How to Save on Car Rentals

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By mikespaceman
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (5 Ratings)

I sold my car over a year ago, because we moved to the city and both of us used public transportation to get to work. The savings, due to not having to pay for insurance, gas, maintenance and parking, are great. However, sometimes we need to drive to visit my parents. Luckily, there's two car rental companies within three blocks of our house. Even renting a car for the weekend every two months, we are still saving money compared to owning a car.
Here's some tips I figured out over the past year.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

a computer
Internet

Step 1

Reserve your car early, and do it online. You'll get a better rate for the dates of your trip.
But wait...
Step 2

Prior to finishing your the reservation process, search the Internet for coupon codes that you can apply towards your rental prior to checkout. For instance, since I use Enterprise, I Google "Enterprise Car Rental Coupon Codes". Then I copy a code and paste it into the discount box and update the purchase. Some codes won't work, so try another and another until you finally get a discounted price.
Step 3

At the car rental place, use your Visa card and do not buy the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is usually more expensive than the liability waiver, which you should purchase unless you have your own insurance that covers such incidents.
If you pay for the rental with your Visa card, you will automatically be covered with the CDW. Not convinced? Go here to check it out:
http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/benefits/bft_dmg_waiver_personal.html

Have a nice trip and drive safely, insured or not...

Comments

devinewisdom said

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on 7/10/2009 great tips. we'll surely need them. 5*s, rate and recommended.

macusersguide said

on 7/6/2009 American Express also has some great deals for car rentals, especially international rentals. Pay a per rental fee of $25 per rental and ANY damage is covered entirely. Tip: Use your AmEx to hold the reservation. No accidents? Pay with a different card and you won't be charged the $25.