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From Travel Strategies
There are a handful of basic things you can do now, to get ready to save time and money later.
- Register for the elite car rental status that comes with your credit cards. If you have a World Elite Mastercard (which are pretty common), an American Express Platinum card, or a Visa Infinite card, you can immediately get elite status with some of the largest car rental companies. But, you will need to call in, or use an online form, to set this up. It is easiest to do so ahead of time, so that you’ll get your elite status benefits on any upcoming rentals. Instant Car Rental Elite Status.
- (possibly) Get a credit card that offers primary rental car insurance. A few credit cards cover any damage to your rental car, without needing to involve your personal auto insurance company. Most other credit cards only offer “secondary” coverage, where you need to first handle the accident through your auto insurance company, and your credit card only covers whatever is left over. Credit Cards That Provide “Primary” Rental Car Coverage.
- Check to see if you there are corporate codes you can use. The company you work for, or some organization you are involved with, may have negotiated rates with one or more car rental companies. In many cases, they will allow you to use these rates for your personal car rental reservations. Take the time now, to find out whether you can do that, and you might be able to get a better rate, the next time you need to rent a car. Use Corporate Car Rental Discounts (If You Can).
- Bookmark a few websites in your browser. There are several useful car rental websites, that you’ll repeatedly want to come back to.
- Autoslash. Often has the lowest car rental rates. It is also one of the best sources of coupon codes that you can add to car rentals, regardless of the site you eventually book your car on.
- Costco Car Rentals. A great place to look for car rentals if you are a Costco member.
- Frequent Flyer Bonuses. The best resource for seeing what frequent flyer promotions are available, when you rent a car.
- Groupon Car Rentals, Retail Me Not Car Rentals. Two good sources for car rental discounts and coupon codes.
- Chase Travel Portal, Citibank Travel Portal. If you have an Ultimate Rewards or ThankYou credit card, these can be good places to check for car rental rates, particularly when normal prices are through the roof.
- Order an E-Z Pass. If you don’t live in an E-Z Pass state, and you occasionally travel to the Northeast, mid-Atlantic or mid-West, you can purchase an E-Z Pass ahead of time, and avoid being ripped off when you use electronic tolls in your rental car. It will take several weeks before you receive your pass in the mail, so order it well before your next trip. Avoid Paying Outrageous Car Rental Toll Surcharges.
We don’t necessarily recommend getting a specific credit card, just to get “primary” rental car coverage. But, you might want several of these credit cards anyway, to take advantage of their other benefits. And ideally, you’d acquire one before your next car rental. If you don’t have a problem with credit, getting additional credit cards just for their travel benefits isn’t a big problem. It won’t destroy your credit rating—it just might improve it. Credit Cards 101.
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