Car Rental Specials on the Internet

The internet is one of the fastest and easiest ways to find specials
on car rentals. If you're like me, and don't enjoy sitting on the
phone for hours, the web is your best travel searching resource.

Car rental specials are a great way to get a cheaper car rental. They
allow car rental companies to get their vehicles booked in advance and
allow you to save money!


You can access car rental specials through each individual company’s
website or through booking sites such as Expedia, Hotwire, Priceline,
etc. In doing some research, I found that the majority of the rates
found on the booking sites were the same as the non-discounted rate
through the company directly.

I would definitely check both to get the best rate possible. I did
find some cheaper rates with prepaid booking sites (where you pay for
the rental up-front) but these usually allow no modifications or
cancellations of the reservation. If you are booking through a prepaid
booking site, make sure to read the terms and conditions very
carefully and keep these factors in mind when you are checking
prices. Often you can get an even better rate if you look at the
company specific site under their specials or deals.


When you are checking a company specific website, check the rate first
with no discount, then with a discount code (if you have one), and
with the special offered by the company. This way you are sure to get
the cheapest rate offered.


You should always check the terms and conditions for any specials to
make sure that your particular rental qualifies. Common terms and
conditions are listed further down.


On the car rental company websites there are basic types of specials
that most offer.


Off Car Rental Specials


These types of specials can range from 10% to 50% off rates; usually
weekly or weekend rates. Sometimes you will see seasonal specials or
midweek specials.

Prepaid Car Rental Specials



Many rental companies will offer car rental specials if you prepay the
reservation on their website. This will involve providing your credit
card at the time of booking and the amount of the rental will be
billed right away.



$ Off /Free Day Car Rental Specials



Many rental company websites offer $ off and or Free Day car rental
specials. This would be considered an internet coupon offer. This can
range from $5 - $50 off depending on the company and the length of the
rental or the price per day if it is a Free Day offer.


Location Specific Car Rental Specials



Many companies will offer specials at either airport locations,
neighbourhood locations or both. They may also offer car rental
specials in specific cities at certain times.
On the car rental company websites there are basic types of specials
that most offer.


% Off Car Rental Specials

These types of specials can range from 10% to 50% off rates; usually
weekly or weekend rates. Sometimes you will see seasonal specials or
midweek specials.

Prepaid Car Rental Specials



Many rental companies will offer car rental specials if you prepay the
reservation on their website. This will involve providing your credit
card at the time of booking and the amount of the rental will be
billed right away.



$ Off /Free Day Car Rental Specials



Many rental company websites offer $ off and or Free Day car rental
specials. This would be considered an internet coupon offer. This can
range from $5 - $50 off depending on the company and the length of the
rental or the price per day if it is a Free Day offer.


Location Specific Car Rental Specials



Many companies will offer specials at either airport locations,
neighbourhood locations or both. They may also offer car rental
specials in specific cities at certain times.


The terms and conditions for most specials a


Most specials are limited to specific car types and sizes, unless the
special is for “all car sizes”.

Most specials have a minimum and a maximum rental period. Make sure
that your rental conforms to these guidelines.

Most offers are not valid in conjunction with any other rate programs
or special offers, and cannot be used with a coupon or on a one-way
rental.

Any % off/ money off or free day specials will be on the base rate of
the vehicle only, and will not apply to the taxes and surcharges at
the location or any optional equipment or waivers that you may
purchase.

Check for date restrictions. Most offers will require an advance
reservation and are only available for a specified length of time.
Look for terms such as “Available through” a certain date (must be
booked and rented before such date). This will sometimes be worded as
“Offer expires by…” or “Rental must begin by…”


Look for the term “blackout dates” Most companies restrict their offer
at peak times and holidays. Keep in mind that peak times can vary by
location. If there is an annual large convention in a certain city and
the rental locations are extremely busy they will generally blackout
specials for that time. This applies to large events as well (example:
Nascar Events, PGA tour events, Mardi Gras, etc.) If the blackout
dates are not listed, you should be able to call or contact the rental
company to find out the specifics.


Most offers are available at “participating locations” and usually
restricted to certain countries. Check to see if the offer is
available at airport locations, urban locations, suburban locations or
a combination of these.


Many companies do not offer specials in the New York are, Alaska or
Hawaii. Check your terms and conditions for these restrictions.



For a prepaid booking special you will need to present the same major
credit card you used to book the rental at the rental counter. The
name on credit card and the name on the driver’s license must match.
You cannot use someone else’s credit card to prepay your reservation.

For most prepaid car rental specials and advanced reservation is
required. You usually have to book and prepay the rental at least 24
hours before you go to pick it up.


Debit cards are generally not accepted for prepaid reservations.

Even if you book a prepaid reservation online, you cannot cancel them
online. You must call the company directly to cancel or modify. Keep
in mind that if modifying, you are basically cancelling the
reservation and rebooking; this will often affect your rate. Check to
see if and what the cancellation and no-show policy is for prepaid car
rental specials.



Many companies offer specials only available to subscribers – sign up
for email notifications for any car rental companies you prefer.


For more car rental tips, visit http://www.best-car-rental-tips.com