Secrets of the Car Rental Industry

Revealed by

Reserve, bookmark, check and modify

VroomVroomVroom doesn’t charge any booking or cancellation fees

so you can reserve a vehicle in advance and just replace that if you

see a cheaper deal later on. If you’re lucky, you might avail of their

suppliers’ special which they give out when there is an oversupply of

rental cars.

Avoid Peak RatesMake sure to book a vehicle a few months before an upcoming

holiday like Christmas and Easter because rental cars reach their

peak rates and even get sold out during that time. Avoid modifying

your car rental booking when the holiday season gets closer because

rates are re-calculated thus it could end up being more expensive.

Returning a car hire early can be more expensive

There is often a 7-day rate bracket with suppliers - similar to "weekly"

motel bookings. The 6-day booking is more expensive than a 7-day

booking. Similarly, a "weekend" rental may change to higher rates if it

is not kept over a weekend.

Return a car hire on time

Most suppliers allow a 29-minute grace period. If the rental car is not

back within the grace period, they charge around 1/3 to 1/2 of the

daily rate per hour. All insurances are charged at the full day rate,

even if the vehicle is only 30 minutes past check out time.

Before you grab your car keys and drive your rental car, take time to

check both the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Never accept any

rental car with damage or make sure you inform the supplier if there's

slight damage so you can both put that in writing.

Check for damage upon pickup

Finalize all booking details

Any change such as dropping back early, changing the times or

dropping off at a different location, can mean the suppliers will re-

calculate rates to the time you made the change. With this in mind,

changing the drop off point or return date/time, may increase the final

costings dramatically.

Two-way booking is cheaper

Make sure that you choose the same location for pickup and drop-off

of your vehicle so you can avail of cheaper rates. One-way car rental

booking is more expensive so it is advisable to finalize your location

before booking a rental car.

Have a copy of your booking details

Have the booking confirmation email printed out and carry it with you

when picking-up the car rental. You may also download and save a

copy in your phone or tablet. It is important to have exact details of

your booking on hand in case there are any discrepancies.

There are plenty of traps in the car rental industry

just waiting to catch you out. Don't get caught!

Visit “VroomVroomVroom.com.au/secrets” for

more useful car rental-saving tips.