Car rental tips Part 2

Here are some more car rental tips:

CLUBS, COUPONS AND CONTRACTS

* Exploit your memberships

OK, if you're the grand wizard of the Pittsburgh chapter of
the Loyal Order of Raccoons, it may not mean much at the
rental desk.

But if you've got a AAA membership, you'll get a discount.
So will folks embraced by the AARP.

Many organizations, companies, credit unions, etc., have
arrangements with car rental agencies to offer special
discounts to their members. You may be eligible for a 5 to
15 percent discount and not be aware of it.

The same holds true for the holders of some credit cards.

You also want to look into joining one of the preferred
customer programs offered by the big rental agencies.
Membership, usually doesn't cost much, and it can often give
you deals on out-of-budget upgrades. The head-of-the-line
express treatment alone may be worth it for frequent
travelers.

* Clip coupons

I long ago stopped feeling embarrassed about handing desk
clerks coupons. Hey, a buck's a buck.

Just make sure that you read any coupon you plan to use
carefully for conditions and exceptions. And do it ahead of
time. If you think it's a little embarrassing to pull out a
coupon at the rental desk, imagine how you'll feel if you
find out that coupon isn't valid and you've got to drop down
a model.

Most upgrade coupons are "based on availability", so if you
plan to use an upgrade coupon and also have a coupon that
saves on the rental price, bring them both. If they can’t
honor the upgrade, they may still give you the price
discount.

Also, if you're going to use a coupon or any other kind of
discount, remember to mention it at the time you book your
reservation.

* Beware hidden charges

Taxes, airport charges, drop fees and insurance are just a
few of the things that can drastically increase the price of
your rental car. Surcharges can to tack on as much as 30
percent to the base price.

Make sure you grill the company on hidden costs so you know
what your paying for before you hit the road.

Many companies now post a copy of their rental agreement
online. That gives you a chance to comb through the fine
print without a long line of increasingly agitated travelers
tapping their toes behind you.

Be especially aware of taxes. They are a great target for
revenue-hungry local politicians because most renters don't
vote where they pay to borrow a car.

Sometimes these taxes manifest themselves under the heading
of 'airport fees'. In some cities, this cost can be so high
that it may be beneficial to take a bus or a cab into town
to rent from a local agency that local politicians aren't so
quick to tax. Once again, it comes down to spending some
time in front of your computer screen, doing research.