales clerks will want to get through the queue as quickly as possible. This means any last-minute price negotiations will be approved quickly.
6. Help the company move their cars
One way rentals to popular destinations often means they will have an overabundance of cars, while other less popular destinations will lack vehicles. You can often find specials to drive these cars from popular destinations to the empty outlets. In the United States, for example, Florida and California typically have too many cars, so by choosing to fly into one of those states and driving to another, you may get a huge bargain.
1 comment
Although a well written and thought out article I’m not sure I agree with all said above. As a frequent traveller to Florida and Portugal I find it pays to research well in advance through a car-rental comparison site. Check all the cars available and go for one that suits your needs. If you leave it to the last minute you will end up with a car that simply is not suitable and paying through the nose.
One tip is essential though, “check over the car and photograph any flaws or blemishes as proof that it was done before you took possession”. Its quite easy now with camera phones etc.as the images will also have the dates imprinted on them, also photograph the same areas as you leave it back. (it gives you a before & after proof)
A lot of car companies (especially the larger ones that would be household names) are making up the discounts given at the rental stages through hidden charges on your credit cards up to 2 months after the rental ends for things like scrapes,dirty upholstery etc. Also check your credit card statements for any of these late claims from the car companies. Happy motoring!
Leave a Comment