How to Get a Cheap Car Rental
Online Car Hire Comparison- New York, London, Paris, California
Jul 2, 2009
The bad economy may have reduced the cost of holiday travel, but a cheap car rental is not one of them. It is still possible to save money when traveling to New York, London, California or Paris- to name but a few- by performing an online car hire comparison and taking a series of steps to reduce the cost of renting a car. Car hire companies are still fighting each other for business so it is important that a consumer remains price sensitive in order to restore normality to the market.
Supply Imbalance Means Car Rental Companies Now Charge More
Car rental companies have been selling their fleets on the second-hand market and this has created an imbalance between supply and demand. This has meant that renting a car is now far more expensive than it was just 12 months ago.
- In May 2009, a discount rent-a-car booked 7 days in advance cost $345.99. A year earlier, a cheap rental car only cost $199.65- a 73% increase.
- In June 2009, car rental companies were charging an average of $347.44 for a compact car. The cost was $210.38 12 months earlier- a 65% increase.
* Figures provided by Abrams Consulting Group, New York.
Online Car Hire Comparison Sites Help Save Money
Any individual seeking a cheap car rental should use an online car hire comparison site, such as Expedia.com, CarRentals.com or CarRentalExpress.com, in order to save money. Comparison sites trawl through the prices offered by different car rental companies, as well as making the booking process far easier.
A consumer should seriously consider using the services of an independent car rental agency rather than an established national chain, such as Avis or Hertz. Michelle Higgins, of the New York Times, said that comparison sites "typically offer rates between fifteen and thirty percent less than national agencies." Shopping about for cheap car rental deals is far preferable to selecting the easiest option.
Is a Cheap Car Rental Possible at the Airport?
Renting a car at the airport may be convenient, but customers will be able to save money if they are prepared to travel for 5-10 minutes to pick-up their vehicle. Cheap rental car deals are available for those who are prepared to venture into a nearby town. Ms Higgins went on to say that "Off-airport locations are typically cheaper than airport locations, which tend to tack on fees that can raise the final price by 30 percent or more."
- A search on Expedia.com in the middle of June 2009 identified an economy vehicle from Enterprise Rent-a-Car would cost $110.31. However, an off-airport provider was able to offer a comparable vehicle for just $42.90.
* Quote provided by Michelle Higgins of the New York Times.
Book Early to Get a Cheap Car Rental Deal
Whilst booking a last minute holiday may save money, this is unlikely to be the case for a consumer seeking a discount rent-a-car. Many car rental companies are already fully-booked, especially during the holiday seasons.Book early, preferably through a car hire comparison site, to get a cheap car rental deal.
The imbalance between supply and demand means that car rental companies can charge more for renting a car than they could 12 months earlier. However, a cheap car rental is possible, provided that a customer is prepared to use an online car comparison site and is willing to travel a few miles to pick-up their vehicle. Always book in advance, particularly if traveling during a national holiday.
Readers that found this article useful may also be interested in identifying the best credit card deal, discovering how effective credit card debt settlement is or finding out how to avoid identity theft.
Sources
Higgins, Michelle. (28 June, 2009). "The soaring cost of car rentals." The New York Times.
Disclaimer: This article in no way attempts to give legal or tax advice. One should consult a licensed attorney, tax advisor, or other qualified professional.
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