“Hidden fees, add-ons, unnecessary insurance coverage and unfulfilled reservations are some of the complaints consumers have when it comes to renting a car, says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent car insurance provider.
Are you familiar with the Seinfeld episode where Jerry goes to pick up his reserved car and they do not have his vehicle?
Jerry responds, “But the reservation keeps the car here. That’s why you have the reservation. See you know how to take the reservation; you just don’t know how to hold the reservation. And that’s really the most important part of the reservation – the holding.”
A former car rental employee explained to the LA Times, that reservations are used for planning but will not guarantee you a vehicle. Supply and demand will dictate whether your reservation is honored. Most car rental companies do not charge for no-show reservations, so they take as many reservations as they desire.
Do you really need extra insurance? “Before renting a car, check with your insurance agent for the type of car insurance coverage you currently have in order to avoid paying for double coverage,” urges Buck, with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent car insurance agency.
Take into account, a car rental employee is a sales person. They have been urged to sell you upgrades as well as insurance. If you do not have car insurance, consider purchasing car insurance from the rental company.
The most common types are, LDW- loss damage waivers, it protects the vehicle if stolen, vandalized or if a tree limb should fall on it. CDW- collision damage waivers covers damage caused by a collision with another vehicle.
Some credit cards, such as American Express, offer automatic insurance coverage when you pay for a rental using that card. Also, certain homeowner’s insurance policies will cover the cost of belongings stolen in the car.
US News & World Report suggests the following tips for keeping costs down while renting a car.
- Try renting a car from a company located away from the airport if possible.
- Shop around
- Do not pre-pay for gas, fill it up yourself.
- Forgo the GPS rental and use your smart phone for directions.
- Take the time to thoroughly inspect the rental car before you drive away.
- Return your car on time to avoid possible late fees.
- Check that tolls are covered by the rental car company.
GreatFlorida Insurance offers dependable and affordable car insurance. Give us a call today for your free quote.
