Watch out for these hazards when renting a car
NEARLY ALL business
travelers have experienced last-minute surprises
when their final car-rental bills far exceed
what was quoted. Here's what to look out for:
* LOCAL TAXES/FEES: When shopping for car rental
rates, be sure you're comparing apples to apples--meaning
all taxes and fees should be part of every rate
quote. Always ask. Taxes and fees (often used
to fund construction of convention centers or
stadiums) can increase your final bin by up
to 71 percent, according to a Travelocity.com
study, which ranked airports where rental car
fees are steepest.
Different states have different rates that also
applies to airports, always ask what the drive
away fee will be.
* FREQUENT FLYER: Most rental
car companies now add a surcharge to those customers
earning airline frequent flyer miles for their
rentals. Expect to pay 50 cents per day, up
to a maximum of $2 per rental, for the honor
of earning those miles.
* INSURANCE: This is one car-rental
fee you can do something about. When it comes
to collision or liability damage waivers, don't
fall for rental car agents' hard sell (they
earn a commission selling these add-ons, which
can cost as much as $30 a day). Typically, if
you own a car and have insurance, you're covered
when driving a rental car. In addition, many
major credit cards offer insurance if you charge
the rental car on the card. Before your next
trip, call your insurance company or credit
card company and ask whether you're covered.
For more information about
booking or renting
a car or car
rental
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