Washington Dulles International Flight Terminal (IAD) Cars And Truck Rental Guide

Last Updated on August 30, 2022 by Kristin

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Need a car rental at Dulles airport? Located in Virginia 26 miles from the nation’s capital, Dulles is the largest airport in the Washington DC area.

Washington Dulles International Airport consists of a central terminal connected to five main gate areas: A, B, C, D and Z. Passengers can move between the terminal and gates via underground AeroTrain.

Rental Cars at Dulles Airport (IAD)

Several rental car companies have offices on airport grounds, with shuttles that run between the terminal and the rental locations. To pick up a rental car, take the ramp down from the baggage claim area to doors 2 and 4. Then look for the logo of your rental car company on the shuttles, which stop at Curb 2C and 2D.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

There are nine rental car providers providing shuttles directly from the airport:

Alamo Rent a Car (844) 648-1605

Return Location: 23430 Autopilot Drive, Dulles. Put the address into your GPS or a mapping application. As you approach Dulles International Airport, follow the “Rental Car Return” signs then look for Autopilot Drive.
Available Services: Self-service kiosk. “Skip the Counter” service available with prior online check-in.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Avis Rent a Car (703) 260-5631

Preferred Services: You can change your pre-selected vehicle for a similar one in the Select & Go Exchange Area. Or get a nicer car in the Select & Go Upgrade Area. Prices are on the cars’ hangtags.
Return Location: 23330 Autopilot Drive, Dulles. Put the address into your GPS or a mapping application. As you approach Dulles International Airport, follow the “Rental Car Return” signs then look for Autopilot Drive.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Budget Car Rental (703) 437-9559

Preferred Services: Follow signs for the Fastbreak line or kiosk, and then present your identification to receive the rental agreement.
Return Location: 23360 Autopilot Drive, Sterling. Put the address into your GPS or a mapping application. As you approach Dulles International Airport, follow the “Rental Car Return” signs then look for Autopilot Drive. When dropping off the car, drop your keys in the Fastbreak box after writing down your final mileage and fuel details.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Dollar Car Rental (866) 434-2226

Return Location: 23540 Autopilot Drive, Sterling. Put the address into your GPS or a mapping application. As you approach Dulles International Airport, follow the “Rental Car Return” signs then look for Autopilot Drive.
Location Hours: Location open 24/7.

Enterprise (844) 648-1602

Return Location: 23430 Autopilot Drive, Dulles. Put the address into your GPS or a mapping application. As you approach Dulles International Airport, follow the “Rental Car Return” signs then look for Autopilot Drive.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 5:30 am-12 am. After-hours returns available.

Hertz (703) 471-6020

Available Services: Self-service kiosks
Preferred Services: Gold Canopy and Gold Choice services available.
Return Location: 23540 Autopilot Drive, Dulles. Put the address into your GPS or a mapping application. As you approach Dulles International Airport, follow the “Rental Car Return” signs then look for Autopilot Drive.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

National (844) 648-1604

Preferred Services: Emerald Aisle and Drop & Go are available.
Return Location: 23430 Autopilot Dr, Dulles. Put the address into your GPS or a mapping application. As you approach Dulles International Airport, follow the “Rental Car Return” signs then look for Autopilot Drive.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Sixt (703) 574-1980

Return Location: 23320 Autopilot Dr., Dulles. Put the address into the car’s GPS or a mapping application. As you approach Dulles airport, follow the “Rental Car Return” signs then look for Autopilot Drive.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Thrifty Car Rental (866) 434-2226

Return Location: 23540 Autopilot Drive, Sterling. Put the address into the car’s GPS or a mapping application. As you approach Dulles International Airport, follow the “Rental Car Return” signs then look for Autopilot Drive.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Off-Site Rental Cars at IAD Airport

There are also rental car options off of airport grounds. If renting from an off-site rental car company, be sure to ask if the company offers a shuttle. Also ask how often they pick up passengers from the airport.

Related:

• The Best Hotels Near the National Mall in Washington DC
• The Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Washington DC
• How to Find Cheap Parking in Washington DC
• Reagan National Airport (DCA) Car Rental Guide

The post Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Car Rental Guide appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/washington-dulles-international-flight-terminal-iad-cars-and-truck-rental-guide/

Just how to Make a Vehicle Rental Grievance

Last Updated on August 30, 2022 by Kristin

Photo credit: Shutterstock

We all hope our trip will run smoothly, but unfortunately things do not always go according to plan. If you have a bad experience, here’s how to file a car rental complaint that gets results.

Know Why You’re Complaining

While it’s understandable to be annoyed after a disappointing interaction with a rental car company, avoid picking up the phone or firing off an email to vent until you have taken some time to identify the specific problem and what you would consider a satisfactory solution.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

Focus your complaint on one or two fixable, concrete issues rather than a general complaint about how awful the company is. After all, a rental car agent can remove a surprise fee but can’t change an entire company culture. As consumer advocate Christopher Elliott points out, it pays to use your manners and be specific about your request if you want rental car companies to take your complaint seriously.

Make a Formal Car Rental Complaint

When you’ve decided on the core issue of your complaint, your best bet is to contact the rental car company directly through its main customer service phone number. Here are some of the main customer service numbers for quick reference:

Avis: 800-352-7900

Alamo: 844-357-5138

Budget: 800-214-6094

Enterprise: 855-266-9565

National: 800-367-6767

Thrifty: 800-847-4389

Sixt: 888-749-8227

Call the main number and say you’d like to file a complaint. Note the time of your call and the representative’s name and ID number, if any. The representative will likely ask you to fill out a form or complete a process. Listen to the instructions and provide any necessary documentation. FIling the correct paperwork is is key for tracking your complaint and ensuring that the right people see it. If you haven’t heard back after a few days or a week, call again to check up on your complaint.

Reach Out on Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for sharing your feedback with rental car companies, especially if you need immediate help or if you’re hearing crickets after going through the official channels. Here’s how you can get in touch with rental car companies on social media:

Twitter: Most car rental brands use Twitter to communicate with customers. Send a direct message to the company or tag them in a tweet with a quick explanation of your complaint. Again, be direct but polite and avoid inappropriate language.

Google and Yelp Reviews: Google and Yelp both allow you to review your experience at a specific rental car location, and you can document your experience with transparency. Managers often check these reviews and offer unsatisfied customers direct responses about how to remedy the situation. Just make sure you use factual information, and remember that there is a real person on the other end reading your feedback.

Document Everything

You’ll need to provide some basic information about your rental experience when filing a complaint, especially if it involves extra charges or damages to the vehicle. Here are some documents you should gather:

Rental car contract and reservation confirmation: Be sure to keep a copy of your rental car reservation, as well as the rental contract. This information serves as a record of the dates you picked up the vehicle, how long you had it and the specific terms you agreed to.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Photos of the vehicle: When you pick up a rental car, always take detailed photos of the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Then do the same when you return the car. This will protect you if you have to dispute charges related to a damage claim.

Credit card receipts: Keep all receipts related to your car rental reservation in case you have to dispute a charge directly with the credit card company.

Phone calls and emails: Keep a record of every contact you have with the car rental company. Take note of the person you talk to and the information discussed.

While it’s never fun to file a complaint about your rental car reservation, using these tips will help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Related:

• What to Do if You Have an Accident in Your Rental Car
• Ultimate Glossary of Car Rental Terms

The post How to Make a Car Rental Complaint appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/just-how-to-make-a-vehicle-rental-grievance/

George Shrub Intercontinental Airport Terminal (IAH) Automobile Rental Overview

Last Updated on August 28, 2022 by Kristin

Photo credit: Melvin Thambi/Unsplash

Need a George Bush airport car rental? Flying into Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)? Located 23 miles north of Houston, IAH is the largest international hub in Texas.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

George Bush Intercontinental Airport has five terminals, labeled A through E. Passengers can travel between the terminals and the international arrivals building using the Skyway people-mover system.

Rental Cars at IAH Airport

The George Bush airport rental car counters are located in a consolidated facility accessible via shuttles that depart every five minutes during peak hours, and every 10 minutes in the late evening.

From baggage claim on the lower level, look for the “Ground Transportation” signs, which lead to additional “Rental Car” signs pointing to the specific shuttles. The rental car shuttles are blue and white, and the ride to the rental car center takes about five minutes.

There are nine major rental car companies at IAH:

Alamo Rent a Car (833) 511-1743

Available Services: Online check-in and self-service kiosk. Online check-in offers the option to “skip the counter” and go straight to your car.
Return Location: 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston. As you approach the airport via John F. Kennedy Blvd. and Will Clayton Parkway, look for signs for the rental car center, then follow signs for Alamo.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Check Airfare Prices on Priceline

Avis Rent a Car (281) 443-5800

Preferred Services: Avis Preferred available. Check your smartphone or the Preferred board inside the rental car facility to find your preassigned vehicle. You have the option to change your pre-selected vehicle for a similar one in the Select & Go Exchange Area, or get a nicer car in the Select & Go Upgrade Area. Prices are on the cars’ hangtags.
Return Location: 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston. As you approach the airport via John F. Kennedy Blvd. and Will Clayton Parkway, look for signs for the rental car center, then follow signs for Avis.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Budget Car Rental (281) 449-0145

Preferred Services: Look for the Fastbreak line or kiosk. Show your ID, and you will receive the rental agreement, keys and instructions for finding the car.
Return Location: 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston. As you approach the airport via John F. Kennedy Blvd. and Will Clayton Parkway, look for signs for the rental car center, then follow signs for Budget. Fastbreak members do not have to go to the counter to return the car.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Dollar Rent a Car (866) 434-2226

Return Location: 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston. As you approach the airport via John F. Kennedy Blvd. and Will Clayton Parkway, look for signs for the rental car center, then follow signs for Dollar.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 5 am-1:30 am.

Enterprise Rent-a-Car (833) 628-9676

Return Location: 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston. As you approach the airport via John F. Kennedy Blvd. and Will Clayton Parkway, look for signs for the rental car center, then follow signs for Enterprise.
Location Hours: Location open daily 6 am-12 am. Dropbox available for after-hours returns.

Check Flight + Hotel Packages on Priceline

Hertz (281) 209-6700

Preferred Services: Gold Canopy Service, Gold Choice and Prestige Service are available.
Return Location: 17314 Palmetto Pines, Houston. As you approach the airport via John F. Kennedy Blvd. and Will Clayton Parkway, look for signs for the rental car center, then follow signs for Hertz.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 5 am-2 am.

National (833) 511-1745

Preferred Services: Emerald Aisle and Drop & Go are available.
Return Location: 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston. As you approach the airport via John F. Kennedy Blvd. and Will Clayton Parkway, look for signs for the rental car center, then follow signs for National.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Payless (281) 443-8477

Return Location: 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston. As you approach the airport via John F. Kennedy Blvd. and Will Clayton Parkway, look for signs for the rental car center, then follow signs for Payless.
Location Hours: Location is open Mon-Fri 7 am-11 pm; Sat 8 am-8 pm; Sun 8 am-11 pm.

Thrifty (877) 283-0898

Return Location: 17330 Palmetto Pines, Houston. As you approach the airport via John F. Kennedy Blvd. and Will Clayton Parkway, look for signs for the rental car center, then follow signs for Thrifty.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 5 am-1:30 am.

Off-Airport Rental Cars at IAH

There’s also a Zipcar location at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Several companies—including Ace, E-Z, AVR and Europcar—have off-airport locations near IAH reachable by shuttle bus from the airport terminal. If renting from an off-airport location, see the rental car company’s website for instructions for pickup and return.

Note: AutoSlash may receive compensation on purchases made from chosen links.

Related:

• Here’s What to Do if You Get a Speeding Ticket in Texas
• Best Road Trips from Houston
• Can You Drive a Rental Car into Mexico?

The post George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Car Rental Guide appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/george-shrub-intercontinental-airport-terminal-iah-automobile-rental-overview/

Can You Drive a Rental Cars And Truck right into Mexico?

Last Updated on August 28, 2022 by Michael

If you’ve ever rented a car in Europe, you know how easy it is to travel across country borders in the Schengen Zone. It’s easy to drive a rental car from the U.S. to Canada. But if you want to drive a rental car into Mexico from the U.S., it requires buying additional car insurance that is compliant with Mexican car insurance laws.

One-Way Car Rental from the United States to Mexico

Forget about it. One-way rentals to Mexico are not possible. No rental car company will allow you to pick up a car in the U.S. and return it in Mexico.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

The most common request we receive for such one-way rentals from California is to the General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport in Tijuana (TIJ). This airport runs along the United States / Mexico border. A far better option is to drive to the Cross Border Xpress on the U.S. side of the border and simply walk across the border on the Cross Border Xpress skywalk, which opened in 2015.

A number of rental car companies—including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Fox and Ace—offer return locations near the U.S. terminal of the CBX.

Driving a Rental Car Into Mexico

If you want to drive a rental car to Mexico, here’s what you need to know:

Companies That Do Not Allow Border Crossings to Mexico

At least one major rental company—Alamo—always prohibits bringing a rental car from the U.S. into Mexico.

Enterprise and National allow individuals in specific employer groups to cross the U.S. Mexico border but, again, that’s only if they can find a participating location.

Companies That Allow Border Crossings to Mexico, But It’s Expensive

Other companies may allow it, but at a significant extra cost. Dollar and Thrifty have a few selected locations that can handle reservations from the United States to Mexico with a return scheduled back in the United States.

There are three important notes:

• Dollar and Thrifty’s add-on Emergency Sickness Plan coverage is always invalid in Mexico.
• Renters must purchase Mexican auto insurance from Dollar or Thrifty.
• The renter can only go 250 miles past the U.S. / Mexico border. This 250-mile limitation is significant, since Mexico is a huge country.

In some cases, Avis allows bringing a rental car from the U.S. into Mexico. You must have a corporate account and you must return the car to the U.S.—in other words, no one-way rentals.

Companies That Allow Border Crossings to Mexico, But It’s Difficult

Other rental car companies have policies that are more scattershot and never make it easy for renters. For example, Hertz leaves the discretion entirely to the individual rental location, with rules that must be searched on a location-by-location basis per their support division. Hertz at high-volume and nearby San Diego Airport (SAN) prohibits crossing into Mexico.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Budget follows Hertz’s lead. A small subset of locations in three states (Arizona, California, and Texas) are equipped to handle border crossings at all, and there’s always a requirement to buy Mexican Insurance at the counter. U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents with valid visa status can rent cars at the limited Budget locations where border crossings are allowed. Mexican border crossing officials will arrest non-compliant individuals and the car will be impounded. To add insult to injury, Budget would then bill the incarcerated driver for the cost of the car. In other words, don’t even think about it.

Payless requires written permission slips for any border crossing, and that is only if it’s authorized by the individual site. If the rental is allowed, unspecified “additional rental qualifications may apply,” which most likely include Mexican insurance plus other non-refundable fees.

The Takeaway

It’s a major challenge to get permission to drive a rental car into Mexico.

The few rental companies that allow it impose the following guidelines:

• A limited number of locations near the border may allow driving into Mexico.
• You must return the vehicle to the same location. In other words, no one-way rentals.
• You must purchase Mexican insurance directly from the rental car company.

Related:

• Beware of This Insurance Gotcha When Renting a Car in Mexico
• Should You Buy Car Rental Insurance?

The post Can You Drive a Rental Car into Mexico? appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/can-you-drive-a-rental-cars-and-truck-right-into-mexico/

Can You Take a Rental Car Out of State?

Last Updated on August 14, 2022 by Kristin

Planning a road trip in a rental car that crosses a state line? Be sure to do your homework. Most rental car companies allow driving their vehicles out of state, but not all of them. Here’s how to make sure you don’t end up paying much more than you intended.

Check the Fine Print on Out-of-State Car Rentals

Most major national rental car companies don’t restrict driving across state lines, but many smaller regional companies do. Even if the rental car company allows you to take the car out of state, there can be other considerations.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

Did you book a weekend rate or a special offer? The rental may not include unlimited miles. Always check to see if there are mileage restrictions on the rental car. If you go over the allotted number of miles, you could be on the hook for additional costs per mile over that limit.

Booking a one-way rental? Even if a rental car does not impose restrictions on crossing state borders, it may charge an extra fee for returning the car to a different location.

Planning a really, really long road trip? Even if the rental car company lets you cross state lines, it may have a cap on how much mileage you can put on the car.

These days, most rental car vehicles are equipped with GPS trackers, so the rental company will know if you violate rules. It’s always a good idea to disclose your plans to cross state lines when renting the vehicle to be sure there are no surprises.

Crossing State Lines in a Rental Car

In general, rental car companies fall into two camps.

Rental Car Chains That Do Not Restrict Driving Out of State

Most major national chains do not impose restrictions on driving across state lines but sock you with a drop-off fee on one-way rentals where you return the car to a different location.

• Avis Budget Group – Avis, Budget, Payless
• Hertz Global Holdings – Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty
• Enterprise Holdings – Enterprise, National, Alamo

Rental Car Chains That Restrict Driving Out of State

Regional companies and smaller national chains are more likely to impose restrictions on crossing state lines. This is because these companies do not have support networks with contracted tow companies in every state and would not be able to assist renters in an emergency.

• Fox Rent a Car: Rules are a hodge podge depending on where you’re picking up the car. For example, if you pick up in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah or Washington, you can drive the car in all of those states plus Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. If you pick up in Texas, you can also drive to Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. If you pick up in Illinois, you can also go to Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky. On the other hand, if you pick up the car in Florida, you may not leave the state.
• Sixt Rent a Car: The German rental car company imposes what it calls “territorial restrictions” on its rentals in 17 states. Like Fox, Sixt’s restrictions generally apply to specific regions. For example, cars picked up in Arizona can be driven to California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington and Oregon. If you pick up a car in Florida, you can drive only into Alabama and Georgia.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

If you rent from a company with restrictions, breaking the rules is very risky. If you should get into an accident while in breach of your rental contract, any damages would be solely your responsibility.

Related:

• AutoSlash’s Cheap One-Way Car Rental Guide
• The Worst Car Rental Company for a USA Road Trip
• Use a Toll Calculator to Estimate Your Road Trip Costs

The post Can You Take a Rental Car Out of State? appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/can-you-take-a-rental-car-out-of-state/

Denver International Airport (DEN) Auto Rental Guide

Last Updated on August 15, 2022 by Kristin

Photo credit: Denver International Airport

Need a Denver airport car rental? Denver International Airport (DEN) is a gateway to the Rocky Mountain region and its many ski areas.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

Denver airport‘s main hub is the six-floor Jeppesen Terminal, which is divided into west and east sections. There are three airside concourses: A, B and C.

Rental Cars at DEN Airport

When arriving at Denver International Airport, get to the rental car companies by catching shuttles from Jeppesen terminal at Level 5, Island 4. On the east side, this will be at doors 505-513. On the west side, the shuttles come to doors 504-512.

There are 11 companies at Denver International Airport:

Alamo Rent a Car (303) 342-7373

Available Services: Online check-in and self-service kiosk. Online check-in offers the option to “skip the counter” and go straight to your car.
Return Location: 23842 E. 78th Ave., Denver. The car rental offices are located south of the Jeppesen Terminal, along Peña Blvd. Follow signs for the rental car return. Allow plenty of time to drop off the vehicle and return to the airport via shuttle.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Check Airfare Prices on Priceline

Avis Rent a Car (813) 396-3500

Preferred Services: Avis’ Preferred Service facility is accessible via courtesy bus on Island 4, on the fifth level of the airport. You also have the option to change your pre-selected vehicle for a similar one in the Select & Go Exchange Area, or get a nicer car in the Select & Go Upgrade Area. Prices are on the cars’ hangtags.
Return Location: 25500 East 78th Ave. The car rental offices are located south of the Jeppesen Terminal, along Peña Blvd. Follow signs for the rental car return. Allow plenty of time to drop off the vehicle and return to the airport via shuttle.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7. In a hurry? Place the completed contract and keys in the drop box located in the returns area.

Budget Car Rental (303) 342-9001

Preferred Services: Look for the Fastbreak booth in the parking garage when going to rent the car. Show your ID, and you will receive the rental agreement, keys and instructions for finding the car.
Return Location: 24050 E 78th Ave., Denver. The car rental offices are located south of the Jeppesen Terminal, along Peña Blvd. Follow signs for the rental car return. Allow plenty of time to drop off the vehicle and return to the airport via shuttle.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Dollar Rent a Car (866) 434-2226

Return Location: 23520 East 78th Ave., Denver. The car rental offices are located south of the Jeppesen Terminal, along Peña Blvd. Follow signs for the rental car return. Allow plenty of time to drop off the vehicle and return to the airport via shuttle.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Enterprise Rent-a-Car (303) 342-7350

Return Location: 24530 E. 78th Ave., Denver. The car rental offices are located south of the Jeppesen Terminal, along Peña Blvd. Follow signs for the rental car return. Allow plenty of time to drop off the vehicle and return to the airport via shuttle.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Fox Rent a Car (303) 214-7955

Return Location: 24558 E. 75th Ave., Denver. The car rental offices are located south of the Jeppesen Terminal, along Peña Blvd. Follow signs for the rental car return. Allow plenty of time to drop off the vehicle and return to the airport via shuttle.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Hertz (303) 342-3800

Available Services: Self-service kiosks
Preferred Services: Gold Canopy Service, Gold Choice, and Prestige Service are available.
Return Location: 24890 East 78th Ave., Denver. The car rental offices are located south of the Jeppesen Terminal, along Peña Blvd. Follow signs for the rental car return. Allow plenty of time to drop off the vehicle and return to the airport via shuttle.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

National (303) 342-7373

Preferred Services: Emerald Aisle and Drop & Go are available.
Return Location: 24530 E. 78th Ave., Denver. The car rental offices are located south of the Jeppesen Terminal, along Peña Blvd. Follow signs for the rental car return. Allow plenty of time to drop off the vehicle and return to the airport via shuttle.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Payless Car Rental (303) 342-9444

Return Location: 25340 E 78th Ave, Denver. The car rental offices are located south of the Jeppesen Terminal, along Peña Blvd. Follow signs for the rental car return. Allow plenty of time to drop off the vehicle and return to the airport via shuttle.
Location Hours: Location is open from 4:30 am-12 am.

Check Flight + Hotel Packages on Priceline

Sixt Rent a Car (888) 749-8227

Return Location: 23790 E 78th Ave., Denver. The car rental offices are located south of the Jeppesen Terminal, along Peña Blvd. Follow signs for the rental car return. Allow plenty of time to drop off the vehicle and return to the airport via shuttle.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 6 am-12 am.

Thrifty Car Rental (877) 283-0898

Return Location: 23520 E 78th Ave., Denver. The car rental offices are located south of the Jeppesen Terminal, along Peña Blvd. Follow signs for the rental car return. Allow plenty of time to drop off the vehicle and return to the airport via shuttle.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Note: AutoSlash may receive compensation on purchases made from chosen links.

Related:

• Why Denver Car Rentals are so Expensive
• Find Cheap Parking in Denver
• What to Know About Colorado’s Traction Law and Car Rentals

The post Denver International Airport (DEN) Car Rental Guide appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/denver-international-airport-den-auto-rental-guide/

Portland International Airport (PDX) Auto Rental Guide

Last Updated on August 15, 2022 by Michael

Need a car rental at Portland airport? Portland International Airport (PDX) is the largest airport in Oregon, accounting for 90 percent of passenger travel in the state. Conveniently, the airport is located within Portland’s city limits, 12 miles northeast of downtown Portland.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

There’s no statewide surcharge or sales tax in Oregon, but Multnomah County (including Portland) imposes a 17 percent tax. There’s also a gas tax of $0.37 per gallon.

Rental Cars at PDX Airport

Rental cars are located across the street from baggage claim.

There are five car rental companies at Portland airport.

Avis Rent a Car: (503) 249-4950

Preferred Service: Avis Preferred and Select & Go is available. Once you have selected your vehicle, drive to the exit booth and present your driver’s license to the Avis representative.
Return Location: 7102 Northeast Airport Way, Portland.Follow the signs for Arrivals, then look for Rental Car Return signs.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7. In a hurry? Place your completed contract and car keys in the drop box located in the Returns area.

Dollar Car Rental: (503) 249-4792

Return Location: 7000 Northeast Airport Way, Portland. Follow the signs for Arrivals, then look for Rental Car Return signs.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: (844) 366-0498

Return Location: 7105 Northeast Airport Way, Portland. Follow the signs for Arrivals, then look for Rental Car Return signs.
Location Hours: Open daily 4:30AM-1:30AM. Place your completed contract and car keys in the drop box.

Hertz Rent-A-Car: (503) 528-7900

Preferred Service: Hertz Gold VIP is available.
Return Location: 7000 Northeast Airport Way, Portland. Follow the signs for Arrivals, then look for Rental Car Return signs.
Location Hours: Open daily 5:30AM-2:00AM. Place your completed contract and car keys in the drop box located in the Returns area.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

National Car Rental: (844) 366-0499

Preferred Service: Emerald Aisle is available.
Return Location: 7105 Northeast Airport Way, Portland. Follow the signs for Arrivals, then look for Rental Car Return signs.
Location Hours: Open daily 4:00AM-1:30AM. Place your completed contract and car keys in the drop box located in the Returns area.

Off-Airport Rental Cars at PDX

Three companies—Alamo, Budget and Thrifty—have off-airport locations at PDX. If you have a reservation, you can catch a shuttle to your rental car location. From
the baggage claim area, walk across the street to catch a shuttle at Island 2.

Note: AutoSlash may receive compensation on purchases made from chosen links.

Related:

• The Best Outdoor Dining in Portland
• Can You Take a Rental Car Out of State?
• States with Highest Car Rental Taxes and Fees

The post Portland International Airport (PDX) Car Rental Guide appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/portland-international-airport-pdx-auto-rental-guide/

The Most Effective Road Trips from Los Angeles

Last Updated on August 22, 2022 by Laura

Photo credit: Shutterstock

A sprawling city with vibes ranging from hip to glam and everything in between, Los Angeles has no shortage of entertainment. But for those looking to explore, we’ve got five beautiful and exciting destinations just a stone’s throw away. Here are the best road trips from Los Angeles.

Fabulous Road Trips from Los Angeles

Santa Ynez Valley, California

128 miles / 2 hrs. 20 min.

From Los Angeles, hop on the 101 toward Santa Barbara. Then take CA-154 W/San Marcos Pass Rd to CA-246 W. Destination: the Santa Ynez Valley, home to some of the best wine in the country. There are over 150 wineries in the Valley, in addition to some truly exquisite dining and shopping. Six communities comprise Santa Ynez Valley, and we recommend checking out Solvang, an authentically Danish-American town full of charm and tradition. The streets are flanked with Danish farm architecture, and windmills of all sizes dot the village.

Joshua Tree National Park

128 miles / 2 hrs. 50 min

It’s a straight shot on I-10 E to Joshua Tree National Park, an otherworldly place where rock formations and desert landscapes lure adventure-seekers. Visit in the early spring to catch the wildflowers in full bloom, or go in the fall for fewer crowds and excellent hiking weather. Joshua Tree also features hiking trails, rock climbing, rare bird-watching, and spectacular stargazing.

Sequoia National Park

204 miles / 3 hrs. 45 mins.

Take I-5 N from Los Angeles to CA-65 N and you’ll be in Sequoia National Park in just under four hours. A stunning national park in the southern Sierra Nevada mountain range, its towering sequoias are the tallest trees in the world. Of course, you can’t miss a stop at General Sherman: At 275 feet tall and 36 feet in diameter, it is the largest tree in the world by volume. But there is plenty to do beyond admiring the trees, like exploring caves and hiking or snowshoeing among unique rock formations.

Las Vegas, Nevada

270 miles / 4 hrs.

It’s Vegas, baby. This is the quintessential road trip for those in search of endless entertainment. From Los Angeles, you can reach America’s Playground in just four hours via I-15 N through the scenic Mojave Desert. Whether you’re there for the casinos, the shows, the dining, or the clubs, be sure to stay on the Strip to be in the center of it all. There are hotels for every preference, each with a unique scene, culinary offerings, architectural styles, in addition to entertainment options. 

Highway 1 toward Big Sur

At least 4.5 hrs

Highway 1 just might be the most beautiful road in the United States. Head north out of Los Angeles along the Pacific coast-hugging highway to see misty beaches and jagged coves pounded by white-capped waves. There are some charming towns that dot the coast, like Ojai, which is full of art galleries and eco-friendly shops, and Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is lined with cottages that look straight out of a fairytale and has a rich artistic history. The payoff at the end of this slow, scenic drive: the stunning Big Sur region.

Related:

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Car Rental Guide
• The Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Los Angeles
• The Best Beach Hotels in Santa Monica

The post The Best Road Trips from Los Angeles appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/the-most-effective-road-trips-from-los-angeles/

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Vehicle Rental Guide

Last Updated on August 22, 2022 by Kristin

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Looking for a Charlotte airport car rental? Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is located eight miles west of Charlotte, CLT is a major hub for American Airlines, which handles 90 percent of flights at this airport.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

Charlotte Douglas International Airport has one terminal with five concourses, labeled A through E. Visitors can get between the concourses on foot.

Rental Cars at CLT Airport

From the baggage claim on the lower level, exit the terminal and use the crosswalk to reach the car rental facility. The rental car counters are on the second floor, which is actually the ground floor of the building.

There are seven rental car companies at CLT:

Alamo Rent a Car (844) 366-8844

Available Services: Online check-in and self-service kiosk. Online check-in offers the option to “skip the counter” and go straight to your car.
Return Location: 5489 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte. On the airport road, pass “Hourly Deck” sign and watch for Rental Car Returns, then follow signs for Alamo.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 4 am-2 am. Dropbox available for after-hours returns.

Check Airfare Prices on Priceline

Avis Rent a Car (704) 359-5700

Preferred Services: Avis Preferred available. Check your smartphone or the Preferred board inside the rental car facility to find your preassigned vehicle. You have the option to change your pre-selected vehicle for a similar one in the Select & Go Exchange Area, or get a nicer car in the Select & Go Upgrade Area. Prices are on the cars’ hangtags.
Return Location: 5489 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte. On the airport road, pass “Hourly Deck” sign and watch for Rental Car Returns, then follow signs for Avis.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 5 am-1 am. In a hurry? Leave the keys and your contract in the dropbox.

Budget Car Rental (704) 359-5701

Preferred Services: Look for the Fastbreak line or kiosk. Show your ID, and you will receive the rental agreement, keys and instructions for finding the car.
Return Location: 5489 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte. On the airport road, pass “Hourly Deck” sign and watch for Rental Car Returns, then follow signs for Budget. Fastbreak members do not have to go to the counter to return the car.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 5 am-1 am.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Dollar Rent a Car (866) 434-2226

Return Location: 5489 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte. On the airport road, pass “Hourly Deck” sign and watch for Rental Car Returns, then follow signs for Dollar.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 5:30 am-12 am.

Enterprise Rent-a-Car (704) 359-8884

Return Location: 5489 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte. On the airport road, pass “Hourly Deck” sign and watch for Rental Car Returns, then follow signs for Enterprise.
Location Hours: Location open daily 4 am-2 am. Dropbox available for after-hours returns.

Check Flight + Hotel Packages on Priceline

Hertz (704) 359-0114

Preferred Services: Gold Canopy Service and Gold Choice are available.
Return Location: 5489 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte. On the airport road, pass “Hourly Deck” sign and watch for Rental Car Returns, then follow signs for Hertz.
Location Hours: Location is open Mon-Fri and Sun 6 am-1 am; Sat 6 am-12 am.

National (844) 366-8843

Preferred Services: Emerald Aisle and Drop & Go are available.
Return Location: 5489 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte. On the airport road, pass “Hourly Deck” sign and watch for Rental Car Returns, then follow signs for National.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Off-Airport Rental Cars at CLT

Several companies have an off-airport location at CLT reachable by shuttle bus from the airport terminal. If renting from an off-airport location, see the rental car company’s website for instructions for pickup and return.

Note: AutoSlash may receive compensation on purchases made from chosen links.

Related:

• Why the NC Toll Pass is a Great Buy for Car Renters
• Here’s What to Do If You Get a Speeding Ticket in North Carolina

The post Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Car Rental Guide appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/charlotte-douglas-international-airport-clt-vehicle-rental-guide/

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Terminal (SEA) Automobile Rental Guide

Last Updated on August 22, 2022 by Kristin

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Flying into to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)? Located 14 miles south of Seattle and 18 miles north of Tacoma, SeaTac is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

SeaTac has one main terminal that is split into four concourses, labeled A, B, C and D. There are also two other buildings called the North Satellite and South Satellite, which are connected to the main terminal by train. Rental car companies are located in an off-site facility, accessible by shuttle any time of day.

Rental Cars at SEA Airport

Want to rent a car at SEA? From baggage claim, walk outside to find the rental car shuttle pick-up area. There is one near the northern side of the terminal and another to the southern side. Shuttles operate 24/7, and it takes about five minutes to reach the rental car facility.

There are 12 car rental companies at SEA:

Alamo Rent a Car (833) 329-8466

Available Services: Online check-in and self-service kiosk. Online check-in offers the option to “skip the counter” and go straight to your car.
Return Location: 3150 S. 160th St., Seattle. From I-5, follow signs for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then watch for the Rental Car Return sign and then the Alamo location.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Check Airfare Prices on Priceline

Avis Rent a Car (206) 433-5231

Preferred Services: Avis Preferred available. Check your smartphone or the Preferred board inside the rental car facility to find your preassigned vehicle. You have the option to change your pre-selected vehicle for a similar one in the Select & Go Exchange Area, or get a nicer car in the Select & Go Upgrade Area. Prices are on the cars’ hangtags.
Return Location: 3150 S. 160th St., Seattle. From I-5, follow signs for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then watch for the Rental Car Return sign and then the Avis location.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Budget Car Rental (206) 444-7510

Preferred Services: Look for the Fastbreak line or kiosk. Show your ID, and you will receive the rental agreement, keys and instructions for finding the car.
Return Location: 3150 S. 160th St., Seattle. From I-5, follow signs for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then watch for the Rental Car Return sign and then the Budget location. Fastbreak members do not have to go to the counter to return the car.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Dollar Rent a Car (206) 433-5825

Return Location: 3150 S. 160th St., Seattle. From I-5, follow signs for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then watch for the Rental Car Return sign and then the Dollar location.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Enterprise Rent-a-Car (833) 329-8464

Return Location: 3150 S. 160th St., Seattle. From I-5, follow signs for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then watch for the Rental Car Return sign and then the Enterprise location.
Location Hours: Location open daily 4 am-1:30 am. For drop-offs outside these hours, leave keys in the dropbox.

Fox Rent a Car (206) 858-9690

Return Location: 3150 S. 160th St., Seattle. From I-5, follow signs for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then watch for the Rental Car Return sign and then the Fox location.
Location Hours: Location open 24/7.

Hertz (206) 277-2300

Available Services: Self-service kiosks.
Preferred Services: Gold Canopy Service, Gold Choice and Prestige Service are available.
Return Location: 3150 S. 160th St., Seattle. From I-5, follow signs for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then watch for the Rental Car Return sign and then the Hertz location.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

National (888) 826-6890

Preferred Services: Emerald Aisle and Drop & Go are available.
Return Location: 3150 S. 160th St., Seattle. From I-5, follow signs for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then watch for the Rental Car Return sign and then the National location.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Payless Car Rental (206) 496-1174

Return Location: 3150 S. 160th St., Seattle. From I-5, follow signs for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then watch for the Rental Car Return sign and then the Payless location.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Check Flight + Hotel Packages on Priceline

Rent-A-Wreck (206) 922-3713

Return Location: 3150 S. 160th St., Seattle. From I-5, follow signs for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then watch for the Rental Car Return sign and then the Rent-A-Wreck location.
Location Hours: Location open Mon.-Sat. 9 am-6 pm; closed Sun. For drop-offs outside these hours, leave keys in the dropbox.

Sixt (855) 471-2760

Return Location: 3150 S. 160th St., Seattle. From I-5, follow signs for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then watch for the Rental Car Return sign and then the Sixt location.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Thrifty Car Rental (877) 283-0898

Return Location: 3150 S. 160th St., Seattle. From I-5, follow signs for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then watch for the Rental Car Return sign and then the Thrifty location.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Note: AutoSlash may receive compensation on purchases made from chosen links.

Related:

• How to Find Cheap Parking in Seattle
• The Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Seattle
• Can You Drive a Rental Car into Canada?

The post Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) Car Rental Guide appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/seattle-tacoma-international-airport-terminal-sea-automobile-rental-guide/

Just How Much Does Budget Plan Hold On Your Card?

Last Updated on August 22, 2022 by Kristin

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Like other major car rental brands, Budget Rent a Car will hold a deposit during your car rental reservation. The exact amount that Budget holds on your card can depend on the rental location, whether you are paying with a credit or debit card, and the reservation type.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

To ensure the hold doesn’t complicate your finances while traveling, make sure you calculate how much Budget is going to hold on your card and find out when those funds will be released after you return the car. It might take two weeks for the hold to drop off of your card, so planning ahead is crucial.

How Much Does Budget Hold as a Security Deposit?

Budget’s hold policy is less straightforward than some of the other brands out there and can depend on several factors. Reading the fine print is essential to know how much the company will hold on your card as a deposit.

Credit Vs. Debit Cards

If you are paying with a credit card, the deposit can vary depending on the location and amount of the rental. For several Budget locations, the fine print states that the amount will be equal to the estimated rental charges or $200—whichever is more. To find the specific hold amount, search for the specific Budget location on the website and then click on the “Additional Fees and Credit Holds” tab in the Terms and Conditions.

Paying with a debit card? Budget usually holds the estimated rental charges on debit cards, but there’s a big caveat. The fine print notes that Budget reserves the right to request an added value “based on certain factors as we deem appropriate.” Again, when in doubt it’s best to call Budget and clarify how much the hold will be. According to the terms and conditions for several Budget locations, prepaid reservations require a debit card hold of $250.

When Does Budget Return Your Deposit?

Budget will return the hold amount back on your card when you return the car, as long as you did not incur any additional charges before returning the vehicle. However, it may take up to two weeks for your bank to make these funds available again. In other words, if there is a delay, talk to your bank.

3 Tips for Checking Your Deposit

If you’re at all concerned about having enough credit or funds to cover the full cost of the rental and deposit, here are some actions to take before picking up the rental car:

Pinpoint the amount of the hold. Remember to add the deposit amount to the price of the rental to get a picture of how much you’ll need to have available on your credit card when you finalize your rental reservation. When in doubt, call Budget to confirm the hold amount.

Check the available credit on your card. Before picking up your rental, check your credit card account online, or call the customer service phone number on the back of your card. If you’re close to your limit, make a quick payment to give yourself enough wiggle room for both the cost of the rental car and that security deposit. Or, just use a different credit card.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Watch your account after your return the car. Always check your Budget receipt at the end of a rental to ensure you did not incur any surprise charges. If all looks good, monitor your credit or debit card balance over the coming days to ensure that the final charges are what you expected.

Related:

• Why It’s Easier to Rent a Car with a Credit Card Than a Debit Card
• Find the Best Budget Car Rental Coupon Codes

The post How Much Does Budget Hold On Your Card? appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/just-how-much-does-budget-plan-hold-on-your-card/

AutoSlash's Ultimate Rental Car Rankings for 2022

Last Updated on August 22, 2022 by Chris

Wondering which rental car companies stand above the crowd and which don’t make the grade? You’ve come to the right place for rental car ratings.

Every week at AutoSlash, we gather feedback from thousands of customers across over dozen car companies. Over the years, we’ve developed a pretty good idea the good, the bad and the ugly.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

Before we dive in, we want to point out that there are always exceptions. There are star employees, an awesome free upgrade, or big misses from normally excellent companies. These ratings below are averages—a summation of the feedback we’ve collected over the years. They are, of course, subjective and could change over time.

You’ll notice we rate things differently than the big names in travel awards, like JD Power and Travel + Leisure.

AutoSlash Car Rental Company Rankings

When you receive a set of quotes from AutoSlash, you’ll notice star ratings next to each company name. We advise renters to heed these ratings, which can be a harbinger of what your rental experience may be like with a given company.

Our rating system for the major car rental firms is based on two factors:

• Our subjective perceptions based on hundreds of rentals by members of the AutoSlash team
• The feedback we hear from AutoSlash users

Note that our star-rating system does not factor in price. We rate the major rental companies on a five-star scale (shown on our quotes) and break them into tiers:

Car Rental Company Tiers

Tier 1

With a Tier 1 company, you’re highly likely to have a fast, problem-free experience—especially if you’re a member of the frequent rental program, where you can usually just walk straight out to the lot to your car and drive off without ever speaking to an agent. National gets extra kudos for its industry-leading Emerald Aisle car selection, although Hertz is showing a lot of promise with its Ultimate Choice service. You’ll often pay a premium (but not always) at these companies.

Tier 2

The Tier 2 companies represent a solid value. Most are run pretty smoothly, though you may encounter a hard sell for extra options like insurance or upgrades from highly-commissioned sales agents, fees even for spouses to drive, and lines can sometimes be long at peak times. You should join the company’s frequent renter program to minimize the wait.

Cars are generally of good quality and often shared with their respective Tier 1 brands (all of the second-tier brands are owned by the same larger companies as the top-tier brands). Rentals at Tier 2 corporate locations are generally unmemorable (but in the rental industry, unmemorable is a good thing), while the service level at franchises can vary. For renters trying to balance price and experience, Tier 2 is a good compromise.

A special note about Enterprise: Enterprise is routinely ranked at the very top of rental car rating by JD Power, Consumer Reports, Travel + Leisure and others. However, especially at off-airport, neighborhood locations, we have heard about—and experienced ourselves—reports of:

• Lengthy pick-up lines
• Extremely pushy sales agents
• Sketchy car availability. Plan to drive a car that’s seen better days, significantly larger (or smaller) than you reserved, and given to you with barely a quarter tank of gas (which you’ll have to return at the same level).

Yet one thing Enterprise gets right is customer service. Their overly-highly-motivated cadre of all-college-graduates does a good job of taking ownership of issues and making sure you’re “completely satisfied.” That’s the key to its success in the rankings.

Tier 3

The Tier 3 brands are smaller players in the market and often cater towards the extreme discount seeker. Along with their low rates, though, comes a mixed experience with lots of restrictions. Expect longer lines, older vehicles in mediocre condition, a shuttle to your vehicle in many locations (instead of being on-site at the airport), an extremely hard sell for extra options and other sometimes onerous limitations. Beware that they are often sticklers for damage, even though the car might have a ton of pre-existing damage.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Come prepared with a printout of your reservation from the rental company’s own website, just say no to extra options, check your rental contract carefully before you leave the rental counter, and don’t hesitate to ask to speak to a manager if your total price is different than reserved, and you’ll probably be fine with a Tier 3 company.

Tier 4

We created a separate Tier 4 after hearing complaint after complaint after complaint about these companies. While they may offer what looks like a great price, be aware that you run the risk of an unsatisfactory experience.

Related:

• The Best Car Rental Companies at Airports
• How Are Car Rental Companies Rated?

The post AutoSlash’s Ultimate Rental Car Ratings for 2022 appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/autoslashs-ultimate-rental-car-rankings-for-2022/

5 Tricks to Snagging an Economical Vehicle Rental Every Time

Looking for the secret to a cheap rental car? Follow these insider tips and you’ll never overpay again.

The Golden Rules of Scoring a Cheap Car Rental

Take advantage of membership discounts and coupons.

Do you have a Costco, AAA, AARP, or USAA membership? The discount codes for these organizations regularly offer excellent rates. It can be worth paying their annual fees just for access to cheap rental cars. Airline frequent flyer programs and even the rental companies’ own loyalty programs, which are all free to join, can also score deep discounts on rental cars. You’ll also find long lists of coupon codes and corporate discounts on various deals sites and even some great ones hidden in plain sight right on the rental companies’ own websites. Others pop up on their social media pages or email newsletters. Between all of these options, it’s not impossible to save 50 percent or more off of retail rental car rates. The downside is that hunting down discounts can feel like a full-time job. When you ask AutoSlash for a quote, we use a system called Coupon ID to automatically scan thousands of discounts and then crunch the numbers to find the very best deals, taking into consideration your memberships and clubs.

Book early and check often.

When is the best time to book your car? As soon as you know your dates. Unlike airline tickets, rental car reservations can usually be canceled without a penalty. So if prices drop—as they often do—there’s no reason you can’t cancel and rebook at a cheaper rate. The best strategy is to book as early as possible, and then keep checking to see if prices go down. Again, it can be a time-sucking chore to constantly check for lower rates so you don’t miss an opportunity to save money. Fortunately, we’re happy to do this for you at no extra cost. After you book your car, ask AutoSlash to track your reservation. We’ll let you know if there’s a price drop.

Check both on and off airport.

Flying in to your destination? An airport rental might be convenient, but it might also be pricey. Taxes at airport locations can push well past 30 percent, and a short bus or Uber ride to a nearby neighborhood rental location could cut your rate in half. But off-airport rates aren’t always cheaper, so it pays to check both.

Say “no, thanks” to extras.

The fastest way to turn a cheap rental car into an expensive one is to add unnecessary extra options. Most rental agents work on commission, and the bulk of profits for a rental car operator come from sales of insurance and services you probably don’t need. So think long and hard before ticking the box on a service that can end up costing as much or more than the rental itself.

If you own a car and have personal auto insurance, it likely also covers rental cars. So you probably don’t need to spend $30 per day on coverage from the rental company. Likewise, check to see what kind of coverage your credit card company offers for rental cars. It’s very likely you are already covered. Belong to AAA? (We recommend membership for the discounts alone.) Membership will cover everything the rental company’s expensive roadside assistance does. Avoid falling for confusing and expensive refueling options—it’s cheaper and just as easy to bring the car back full. Your smartphone works as a GPS, so why spend $15 a day for one from the rental car company? Instead of spending $8 a day for satellite radio, play your own music—or download the TuneIn Radio app and get free access to hundreds of radio stations and podcasts. The bottom line is that you can politely decline anything the agent recommends or even tries to strong-arm you into.

Become a car rental hacking guru.

When all else fails, reach for these tactics from your toolkit:

• Play with your dates and times, adjusting them forward and backward by just a smidge. Even slight tweaks can affect rates significantly. Instead of reserving for your 11:45 pm flight arrival, try checking rates at 12:15 am, as we’ve seen a slight change to a new calendar day drop rates by half.
• Try renting at a car dealership, which can sometimes offer significant savings when rates at the major rental companies are stratospheric or when cars are sold out. This will take some manual hunting on Google or in the Yellow Pages, since dealerships aren’t listed on travel booking sites. On the upside, few other travelers even know this is an option, so there’s a good chance there are cars available at reasonable rates even when other options aren’t.
• Renting in a city? Zipcar’s daily rates aren’t cheap, but when you’re in a sold-out city where everything else is $100 a day, a $74 rental that includes gas and insurance doesn’t look so bad.
• Peer-to-peer car-sharing services like Turo and Getaround work like Airbnb for rental cars. Essentially, you’ll drive someone else’s car. Rates vary (they’re set by the owner of the vehicle) and there are still unsettled questions about risk and insurance, but it’s good to remember that it’s an option.
• Lastly, consider forgoing a car altogether. While this might be easier in New York or Paris than in Peoria, most major and many mid-size cities have functional mass transit, taxis and Uber, which can be easier and maybe even cheaper than renting a car and worrying about parking.

   

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/5-tricks-to-snagging-an-economical-vehicle-rental-every-time/

Best Roadway Trips from Chicago

While many travelers head to Chicago for sightseeing and shopping, the Windy City is also a popular launch pad for road trips that explore the Midwest.

Fabulous Road Trips from Chicago

Door County, Wisconsin

244 miles / 4 hrs. Hop on Interstate 94 (an easy jog from O’Hare) west to Milwaukee, then take I-43 north to the state highways that crisscross through drop-dead-gorgeous Door County. You won’t be able to see all of this 2,000-square-mile peninsula in one day, but you can take in its lighthouses, rocky shorelines, state parks, and quaint roadside cherry stands. If you make it all the way north to Sister Bay, stop at Al Johnson’s Swedish restaurant, which is famous for its Swedish meatballs and goats that love to play on the roof.

Galena, Illinois

164 miles / 3 hrs. Head west on Interstate 90 toward Rockford, and take Highway 20 west until you reach Galena, one of TripAdvisor’s “Top Ten Charming Small Towns.” Stroll along Main Street for unique shops like an eclectic toy store, a root beer soda shop, and a hot sauce emporium with samples that’ll blow smoke out of your ears. In warmer months, consider taking a rafting trip or hike the bluffs nearby. Winter road trippers can hit the slopes at a nearby ski resort.

Saugatuck, Michigan

139 miles / 2 hrs. 45 min. The coast of Lake Michigan boasts many a quaint lakeside town, but Saugatuck is especially picturesque. Interstate 90 (eventually I-94) takes you all the way around the southern edge of Lake Michigan and north to I-196 to the Blue Star Highway. Cross the Kalamazoo River on the only remaining chain-driven ferry in the country, and climb the 302 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead. Run down the dunes to the refreshing water of Oval Beach on the other side, but don’t forget you’ll have to climb back up!

Starved Rock State Park

99 miles / 1 hr. 45 min. Take Interstate 80 West and follow signs along Illinois Highway 178 to the state park. You can hike around dozens of sandstone canyons and hidden waterfalls and, while the forest is stunning in any season, spring’s wildflowers and fall’s vibrant foliage are highlights. If the trails are crowded at Starved Rock, try Matthiessen State Park, just a few miles south. In addition, Matthiessen offers a similar landscape and hiking trails that weave through the canyons and streams.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

85 miles / 1 hr. 30 mins. Less than 90 miles from Chicago, Lake Geneva is a short ride to a destination that feels like a world’s away. Take Interstate 94 West to Kenosha and pick up Wisconsin Highway 50 west. A resort town on an 8-square-mile lake, Lake Geneva is a charming town with a little bit of everything: spas and boutiques; outdoor adventures like canopy tours and boat rentals; and plenty of romantic restaurants and wineries. Walk a section of the 26-mile Lake Geneva Shore Path for quiet contemplation of the views of the lake below. In winter, visit the ice castles for a different kind of wintertime fun.    

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/best-roadway-trips-from-chicago/

Exactly how to Rent a Vintage Car for a Wedding celebration

Last Updated on August 15, 2022 by Kristin

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Planning a picture-perfect wedding? If you’ve spent two seconds on Instagram or Pinterest, you’ve seen the trend: Couples are driving away from the single life in vintage cars and classic hot rods. Want to know how to jump on the trend and rent a vintage car for your own wedding ceremony? Here’s everything you need to know.

Enterprise and Hertz for Exotic Sports Cars

The major rental car companies are not great hunting grounds for vintage cars, but if you are looking for a classic sports car you should check out the Hertz Dream Car Collection. In addition, The Exotic Car Collection by Enterprise is available in select big cities around the country, and offers exclusive makes such as Aston Martin, Jaguar and BMW.

Turo Peer-to-Peer Marketplace for Vintage Cars

If you’re set on having a vintage car for your wedding day, the peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace Turo has a huge selection of vintage vehicles for rent on its easy-to-use website. The site has a similar interface to Airbnb, right down a rating system that shows how many trips each vehicle has taken with customers and a map you can use to find cars in the area.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Car Rental

The easiest way to book a vintage vehicle on Turo is to hit the “more filters” tab to select only vehicles built between a certain range of years (such as 1950-1970). Turo is especially great for car nerds with something specific in mind, as you can also filter the car choices by make. You can expect to pay a hefty fee for the most sought-after vehicles, like the impeccable 1959 Corvette we found priced at $700 a day (including insurance; read AutoSlash’s primer on how it works).

Vinty for Vintage Cars

Vinty is a rental platform specifically designed for special events like weddings and photo shoots. One of the perks is that the price often includes extras such as champagne and “Just Married” signs. The website features options for browsing classic cars in general, or those specifically for weddings. You can search for vehicles to drive yourself or those with drivers available at an hourly rate. Prices vary widely depending on the type of car: a 1955 Rolls Royce for rent in Miami will run you $185 per hour with a driver, whereas a 1938 Rolls Royce Phantom III you can drive yourself in California runs $1,200 per day. In other words, shop around.

DriveShare for Classic Old Cars

DriveShare is a free car-sharing platform with its own app that includes insurance and roadside assistance in its prices. One advantage of this website is its active user community full of car enthusiasts ready to give a personalized touch to the renting experience that can make big events like weddings go more smoothly. For example, the owner of one big-finned 1961 Cadillac convertible in Nevada warns renters that the vehicle can’t handle idling on the Vegas strip for very long, and suggests taking it on longer rides during the day.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Rentals might set you back a few hundred bucks a day, and you should also budget an extra $500 or more for the security deposit on these types of vehicles.

BookAclassic for Vintage Cars

BookAclassic lets you rent vintage cars by the hour with a chauffeur (popular for super old and rare vehicles) or at a daily rate to drive yourself. Like Turo, BookAClassic provides a map of the rentals as well as detailed information about the cars. For example, we found a green 1968 Ford Mustang coupe that revs up to 70mph and can be decorated. One thing to keep in mind is that this website, which has been getting recent press in many European outlets, has fewer U.S. reviews right now than other options.

Related:

• The Lowdown on the Hertz Dream Car Collection
• Should You Buy Car Rental Insurance?

The post How to Rent a Vintage Car for a Wedding appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/exactly-how-to-rent-a-vintage-car-for-a-wedding-celebration/

What to Do if You Obtain a Speeding Up Ticket in a Rental Cars and truck

Last Updated on August 15, 2022 by Rachel

Will the rental car company find out if you get a speeding ticket in a rental car? Probably not. But while you probably won’t see an additional fee from the rental car company, it’s in your interest to pay the fine quickly. Otherwise, you could end up with stiffer fines and, eventually, a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

Speeding Tickets & Moving Violations in a Rental Car

While authorities can trace parking tickets back to the car, speeding and other types of moving violations are not. A moving violation is tied to you, the driver, and your driver’s license. You are responsible for your actions, regardless of whether you are driving your own car, a friend’s car, or a rental car.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

If you get pulled over by a police officer who issues a ticket, you should handle it quickly on your own. Typically, the best thing to do is simply pay the ticket. Somewhere on the ticket there will be a section that details multiple ways to pay the fine. Typically, options include paying by phone and paying online. If at all possible, choose one of these quick fixes and be sure to keep a confirmation.

It’s trickier if you get a ticket in a rental car without even realizing it. These days, many moving violations are charged without the driver’s knowledge, thanks to laser technology and red-light cameras. Since the municipality where the offense took place has no way of knowing who is behind the wheel, it will use a photo of the vehicle’s license plate to track down the car’s owner—which would be the rental car company. You may not even know that you committed the violation at the time when you return the car.

In this case, the rental car company will receive the ticket and then pass that bill to you, along with an administrative fee. In addition, the rental car agency will share your driver’s license information with the authorities.

Unpaid fines will eventually be sent to a collections agency and may even lead to a suspended license. If that happens, you might end up on the rental car company’s dreaded Do Not Rent list.

How to Contest a Speeding Ticket on a Rental Car

If you believe the parking ticket was issued in error, you can contest it directly with the authority that issued it. You won’t be able to resolve a ticket with the rental car company, as it will defer to the municipality. The contact information for the ticket-issuing authority will be on the ticket itself.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

In some municipalities, drivers can contest tickets online. If this option is available, take it. It’s fast, relatively easy and avoids wasting hours of your time.

If there is no online option for disputing a ticket, you can sometimes do it by mail. But be aware that you may have to appear in court or hire a local attorney to appear on your behalf. In this scenario, fighting the fine could end up costing you more than the fine itself.

Related:

• When a Rental Car Company Does a Driver Record Check
• What to Do if You Get a Parking Ticket in a Rental Car

The post What to Do if You Get a Speeding Ticket in a Rental Car appeared first on AutoSlash.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/the-rundown-on-national-emerald-club/

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/what-to-do-if-you-obtain-a-speeding-up-ticket-in-a-rental-cars-and-truck/

The Rundown on National Emerald Club

Last Updated on August 17, 2022 by Michael

Thinking of signing up for the National Emerald Club loyalty program? National is consistently ranked as the best car rental company in the world by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. The company is clearly doing something right. Its free loyalty program delivers an unmatched selection of benefits available from the very first rental.

Tips When Signing Up for National Emerald Club

When you enroll in the program, you will need your driver’s license handy. You’ll provide an email address and phone number, then create a user ID, password and security question.

You will also need a credit card. National does not allow you to sign up for this program with a debit card. If you have a credit card that provides rental car coverage, strongly consider using that credit card. You may enter additional credit cards to your account, if you like.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

You can opt in or out to receiving email receipts and offers from National via email.

Next, you can decide whether to receive rental credits or partner rewards. You earn a free rental day for every seven rental credits. Alternatively, you can earn miles or points with your chosen frequent traveler program on every National Car Rental.

There is an opportunity to note your preferences for insurance coverage in the U.S. and abroad. You can accept or decline the loss damage waiver (LDW), Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and roadside assistance options. If you’re confused about which box to check, consult our Quick Primer on Rental Car Insurance and Ultimate Glossary of Car Rental Terms.

Unsprisingly, there’s also some upsell here. You can purchase optional add-ons such as GPS navigation and National’s fuel service option, but we highly recommend that you do NOT check this box.

There is no opportunity during the enrollment process to decline the Currency Conversion Charge on international rentals, but you should definitely do so at the rental counter.

The Three Levels of National Emerald Club Membership

Everyone starts at the Emerald Club level. Above that, National has two additional tiers: Executive and Executive Elite. These customers with more than 12 rental credits or 40 rental days per year (the stated requirement for Executive) receive an expanded selection of guaranteed upgrades from which to choose. Executive Elites are guaranteed an available vehicle with 24-hour notice.

There’s even a shortcut to Executive status. Some premium credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card and American Express Platinum, offer Emerald Club executive status as a travel benefit. So from day one, a new member can benefit from an expanded vehicle selection and quicker access to free rental days.

Benefits of National Emerald Club Membership

Among other benefits, the base level of Emerald Club allows you to earn free days with National or Enterprise bookings, select your own vehicle from the Emerald Aisle at many airports simply by booking a midsize, bypass the rental car counter, and add a second driver for free.

Emerald Club members have the ability to register additional drivers for free, which is a great perk. Renters who don’t plan in advance sometimes find that the additional driver fee can even exceed the cost of the rental car itself. Even better, National allows you to add up to nine additional family members as drivers. The only provision is that all drivers must be present with IDs and credit cards when the rental commences.

How to Earn Free Rental Days with National Emerald Club

All Emerald Club members earn free rental days. Executive and Executive Elite members earn free rental days more quickly than base Emerald Club members and can reserve a wider range of vehicle types.

Wondering how free rental days work in real life? On a recent holiday trip to Las Vegas, an Executive Elite member was presented with the following pricing. A luxury SUV could be booked with cash for a base rate of $264.00 ($314.99 after taxes and fee) or the same member could redeem a free rental day and drive the same vehicle for just $5.76.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

National can also be used on one-way rentals. Canceled flight or need to get somewhere fast? A free rental day might fix that travel problem for minimal funds.

Want to get even more value from your Emerald Club membership? National also runs a One-Two-Free promotion in the fall and winter that can help customers earn additional free rental days for every two qualifying rentals of two days or more. Credit toward free days can also be earned through activities such as renting for longer periods of time (such as a week) or adding SiriusXM satellite radio to a one-day rental. One-Two-Free award days are in addition to the award days ordinarily earned by Emerald Club members.

Related:

• Who Owns National Car Rental?
• How to Get the Most From the National Car Rental App

The post The Lowdown on National Emerald Club appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/the-rundown-on-national-emerald-club/