- Insurance:Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance...to buy it or not...If you don't have personal auto insurance that includes collision and comprehensive coverage then the answer is most likely yes. If you do have that coverage there could be charges from the car rental company that might not be covered by your personal insurance policy including loss of use, diminishment of value and towing. These charges could be substantial. If you are using a card to rent, check to see if the credit card company provides similar coverage.
- GPS: This add-on is typically unnecessary; use your phone or a personal GPS device.
- Satellite radio: The daily surcharge for this adds up quickly. Instead, the TuneIn Radio app is free and provides a wide selection of music, podcast, sports, and news options.
- Car seats: If you're traveling with kids, consider bringing your own car seat to avoid costly fees and to ensure that the seat meets your safety standards.
- Drivers: You can eliminate additional driver fees by selecting and sticking with a single driver for the rental duration.
- Gas: The prepaid gas option is rarely advantageous for the renter. Often, the price per gallon determined by the rental company will greatly exceed local gas station rates, and if you don't use the whole tank, you lose again. Just fill up your tank before returning the car and save yourself the headache. You can even check out the cheapest gas stations near the airport through free apps like GasBuddy, Waze, or Upside.
Here are a few further considerations to minimize cost and ensure a positive rental experience:
Stick with companies you recognize – Enterprise (owns National and Alamo), Avis (owns Budget, Payless, and Zipcar), and Hertz (owns Dollar and Thrifty). While it might be tempting to save a few dollars with a non-name agency, it's rarely, if ever, worth it.
Use Costco, Sam's Club, or AAA membership benefits to lock in competitive rates.
Book the cheapest model that meets your needs, considering that it might not be the smallest economy car. Sometimes, agencies run specials on certain classes, so check out all the options before making a selection. Remember, you can always request a free upgrade when you pick up your vehicle; they're widely available and it often just takes asking nicely.
For any insurance question, call or contact Robins Insurance today.