Fodor's Offers Rental Car Tips
April 6, 2007. Fodor's posted a very helpful article on its web site about rental cars. Because some people who stay at luxury vacation rentals may need to rent cars, we thought we'd share the tips with readers. Some of the advice surprised us.
* We thought, for example, that renting the smallest car would always be the least expensive option. Not so, according to Fodor's. Because the smallest cars are the most popular, they often have a higher rate than full-sized sedans.
* One might also assume that turning in the car early can save you money, but that's not always the case. If you're thinking about bringing your rental back early just to avoid paying a few extra days, call the agency first. Fodor's also said that extending rental periods can sometimes be less expensive than most people think.
* Preferred customer clubs may be worth the one-time fee for those who frequently rent. Benefits include discounts, upgrades, free rental days, privileged counter service and access to a wider choice of vehicles at airport lots. Check the cost and weigh the benefits.
* Many travel experts have debated whether to accept the insurance offered by agencies. Fodor's largely skirted the issue for rentals in a traveler's home country, but endorsed agency policies when visiting foreign countries. An American staying in a Caribbean luxury vacation rental, for example, will have much less hassle filing a claim with local insurance coverage, according to the article.
