Argus Car Hire

Many travellers wrongly believe that car rental rates are all around the same, whatever time you book and shopping around wastes time.  Rates do vary however, sometimes by a lot, between pick-up times and destinations.

We’ll let you in on a little secret: car hire companies reward renters who are in the know.  Here are a few tips on how to bag a cheap car hire deal.

Avoid Airport Rentals:

Picking-up at the airport is the preferred option for many renters.  You pay for the privilege.  If you’re renting a car as part of a business trip, it’s often just as easy to pick up a car from your downtown hotel as it is from the airport.  Take the bus, train or metro to your hotel and pick up there.  Your wallet will thank you for it.

Hidden Extras:

If the car hire company has to re-fill after you return, you’ll be expected to pay a high cost per gallon.  If possible, ask for the car to be filled up before you leave, and bring it back full of petrol.

Refuse Extra Insurance:

This is probably common knowledge to most people, but once you get to the pick-up counter you’ll find some reps to be too persistent to refuse.  Some may tell you that their insurance closes expensive loopholes, which might not be true in your case.

In a lot of cases, your own car insurance covers rentals as well.  If you’re unsure, it might be worth calling your rental agent.  It might also be work checking whether your credit card company will pay for rental collision coverage.

Tips for Renting in the US:

Most Americans would rather drive a mid-size or a full-size than a compact.  Rental companies are aware of this and usually order more mid-size and full-size vehicles. Consequently, if you book a compact early, you’re more likely to be successful when you ask for an up-grade at the pick-up desk.

Join the Club:

Many car hire companies have loyalty programmes which offer discounts and special offers for members.  Argus Car Hire has its very own called MyArgus.  To join MyArgus click here.

Bookmark: