Visiting friends in Miami the other week, I rented a car at the airport. The gas tank came to me half full – what’s up with that? There was a possibility I could have driven off and not have noticed, paying for the half tank upon my car return without ever having used it. Made me think of my good ol rental car money saving tips:
1) Check the gas tank when you get your rental car – if the tank is not full, tell someone and make sure they put it in writing on your contract that you took the car with a partially full tank. Or – demand another car of the same price to avoid any possible communication errors. Remember – if you have to have the car rental company fill up because you don’ t have time to yourself, it costs a heck of a lot more..which will really burn you up if you are paying that for the gas you didn’t use!
2) Don’ t buy the insurance. It is a great way for the car rental company business to make money, but your home owner’s policy or a credit card you use may cover you.
3) Don’ t forget they may get you with extra fees that you decide upon last minute at the rental car counter – i.e. a car seat, or additional driver fees. And the taxes can be ridiculous.