Cheap Car Hire For All Occasions
Barb Anderson

Defined Tag: Cheap Car Hire.

You've heard it all over the television about cheap car hire and you want some. The deals. The fluff. Whatever you can get, and why not? The fact is with a little extra knowledge guiding you along you'll be fine.

There are numerous caveats to be aware of, but first the easier stuff. If you're going to rent a car abroad, the best thing is to do so long before you arrive at your destination. This is best expressed via the internet, where you can print up your confirmed reservation so that if there's a screw-up, you can visually defend your claim, rather than just saying "I talked to the guy on the phone -I think his name was Hector" and then to be told that no Hector works there and you're entirely SOL for a vehicle.

Further, by reserving a car, you often get better rates than as a walk up, because, let's face it, when you show up at the rental counter with 5 bags of luggage and tired eyes, you're desperate, and more likely to pay whatever asked for. As well, when you reserve for cheap car hire, you've got peace of mind, which is indispensably valuable.

Another thing that will save you money is not renting from a rental place adjacent to the airport. Again, the desperation thing, as well as convenience. Let's face it: we all pay out the yin-yang for convenience, when it's really not so very inconvenient to take a cab a couple of blocks. Or better, most car rental places offer free shuttle service directly to their business location.

Another thing about cheap car hire rates, they're cheaper by the week -or by the month, if this suits you. Inquiring about such rates is always a good prospect. As well, in less frequented destinations, you can often haggle with the owner or manager for these cheaper rates. Don't be afraid to bargain. In many cultures, bargaining is seen as little more than a game and, like a game, stimulating and fun.

When you decide to rent a car, no matter how great the cheap car hire deal may seem, beware of hidden costs. This is found in the fine print as well as in the contract itself. Sometimes a phrase here or there may seem ambiguous. If this is true (and you've gotten a hold of a copy of the contract early online -another good reason to reserve in advance), it's a good idea to present this to a lawyer for specification.

In hammering out the deal be sure to find out the loan company's policies on theft, bail bonds, collisions, taxes, breakdown coverage, and anything else that you can think of. A rather comprehensive policy is the Collision Damage Waiver. The CDW varies from place to place, so again, you should see what is covered wherever you are going. Also, find out what your own car insurance policy says about coverage of cheap car hire. Often you'll not only be covered, but receive discounts on car rental (especially if your insurance is through the Automobile Club or something of the like).

On the whole the experience of cheap car hire in your own country or abroad can be a pleasant experience, with little rupture in your daily routine and comfort. With a little homework and preparation, it will surely be painless and fruitful.

Barb Anderson has edited or written numerous articles for family-oriented ezines and sites on the worldwide web. Barb is Editor of the Power Learning Tips and Tricks newsletter, which is available at:   http://MastermindLearningSystem.com.