Best Car Rental Agencies
Renting a car at the airport can be as expensive as the price of a plane ticket. Some states put tariffs on car rental at the airport so that they can tax out-of-state drivers, while others simply tax the rental companies, a cost that is usually passed on to consumers. However, there are plenty of deals and discounts for travelers who can take a few minutes to research and find them.
Here are the top car rental agencies you are likely to come across at the airport and some ideas for how to get the most for your money.
Alamo Rent-A-Car mainly target tourists and business travelers. This is a good choice if you are looking for a low price or a discount. Alamo is at most major airports in the country. It is a great option because it offers many low-end models that can be rented for much cheaper than larger models. Also, because it is a national chain, there are coupons and discounts that are available for use nationwide. Check their last minute deals for decent discounts.
Fox Rent A Car is a discount car rental company serving some major airports in the United States, Canada and the Americas. They offer excellent customer service with low prices. The problem: they have nowhere near as much of a reach as Hertz, Alamo and the other big boys of the car rental game. However, if you happen to be traveling in California, Nevada, Arizona, Toronto or even Puerto Rico, Fox is likely to have some of the best deals.
National Car Rental is a large company that has locations in the US and around the world. They offer a decent frequent-renters program called the Emerald Club. For renters who plan to travel in the US, Europe and Australia and plan to rent a car often, this is one of the better options for frequent drivers.
Hertz is another worldwide company with a generous frequent rental awards program. This is probably the world’s most well known car rental company. It has partnerships with major airlines and sometimes offers package deals in conjunction with those airlines.
Thrifty Automotive Group rents to travelers and is located at many airports in the US. It is often a survey topper when it comes to the question of best value amongst car rental companies. It is usually compared to Hertz because of its large reach in the US (and around the world).
The biggest variable in the cost of renting a car is its size. Most major airport rental agencies are able to give similar rates (though discounts and awards programs may help you save money in the long run). The bigger a car, the more it tends to cost to rent. And don’t forget gas, which can be expensive. Larger cars will require more gas, while smaller vehicles have a better MPG rating and will give you more bang for your buck. That is, of course, unless you are traveling with a large group of people or in a family with children. Then, a mid-sized car, at a minimum, is a must. Often mini-vans can be rented for a price that is similar to a mid-size.
Weekly rates are much better value than daily or weekend rates. So don’t worry about renting for a longer period of time. In general, you can save between 25% and 50% per day if you rent for a week. Of course, if you plan to travel for a shorter amount of time, then this is not a practical strategy.
Weekly rates are much better value than daily or weekend rates. So don’t worry about renting for a longer period of time. In general, you can save between 25% and 50% per day if you rent for a week. Of course, if you plan to travel for a shorter amount of time, then this is not a practical strategy.
It is also important to know about extra charges when renting. Fuel surcharges, insurance and charges for an additional driver can all be tacked on when you pick up your car. Some insurance companies offer coverage for drivers even if they are driving a rental car, not their own car. This means that the insurance offered by the rental company at an extra charge may not be necessary. To be absolutely sure, check with your insurance company before renting a car. If you are indeed covered by your insurance, then you can decline the rental company insurance. If you are not covered by your insurance, however, it is advisable to get purchase insurance from the rental company, unless you want to risk being caught with an extremely large bill.