Do You Need an International Driving License?

Last Updated on September 26, 2022 by Michael

Do you travel internationally? If you plan to rent a car overseas, your trusty state driver’s license may not get you very far.

Before you leave home, get an International Driving Permit (IDP), a valid form of identification in 150 countries that translates your information into multiple languages. An IDP always speaks the language, even if you don’t.

The IDP is not a driver’s license. This small paper booklet simply serves as a translation of your valid U.S.-issued driver’s license. It contains your name, photo and typical driver information. Information appears in 10 languages—which is key if you are ever have to present your ID in a foreign country.

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The International Driving Permit has been around since the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Travel, which set up a framework to issue driving licenses in many languages. When driving outside your own country, you carry this permit along with your regular driver’s license as a legal pairing of identity-proving documentation.

Countries That Require an International Driving Permit

In general, if you are traveling outside of North America, it’s usually a good idea to get an IDP. In some countries in South America, you’ll need an IADP. Before your trip, check the list of countries on the application form to see which permit you need.

Renting a Car in Europe: Get an IDP

A few English-speaking European countries—England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland—recognize U.S. driver’s licenses. But most other popular European destinations such as Italy, France, Germany, and Spain require that you also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your regular driver’s license.

In addition, rental car companies outline license requirements in their booking conditions and rules. You provide this information before completing the reservation, but many renters don’t read them. If you’re renting overseas, it always pays to read the fine print.

Note that if you rent a car in the U.K. but drive through the Eurotunnel to mainland Europe, you will need an IDP. You, the renter, are responsible for staying within the laws of any countries you visit. You don’t want to be at a traffic stop in a foreign country where your U.S.-issued driver’s license is not valid on its own.

Renting a Car in South America: Get an IADP or IDP

Heading to South America? You may be better off with the IADP (Inter-American Driving Permit). While the IDP is accepted in more than 150 countries around the world, some countries in South America—most notably Brazil and Uruguay—never signed onto the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Travel. Those countries only accept the less common IADP.

Renting a Car in Asia: Get an IDP

Renting a car in Asia? An IDP is required in popular destinations such as Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia and Laos.

Note that China never signed onto the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Travel. Americans cannot rent a car in China without first getting a Chinese driver’s license.

How to Get an International Driver’s License

In the United States, there are only two automobile associations authorized to issue an International Driving Permit (IDP) or Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP):

• AAA (American Automobile Association)
• AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)

Don’t be fooled by scammers. Only the AAA and the AATA can issue IDPs and IADPs, and only in the country of residence. In other words, you need to obtain the permit before your trip.

FAQs for Getting an International Driver’s License

How much does it cost to acquire an IDP or IADP? You’ll need to get passport-size photos plus pay a fee of $20 for either type of permit.

Do you need to take a test to get an IDP or IADP? An IDP or IADP is not a driver’s license, merely a translation of your license. No written or driving skill test is required.

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How long is an IDP or IADP valid? Both types of permit are valid for one year.

What is the minimum age for an IDP? You must also be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid drivers license issued by a state or territory of the United States.

What are other requirements for getting an IDP? Your U.S.-issued license must be valid for at least six months from the issue date of your IDP. So if your license is going to expire within six months, you’ll need to renew it before applying for an international driving permit.

Related:

• Can You Drive a Rental Car Across a Border in Europe?
• Tips for Renting a Car in Italy

The post Do You Need an International Driving Permit? appeared first on AutoSlash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the biggest car-rental company?

Hertz Corporation is America's largest car rental agency. It was founded by Harry Hertz in 1919 as the Hertz Corporation.

Hertz Corporation owns over 6,000 locations in North America. Hertz Corporation also owns other businesses like hotels, financial service providers, and automotive parts manufacturing.

Today, there are almost 4,000,000 employees around the globe.

Can I rent car in the US from another country?

You cannot rent a car in the United States if you aren't an American citizen. You may be eligible for a visa waiver program for certain nations. Additional requirements include valid documentation such a passport, proof of insurance, and other requirements. This topic is further covered on the DHS site.

What is the best way to rent a car for Portugal?

Portugal has an international driving permit that is required for renting a car. To pay for the car, you must also show proof of insurance.

A rental company may ask for your passport/national ID card to confirm your booking.

Portugal requires that you show two forms or identification to rent a car.

These documents are required to ensure compliance with European Union road safety regulations. You may not be allowed to drive the vehicle if you are unsure of your identity.

If you do NOT have an International Driving License, you will need to obtain a translated copy from the Driver Licensing Authority of your home country.

This document should be translated into Portuguese and accompanied by all necessary documentation. The cost of this document can vary depending on your location, but it usually costs between $20-30 USD.

If you don't provide a copy or official translation, you could be denied access.

Which car rental company has more locations?

Hertz was the obvious answer but they are not listed in the service provider directory as a location-based provider.

Do I need separate car insurance to drive in Europe?

While driving abroad, you may consider taking out additional cover for other drivers on your policy if your current insurer does not cover them.

This is because there may well be different rules regarding who is liable when an accident occurs between two cars from different countries.

If you do decide to purchase this additional coverage, make sure that you carefully read the small print.

Also, check whether your existing policy covers overseas trips. This is what's commonly known as an "extended Warranty" and you may find it more cost-effective to purchase it individually.

Statistics

• You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
• For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day's trip cost. (insider.com)
• I'd say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
• American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
• The perks vary from partner to partner, but you can expect discounts of up to 35 percent on some rentals and the ability to earn anywhere from 50 bonus American AAdvantage miles per day or 500 per rental. (afar.com)

External Links

jdpower.com

• 2021 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study
  
• 2019 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study | J.D. Power
  

autoslash.com

• AutoSlash: The #1 Website for Cheap Car Rentals
  

alamo.com

• Alamo Rent a Car - Cheap Car Rentals in the U.S.A, Latin America & More
  
• Alamo Insiders – Alamo rent a car
  

avis.com

• Book Online Now & Save: Avis Car Hire
  

How To

10 Tips on How to Rent a Car Cheapest

Renting a car is one of the cheapest ways to travel around your town. Online and offline, there are many different services available. You should be aware of the type of service offered by each company before you rent a car. You can choose private cars, vans, minivans, SUVs, luxury cars, etc. Some companies even offer special rates if two people are traveling together. Check out reviews of the companies before you make a decision on which one to rent from. You can save money by booking your rental car at least a month in advance. You won't have to pay any extra for booking last-minute. It is always a good idea to compare prices between different companies.

Check to make sure the company has an insurance policy.

If you are going to drive yourself, make sure you have enough gas. Many companies charge higher per gallon rates. You might find yourself stuck in traffic jams if you drive outside major cities. You might consider public transport in this situation. However, it would be easier to take a taxi or a shuttle van if you have a lot of luggage. You need to make sure that you only hire a reputable company if your plan is to use a taxi. Ask for references and review customer experiences.

When renting a car, you will usually be limited in mileage. Check your contract carefully and ask whether you can exceed the miles allowed. You should understand the cost of each mile.

Most companies permit you to use the GPS navigation system at no cost, but you may need to pay additional for satellite radio.

Remember that your vehicle may not be available for return until certain hours. It is important to not leave anything valuable in the vehicle.

Your driver's permit, credit card and passport are necessary to obtain the rental car. Fill out all paperwork correctly. You will be emailed a confirmation email shortly after. It contains details about the pickup day and time. Follow the instructions and drive the car safely after you have picked it up.

Make sure you park your rental car safely once you reach your destination. Many companies require you to drop off the keys at the office. The receipt is handy in case you misplace something while driving. When you're done, go back to the office and give the receipt and all your documents. Now you are free to enjoy your vacation!

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/do-you-need-an-international-driving-license/

Can You Use Your E-ZPass in a Rental Car?

Last Updated on September 24, 2022 by Chris

You never want pay more than you have to for a rental car. Does your route include a lot of toll roads? There’s no reason to pay through the nose for the rental company’s expensive toll pass. If you have your own E-ZPass transponder, just bring it along.

That’s especially good advice in a time when you may end up unknowingly driving on a toll roll. In states like New York, for example, toll plazas are disappearing. They are being replaced by cashless toll overpasses that record your car as you drive underneath.

Who Pays for Tolls in a Rental Car?

You will always end up paying a price if you drive on toll roads in a rental car. If you don’t bring your own transponder, you have three options and none of them are good.

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Pay a daily fee to use the rental car company’s toll pass. This is expensive, since you will pay a daily use fee for the pass plus the cost of the tolls.

Drive through the toll plaza without stopping. This option is even worse, as you’ll pay a huge penalty on top of the cost of the tolls.

Stop and pay cash every time. It’s not easy to pay as you go, since more and more toll roads are converting to all-electronic tolling. And who wants to wait in a long line of traffic to pay a toll, anyway?

Where Do You Need E-ZPass?

There are three major groups of toll agencies around the country. In addition, a few states run their own toll programs independent of any reciprocal affiliation with other states.

If you bring your own toll transponder, tolls are billed to your account at each electronic toll plaza. Better yet, you’ll often get to take advantage of discounted tolls for paying electronically. If you use the rental company’s pass, you will pay the higher rate plus the daily fee.

The largest toll consortium, E-ZPass, oversees basically every toll from Illinois to Florida and up to Maine. That’s the entire Northeast, most of the Southeast coast and a good chunk of the Great Lakes region. An E-ZPass transponder is typically a plastic box mounted to your windshield with Velcro. In other words, it’s portable and easy to use in any other car.

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Renting a car in the E-ZPass region? The vehicle will likely have a plastic E-ZPass transponder mounted on the windshield. Very likely, it is mounted in a lead-lined box that can be opened and closed. To use your personal transponder instead, just make sure the box in the rental car is closed. Then hold your personal transponder up to the windshield whenever you go through a toll plaza. You can use the Express or E-ZPass Only lanes just as you normally would.

How to Use Your E-Z Pass in a Rental Car

Technically, you’re supposed to add the rental car’s license plate to your E-ZPass account. In our experience, you don’t have to. Just make sure you firmly hold your transponder up to the center of your windshield. If for some reason the toll plaza doesn’t read your transponder, it’ll bill the rental car company anyway.

Don’t own a transponder and like the idea of having your own? It’s cheap and easy (and sometimes even free) to get your own, no matter where you live. We often recommend ordering an E-ZPass transponder from Massachusetts, since there is no monthly fee. In addition, the cost of the transponder gets credited to your account and made available for tolls.

For even more flexibility, we recommend the North Carolina Quick Pass E-ZPass. Although it costs a few dollars to order, it works for virtually every toll east of the Mississippi River that accepts E-ZPass or Florida SunPass.

Related:

• What Happens if You Get an E-ZPass Violation in a Rental Car
• How to Avoid Toll Surcharges When Renting a Car

The post Can You Use Your E-ZPass in a Rental Car? appeared first on AutoSlash.

Did you miss our previous article...
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Cheap Auto Rentals for Motorists Under 25

Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Michael

Car rentals for drivers under 25 usually mean sky-high prices thanks to onerous young renter fees. The good news is that AutoSlash has your back. We can help you avoid young renter fees and make sure you don’t overpay for a rental car.

Note: At the outset of the coronavirus pandemic last spring, several rental car companies stepped up with temporary promotions to waive young renter fees. This is a big deal, since young renter fees can be $30 per day.

Car Rental Fees for Young Drivers

A young renter fee (also called an under-25 fee or underage fee) is a daily fee that compensates the rental car company for the extra risk posed by young renters. Multiple studies show that drivers under the age of 25 are a riskier class of drivers.

Car rentals for drivers under 25 are not cheap. Young renter fees can range from $19 to $57 per day, depending on the rental car company. In many cases, the young renter fee can cost more than the rate itself. This daily fee is then subjected to taxes, which makes it a fee we hope you can avoid.

• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Dollar
• Enterprise
• Fox
• Hertz
• National
• Payless
• Sixt
• Thrifty

Car Rental Young Renter Fees by State

Most rental car companies will only rent to drivers 21 and older, but there are exceptions. Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty set the minimum age to rent a car at 20, while Fox Rent a Car requires drivers to be 19 or older.

Two states, Michigan and New York, require companies to rent to drivers 18 and older, but car rental companies have discretion on the fee. At Alamo, for example, the fee for drivers under 21 is a hefty $57 per day, plus tax, in addition to the rental car cost. So a 20-year old renting an Alamo vehicle at New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is going to pay $75.91 in young renter fees (and associated taxes) per day, on top of the rental rate.

The exceptions are Michigan and New York, where the minimum rental age is 18. The other exception is that U.S. government employees and military personnel can rent at 18 if they are able to show official orders at the rental location.

Gen Z drivers in major metro areas should also take a look at Kyte, the first rental company to offer door-to-door delivery service on both ends of your trip. While you need to be 25 years old to rent with Kyte in most areas, there are exceptions. Boston-area residents aged 21 to 25 can rent with no underage surcharge which is a nice win. In New York City, drivers as young as 18 can rent, and Kyte recently dropped both its steep $120-per-day surcharge for drivers ages 18 to 20, and the $45-per-day charge for drivers ages 21 to 25. And it gets better. Kyte has also introduced Kyte for University for drivers under 25 renters in California, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Washington D.C., which waives the underage fee for college students with an .edu email address.

Rental Cars Off Limits to Young Drivers

For car rentals for drivers under 25, the categories are often limited. Default car categories (economy, compact, intermediate, standard, and full-size) are usually permissible while sports cars, exotic cars, premium, and luxury vehicles are typically off-limits. Only two companies (Payless and Sixt) explicitly allow young renters to rent minivans.

Car Rental Requirements for Drivers Under 25

To rent a car, you need to meet all of the rental car company’s driver qualifications. This includes having a valid driver’s license, credit card in the driver’s name with enough credit available for the vehicle along with any deposits, and authorizations for additional services. Procuring a credit card is a challenge for the youngest renters after the Credit CARD Act of 2009 placed restrictions on issuing credit cards to those under the age of 21. Paying for a rental car with a debit card may be possible but comes with a multitude of restrictions and requirements.

Memberships That Save Young Drivers Money

Rental car companies are in it to make a profit, so if a customer isn’t exempt from a fee, the company will impose it. The single best method for minimizing a rental car bill is avoiding these fees through memberships.

AAA Membership

Hertz created a Young Driver Fee Waiver for AAA members aged 20 to 24. In addition to waiving the Young Renter Fee with rentals from Hertz, AAA membership also provides the Roadside Protection Services and offers family rates where younger drivers can be added for a minimal cost. The reservation must be booked under the AAA rate code to be eligible for the fee waiver. This fee waiver is not global; it’s available only in the U.S. and Canada.

Better yet, Hertz recently lowered the minimum age to rent a vehicle to 18 in the U.S., except Alabama and Nebraska where the minimum age to rent is 19. Hertz also lowered the minimum age for enrollment for its Gold Plus Rewards Program to 18 years old. This means it makes even more sense for 20 year olds to rent through Hertz since they can both avoid the underage fee and also skip the counter.

USAA Membership

Membership in the USAA is consistently a good deal for service members (and family members of service members) between the ages of 18 and 24. The fee waivers at Avis, Budget and Hertz for USAA members starts at age 18, while the fee waiver at Enterprise starts at the age of 21.

As with the AAA rate, a reservation must be booked under the USAA rate to be eligible for the fee waiver; membership alone isn’t enough, USAA benefits are also only valid within the United States.

Underage fees for car rentals are expensive, and AutoSlash wants to help young renters avoid them whenever possible. Our chart explains the basics.

Age	Program	Rental Car Company
Under 18	Not Possible	None
18	USAA	Avis, Budget, Hertz
19	USAA	Avis, Budget, Hertz
20	USAA	Avis, Budget, Hertz
20	AAA	Hertz
21 – 24	AAA	Hertz
21 – 24	USAA	Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz

How Drivers Under 25 Can Waive Fees

Federal Employees and Active-Duty Military

Active duty military and federal employees on orders may rent at Alamo, Avis, National, and Enterprise starting at the age of 18 without a Young Renter fee. However, vehicles booked by an individual on government orders is likely booked through a service like Defense Travel System (DTS).

If you are active-duty military not traveling on orders, join USAA immediately. You’ll be entitled to a young renter fee waiver starting at age 18 (with Hertz) and with four more companies once you turn 21. USAA members also receive an insurance benefit on their rentals at the four main providers.

Insurance Replacement Rentals

If you need a replacement car after an accident, some rental car companies will waive fees for young renters. However, this depends on whether your insurance company has negotiated favorable rates with the rental car companies.

Employer Negotiated Rates

Car rentals for drivers under 25 can also be more affordable if the renter is doing company business. The rules and eligibility of those reservations are controlled by agreements between corporations and individual rental car companies.

Limited-Time and Uncertain Exceptions

From time-to-time, limited-time exceptions to the young rental fee also arise. Dollar and Hertz have both been known to cut down fees temporarily, especially at the beginning of calendar years. In addition, the Hertz Gold Family program (as of January 2017) appears to waive the underage fee on rentals in Canada. A caveat: The ability to waive the underage fee on U.S. rentals was recently removed, so we fear the dissolution of this program.

Related:

• Here’s How Old You Need to Be to Rent a Car
• Should You Buy Car Rental Insurance?

The post Cheap Car Rentals for Drivers Under 25 appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/cheap-auto-rentals-for-motorists-under-25/

Chicago O'Hare International Airport Terminal (ORD) Auto Rental Overview

Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Kristin

Need a Chicago airport car rental? It may not be the largest airport in America anymore, but Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is once again the busiest, having surpassed Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson in flight traffic last year.

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O’Hare has four terminals—1, 2, 3 and 5. There is no Terminal 4. (There once was a Terminal 4 for international flights but that building is now the airport’s shuttle bus depot.) Among the quartet of existing terminals, Terminal 5 serves international flights while Terminals 1 through 3 serve domestic travel and are connected to each other. The largest, Terminal 3, includes four separate concourses.

Rental Cars at ORD Airport

Need to pick up a rental car? From the lower-level baggage claim area, you can catch a 24-hour shuttle from the curb. The digital display on the bus will read: “Rental Cars / Parking Lot F.” Each terminal has designated areas for drop-off and pick-up. From there, the buses go to O’Hare’s Multi-Modal Facility, a one-stop-shop for all the major rental car companies at the airport.

There are 12 rental car companies operating at the Multi-Modal Facility:

Alamo Rent a Car (833) 863-1447

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: 10255 West Zemke Blvd., Chicago. The Multi-Modal Facility is located on the southeast corner of Zemke Blvd. and Mannheim Rd. As you approach the building, look for the blue sign pointing to the rental car return area. Once inside the garage, follow the signs for Alamo.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Check Airfare Prices on Priceline

Avis Rent a Car (773) 825-4600

Preferred Services: Change your pre-selected vehicle in the Select & Go Exchange Area or pick a nicer car in the Select & Go Upgrade Area. Prices are on the cars’ hangtags.
Return Location: 10255 West Zemke Blvd., Chicago. The Multi-Modal Facility is located on the southeast corner of Zemke Blvd. and Mannheim Rd. As you approach the building, look for the blue sign pointing to the rental car return area. Once inside the garage, follow the signs for Avis.
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 (773) 894-1900

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: 10255 West Zemke Blvd., Chicago. The Multi-Modal Facility is located on the southeast corner of Zemke Blvd. and Mannheim Rd. As you approach the building, look for the blue sign pointing to the rental car return area. Once inside the garage, follow the signs for Budget. 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 (877) 283-0898

Return Location: 10255 West Zemke Blvd., Chicago. The Multi-Modal Facility is located on the southeast corner of Zemke Blvd. and Mannheim Rd. As you approach the building, look for the blue sign pointing to the rental car return area. Once inside the garage, follow the signs for Dollar.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

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Enterprise Rent-a-Car (833) 856-0900

Return Location: 10255 West Zemke Blvd., Chicago. The Multi-Modal Facility is located on the southeast corner of Zemke Blvd. and Mannheim Rd. As you approach the building, look for the blue sign pointing to the rental car return area. Once inside the garage, follow the signs for Enterprise.
Location Hours: Location open daily 5 am-12 am. For drop-offs outside these hours, leave keys in the dropbox.

Fox Rent a Car (312) 741-0788

Return Location: 10256 West Zemke Blvd., Chicago. The Multi-Modal Facility is located on the southeast corner of Zemke Blvd. and Mannheim Rd. As you approach the building, look for the blue sign pointing to the rental car return area. Once inside the garage, follow the signs for Fox Rent a Car.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Hertz (773) 481-2400

Available Services: Self-service kiosks
Preferred Services: Gold Canopy Service, Gold Choice, and Prestige Service are available.
Return Location: 10255 West Zemke Blvd., Chicago. The Multi-Modal Facility is located on the southeast corner of Zemke Blvd. and Mannheim Rd. As you approach the building, look for the blue sign pointing to the rental car return area. Once inside the garage, follow the signs for Hertz.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

National (833) 856-0901

Preferred Services: Emerald Aisle and Drop & Go are available.
Return Location: 10255 West Zemke Blvd., Chicago. The Multi-Modal Facility is located on the southeast corner of Zemke Blvd. and Mannheim Rd. As you approach the building, look for the blue sign pointing to the rental car return area. Once inside the garage, follow the signs for National.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Payless Car Rental (224) 220-0604

Return Location: 10255 West Zemke Blvd., Chicago. The Multi-Modal Facility is located on the southeast corner of Zemke Blvd. and Mannheim Rd. As you approach the building, look for the blue sign pointing to the rental car return area. Once inside the garage, follow the signs for Payless.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 6 am-11 pm.

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Routes Car Rental (847) 671-4000

Return Location: 3901 Mannheim Rd, Schiller Park. The Multi-Modal Facility is located on the southeast corner of Zemke Blvd. and Mannheim Rd. As you approach the building, look for the blue sign pointing to the rental car return area. Once inside the garage, follow the signs for Routes Car Rental.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

Sixt Rent a Car (312) 429-1140

Return Location: 10255 West Zemke Blvd., Chicago. The Multi-Modal Facility is located on the southeast corner of Zemke Blvd. and Mannheim Rd. As you approach the building, look for the blue sign pointing to the rental car return area. Once inside the garage, follow the signs for Sixt.
Location Hours: Location open daily 5 am-12 am. Outside of business hours, return your car to Sixt return area on level 2 of the Rental Car Center. Lock the vehicle and deposit the key in the dropbox next to the Sixt booth.

Thrifty Car Rental (877) 283-0898

Return Location: 10255 West Zemke Blvd., Chicago. The Multi-Modal Facility is located on the southeast corner of Zemke Blvd. and Mannheim Rd. As you approach the building, look for the blue sign pointing to the rental car return area. Once inside the garage, follow the signs for Thrifty.
Location Hours: Location is open 24/7.

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

Related:

• The Best Hotels on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile
• The Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Chicago
• How to Find Cheap Parking in Chicago
• Which Toll Pass is Best for Your Chicago Car Rental
• Best Road Trips from Chicago

The post Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Car Rental Guide appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/chicago-ohare-international-airport-terminal-ord-auto-rental-overview/

What Takes place if You Obtain an E-ZPass Violation in a Rental Cars and truck

Last Updated on September 19, 2022 by Kristin

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Did you get an E-ZPass violation in a rental car? Getting stuck with a toll violation in a rental car can be a pricey addition to your trip. That’s because the violation will be sent directly to the rental car company. You’ll be billed for the toll and penalty fee, and the rental car company will charge an additional admin fee.

Violations have a nasty way of snowballing. For example, the Chicago Skyway toll in Illinois is $5.30 for a passenger car. If you pay your violation within seven days, that’s all you owe. But the rental car company might not even pass on the violation notice within that week. And if you don’t pay within seven days, the cost jumps to over $30 for the violation and collection fee. Expect an other fee on top of that from your rental car company.

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There are several reasons you can get a toll violation, some of which are less obvious than others. Plan ahead and be sure not to make any of these mistakes.

Common E-ZPass Violations

Toll Evasion: This is probably what you think of when you hear “toll violation,” and it’s pretty straightforward. Toll evasion occurs when you drive through a lane without paying and without a valid E-ZPass tag mounted in your vehicle.

Be aware that it’s getting easier to end up unknowingly driving on a toll roll. In states like New York, for example, toll plazas are disappearing. They are being replaced by cashless toll overpasses that record your car as you drive underneath.

Insufficient Funds: When your account is below zero and you travel through an EZPass Only lane. This could be because you forgot to reload your account funds. Or it could be because your credit card on file is no longer valid. Be sure to check your account balance before you hit the road in a rental car with your own transponder.

Transponder Error: You could get stuck with a toll violation if your transponder isn’t properly mounted in your vehicle. In addition, something may be blocking the transponder signal.

Class Mismatch: When your E-ZPass tag designating the vehicle class does not match the vehicle you are driving, it’s a violation. This is unlikely, but if you plan to switch your transponder between multiple vehicles or to a rental car, just make sure they’re in the same vehicle class.

Speeding: When you travel through the E-ZPass lane at a speed in excess of the posted limit, you can snag yourself a violation. While many electronic toll plazas don’t even require you to slow down anymore, keep an eye on posted speed limits to make sure you don’t end up in trouble. Common lane speeds are 5 mph and 20 mph.

How to Avoid E-ZPass Toll Violations

Bring your own transponder. If you have an E-ZPass transponder on your car at home, bring it along to save money and a lot of hassles. Most electronic toll systems use the car’s license plate as a backup if the transponder can’t be read properly, so if you’re using your own transponder, consider logging on to your E-ZPass account online to add your rental car license plate to your account. Just don’t forget to remove it when your trip is over.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Use cash toll lanes. While electronic-only toll plazas are becoming more common, you’ll still find cash toll lanes in many states. TollGuru can help you find routes with cash toll lanes in addition to E-ZPass or other transponder lanes.

Map out your route to avoid tolls. It may seem like tolls are everywhere, but they can often be avoided. You might add some time to your trip, but you’ll save money, avoid traffic, and get to enjoy the scenic route. Use a navigation app like Waze to find a toll-less route.

If you decide to travel on toll roads, use a toll calculator to estimate your costs before your trip.

Do your homework on your rental company’s toll policy. Some rental car companies charge a steep daily fee if you opt to rent their transponder, while others offer reasonable rates if you simply can’t avoid electronic toll plazas. It’s a safer bet to opt for the daily toll fee than to risk paying a pricey fine after the fact. Silvercar is one brand known for fair toll rates with a one-time admin fee, rather than a daily rate that adds up over the course of your rental.

Pay for tolls online. 

We hope this option becomes more widely available across the United States. If you’re driving a rental car in New York state, there is a handy website that lets you pay your tolls instead of being charged extra fees by the rental company. Taking advantage of this service is simple. Just drive through an E-Z Pass toll lane without stopping. If your rental vehicle is equipped with an E-Z Pass transponder on the windshield, be sure to keep the box closed so the tolls do not go directly to the rental company, which they will pay and then charge you a “convenience fee.”

Within 48 hours of traversing your first toll, head to the Tolls by Mail website to enter in the license plate of your rental vehicle as well as the start and end dates/times of your rental along with your credit card information. It’s a simple process. As long as you sign up within the 48-hour window, the tolls should get charged to your credit card and let you sidestep the rental car company’s convenience fee.

We also know of a similar pay-by-mail option for Illinois and Pennsylvania.

How to Dispute an E-ZPass Toll Violations

Be forewarned that disputing an E-ZPass violation is a bureaucratic nightmare. It requires writing a letter sent to an E-Z Customer Service Center within 180 days of the disputed charge. You may need to contact multiple agencies that handle E-ZPass on different roadways or bridges, and each will likely have a different collection agency.

Related:

• Can You Use Your E-ZPass in a Rental Car?
• Dos and Don’ts for Dealing With Rental Car Tolls

The post What Happens if You Get an E-ZPass Violation in a Rental Car appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/what-takes-place-if-you-obtain-an-e-zpass-violation-in-a-rental-cars-and-truck/

Exactly how to Snag The Very Best Vehicle Rental Discounts

Last Updated on September 19, 2022 by Elizabeth

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Wondering where and when to find the best auto rental discounts? The best strategy is to book an auto rental, then track for price drops until you pick up the car.

Most renters save 30% simply by tracking their reservation.

How to Get the Best Auto Rental Discounts

There are generally two kinds of auto rental discounts. The first is offered by the rental car companies for meeting a specific criteria. For example, you might get a discount for booking for a certain length of time. Sometimes that’s a week or a weekend. You might get a discount if you are in a certain age group—like if you are a senior. There can also be auto rental discounts for certain locations. These discounts are typically available through coupon codes. If you apply the code to your rental reservation, you’ll get the discount.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Auto Rental

Another type of discount is a benefit through membership in an organization that has partnered with a rental car company. For instance, members of AAA, AARP and USAA can often land a discount simply by using the organization’s discount code. If you belong to discount shopping clubs like Costco or BJs, you can also get discounts at certain rental car firms.

To get the very best possible rate, empty your arsenal to find the biggest discounts for your specific rental needs. This homework can be time consuming if you do it on your own. But if you ask AutoSlash for a quote, we’ll factor in the best discounts and coupons from auto rental companies plus all of your eligible memberships when we search the Internet. Sometimes your membership will deliver the best rate, another time we may find a better deal with a coupon code, and sometimes we’ll be able to find a low rate through a combination of the two types of discounts.

But booking your car rental at a low rate is just step one.

How to Track Your Reservation for Price Drops

Like airfares and hotel rates, auto rental rates are always going up and down based on supply and demand. So it’s very possible to book a rental car on a Wednesday and find out that there was an even better rate available by the time you picked up the car on Saturday.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Auto Rental for Price Drops

It can be a major headache to watch for price drops from the time you make the reservation until the time you pick up your car. Happily, it takes only a few moments to ask AutoSlash to track your reservation. We’ll stay glued to fluctuations of rates and discounts and, if we find you a better deal before you pick up your rental car, we’ll shoot you an email so that you can rebook at the lower price. This service is 100% free.

Tracking your reservation is a no-brainer, since AutoSlash customers save an average of 30 percent on rates simply by asking us to track for price drops.

Getting the best rate on an auto rental is a two-step process: Book a reservation using the best discounts available on the Internet and then track your reservation for price drops.

Related:

• This Clever Car Rental Hack Can Drop Your Price in a Snap

The post How to Snag The Best Auto Rental Discounts appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/exactly-how-to-snag-the-very-best-vehicle-rental-discounts/

Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu Airport Terminal (HNL) Automobile Rental Overview

Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Kristin

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Need a Honolulu airport car rental? Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the main gateway to Honolulu and to the Hawaiian island of Oahu. One of the 30 busiest airports in the United States, the airport is located three miles northwest of downtown Honolulu.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is divided into three terminals. A and B gates are located in Terminal 1, while C, D, E, F and G gates are in Terminal 2. In addition, the smaller Terminal 3 is used for inter-island flights within Hawaii. Passengers can walk or use shuttle buses to get from one terminal to another.

Rental Cars at HNL Airport

On-site rental cars at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) are located inside the Terminal 2 parking garage on the ground level. From baggage claim, walk or take a shuttle to the Terminal 2 parking garage just across from the airport’s main ticketing lobby beyond the pickup and dropoff area.

Note that while Enterprise is technically located on-airport, the office is actually located on Aolele St. away from the main terminals, and requires a short shuttle ride to get there. From baggage claim, follow the signs to the shuttle pick up area just outside on the center median with the blue and white striped curb. The Enterprise shuttles run every 7-10 minutes.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

There are six on-site rental car companies at the airport:

Avis (808) 834-5536

Preferred Services: Avis Preferred
Return Location: 300 Rodgers Blvd., Honolulu. Put the address in your GPS. After you enter the airport campus, then look for yellow signs to the rental car return area.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 4:30 am-10 pm. After-hour returns are not available.

Budget 808-836-1700

Preferred Services: Proceed to the Fastbreak booth in the Budget parking deck. Locate your name on the display and proceed to the area listed, from which any car may be chosen. Choose your vehicle, proceed to the exit booth, present your driver’s license to Budget agent.
Return Location: 300 Rodgers Blvd., Honolulu. Put the address in your GPS. After you enter the airport campus, then look for yellow signs to the rental car return area.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 4:30 am-10 pm. After-hour returns are not available.

Enterprise (844) 913-0737

Available Services: Self-service kiosks
Return Location: 3255 Aolele St., Honolulu. Put the address in your car’s GPS. Note that Enterprise is not located with the other on-airport car rental companies. Instead, you’ll find Enterprise at the intersection of Aolele Street and Aolewa Place. A shuttle bus will take you to your airport terminal.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 7 am -7 pm. For after-hours returns, place keys in drop box located in front of return lane under National sign. (Enterprise and National are sister brands, owned by the same company.)

Hertz: (808) 837-7100

Preferred Services: Gold Counter and Prestige Service available.
Return Location: 300 Rodgers Blvd., Honolulu. Put the address in your GPS. After you enter the airport campus, then look for yellow signs to the rental car return area.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 6 am-10 pm. After-hour returns are available.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

National (844) 913-0738

Preferred Services: Drop & Go is available.
Return Location: 300 Rodgers Blvd., Honolulu. Put the address in your GPS. After you enter the airport campus, then look for yellow signs to the rental car return area.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 7 am-9 pm. After-hour returns are available.

Sixt Rent a Car (888) 749-8227

Return Location: 300 Rodgers Blvd., Honolulu. Put the address in your GPS. After you enter the airport campus, then look for yellow signs to the rental car return area.
Location Hours: Location is open daily 9 am-5 pm. After-hour returns are available.

Off-Airport Rental Cars at HNL

Several other rental car brands have locations near Honolulu’s airport, including Alamo Rent a Car, Dollar Car Rental and Thrifty Car Rental.

Car rental shuttles stop in designated areas along the center median on the ground level outside of baggage claim areas.

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

Related:

• The Best Hotels in Oahu
• Why are Hawaii Car Rentals So Expensive?
• Here’s How to Beat a Pricey Airport Car Rental Rate

The post Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu Airport (HNL) Car Rental Guide appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/daniel-k-inouye-honolulu-airport-terminal-hnl-automobile-rental-overview/

This Clever Vehicle Rental Hack Can Drop Your Price in a Snap

Last Updated on September 18, 2022 by Jonathan

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Looking for an easy way to slash your car rental price? After booking tens of thousands of car rentals, we have discovered a striking pattern that can potentially lower your price in an instant. The next time you book a trip, try this clever car rental hack.

The Half-Hour Hack

Instead of automatically booking your pickup time to be on the hour — say, 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. — ask for a second quote for the half hour before or after your original time — 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

Skeptical that this car rental hack can work? Let’s look at a few examples. We ran a quote for a weeklong minivan rental at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), picking up and returning at noon. In this particular case, Alamo and Payless tied for the cheapest of the major car rental brands, delivering a price of $525. Then ran the same quote request at the same airport, for the same car at the same time, but bumped back the pickup and return time to 12:30 p.m. Alamo’s price dropped to $470, while Payless and Enterprise came in at $525. The upshot: If you booked with Alamo, you’d save 10% without breaking a sweat.

For a recent quote at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), we saw a whopping $143 difference in National’s price simply by shifting the pickup and return time by 30 minutes.

Why the Half-Hour Hack Works

These price drops are not a coincidence. Certain car rental brands often price their rentals lower on the half hour than on the hour. Why is this? It has to do with pricing algorithms, automated rate shopping, and catching your competitor unaware to swing more of the business in your direction. 

In short, the rental companies are re-shopping each other’s rates constantly and adjusting their pricing to try to get a leg up on the competition. These companies know that some portion of customers will choose to pick up and/or drop off on the half-hour, and in those cases, by offering lower prices, they will win more of business.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Think of car rental pricing like a water spigot. If you are the lowest-priced option in the market, then the spigot is on and reservations are flowing. As soon as one of your competitors undercuts your pricing, even by a small amount, the spigot turns trickles off and the reservations stop flowing. A lot of customers will always choose the lowest-priced option, so there is a lot of wisdom to this strategy.

Is this a geeky hack? Sure, and it’s also the easiest and simplest hack hiding in plain sight. In some cases, you’ll get a significantly better deal.

So the next time you need a rental car, ask us for two quotes — one on the hour and one on the half hour. It won’t cost you a dime to put in the extra quote request and you might just save a bundle.

Related:

• 3 Ways to Minimize a Cheap Weekend Car Rental
• Car Rental Coupons and Discounts

The post This Clever Car Rental Hack Can Drop Your Price in a Snap appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/this-clever-vehicle-rental-hack-can-drop-your-price-in-a-snap/

How to Locate Inexpensive Parking in Denver

Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Caitlin

Whether you’ve come to Denver for its scenic surroundings, beautiful parks, craft beers or thriving art scene, you don’t want to stress about finding cheap parking. We’ve got some tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Denver Metered & Free Street Parking

You’ll find metered spots all over downtown Denver, but you need to keep an eye on the signs nearby for time limits and exceptions. Meters typically cost $1 per hour with a two-hour parking limit. All meters accept change, and there are many newly installed “smart meters” that also accept credit cards.

Meter parking is free from Monday through Saturday after 10 p.m. but there is no parking allowed on Downtown Denver streets between 2 am and 6 am. Parking is also free all day Sunday and on city holidays.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

In addition to the paid spots available in Denver, there are places on the edges of downtown where you can legally park on the side of the street for free. Be sure to carefully read the signs when attempting to park anywhere outside of a metered spot or paid parking lot; many of these neighborhoods will have some parking restrictions or may require a permit. If you’re using street parking for a longer stay, be sure to move your vehicle at least 100 feet every three days when parked on the street.

Denver Garage Parking

You can also find reasonable rates at garages all over downtown Denver. Rates vary depending on the location of the lot, and can fluctuate if there is a major sporting event that day or night. If you aren’t in town specifically to attend a game, you might want to steer clear of downtown on big game days, and explore the mountains or nearby parks instead.

The Colorado Convention Center lot is convenient for all downtown visitors, with an easy to find location. The garage provides access to the Colorado Convention Center and the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The garage is open 24/7 to everyone, even if you aren’t visiting the convention center.

Best Websites & Apps for Cheap Denver Parking

Several websites and apps can help make your search for cheap or free parking in downtown Denver go even smoother.

ParkMe allows you to sort results by distance or price, and displays the free percentage of parking spaces in any garage on their list.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Parkopedia lets you map out your walking route to your planned destination from the available parking spots, and choose a spot with the best combination of price and walking distance that works for you.

SpotHero allows the added convenience of booking ahead of time, making it even easier for you to start exploring downtown Denver as soon as you arrive.

Related:

• Why Denver Car Rentals Are So Expensive

The post How to Find Cheap Parking in Denver appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/how-to-locate-inexpensive-parking-in-denver/

Just How to Discover Affordable Parking in New Orleans

Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Kristin

When it comes to charm and charisma, few cities can hold a candle to New Orleans. But if you’re exploring the Big Easy in a rental car, finding cheap parking in New Orleans can be a big headache. Here’s how to find inexpensive parking without breaking a sweat.

New Orleans Street Parking: Know Before You Go

Metered parking is not only abundant in New Orleans but many meters are amazingly high-tech—solar-powered with touchscreen menus that feature instructions in several languages.

Parking is free on Sundays, and otherwise enforced Monday-Saturday 8 a.m-7 p.m..

Metered parking costs $3 per hour in the French Quarter, Marigny Central Business District and the Warehouse District. In other neighborhoods, metered parking costs $2 per hour. If you’ve got a handicap sticker, you can park at meters up to three hours for free.

Meters accept cash as well as credit cards. But don’t forget to pay the meter. Parking tickets cost $30.

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In the busiest districts, such as the French Quarter, parking lots and garages are the best option. Going shopping? Several downtown department stores offer Park-N-Shop lots with free or discounted parking. You need to make a purchase to get validated parking, so be sure to get your parking stamp, pass or receipt.

Be forewarned: For a city with such a footloose and fancy free reputation, New Orleans has a lot of ways you can end up with a parking violation, such as parking near railroad crossings, on main streets during rush hour and—perhaps something you’re not used to—parking near parade routes within two hours of the event. Always read the signs.

Also, some areas have restrictions on how long you can park without a residential parking permit. Check out the city’s 17 residential parking permit zones.

The Best Websites and Apps for Cheap New Orleans Parking

Several resources can help you find cheap parking in garages and lots. Costs can vary wildly depending on the location and garage. Three hours of discounted parking can cost anywhere from $3 to $30.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

SpotHero lets you find, reserve and pay for parking in advance. This mobile reservation service partners with a variety of companies at over 30 locations in New Orleans.

ParkMobile also allows users to see available spots and reserve parking. Reserving spots in garages in advance can save up to half on rates.

BestParking also allows drivers to find and reserve spots, and also connects to navigation apps.

Related:

• The Best Hotels in New Orleans’ French Quarter
• States with the Highest Car Rental Taxes and Fees

The post How to Find Cheap Parking in New Orleans appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/just-how-to-discover-affordable-parking-in-new-orleans/

What To Find Out About Automobile Rental Credit History Checks?

Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Elizabeth

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Renting a car with a debit card? While most major car rental companies will let you do it, you can expect to jump through an extra hoop or two. In many cases, you’ll go through a car rental credit check.

Car Rental Agencies and Credit Checks

There are many reasons why a car rental company would rather rent to someone with a credit card than a debit card, but in general it boils down to this: Debit cards pose a higher risk for them.

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Why a Car Rental Company Might Run a Credit Check

There’s no hard and fast rule about car rentals and credit checks. Car rental companies have different policies regarding debit cards to begin with, and car rental agencies that are franchises often have a lot of leeway to set their own rules. In a study by CreditCards.com, less than 10 percent of rental car agencies refused, under any circumstances, to rent to customers with a debit card. Most of the remaining 90 percent of agencies permitted customers to use a debit card, but required customers to meet at least one extra qualification requirement. About half put a large hold on the debit card as an additional deposit and 10 percent mandated a credit check.

In most cases, rental car agencies that run a credit check are not looking for a magic number on a credit score but rather red flags such as delinquent lines of credit opened within the past several years. In a nutshell, they are trying to mitigate risk.

Some Debit Cards are Better Than Others

The CreditCards.com study found that, typically, rental car companies want to see a debit card with either a Visa or MasterCard logo that is affiliated with a bank, savings and loan or credit union. But otherwise, the big takeaway was a lack of consistency; the study found some agencies were willing to rent to local residents using a debit card, but refused to rent to out-of-state customers, while others allow debit card usage from out-of-state residents, but not locals. Some required that a renter using a debit card to be 25 years old or older, others had a lower minimum age. And many rental car offices said they placed a hold for a larger deposit of up to $500 on a bigger car than a smaller car. Again, these are all steps the rental car agencies can take to lower their own risk.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

If you’ve only got a debit card, note that renting a car with a debit card recently got easier with sister budget chains Thrifty and Dollar, which now accept debit cards with virtually the same ease as credit cards for customers 20 years or older.

Related:

• Why It’s Easier to Rent a Car with a Credit Card Than a Debit Card
• Now It’s Much Easier to Rent a Car with a Debit Card

The post What To Know About Car Rental Credit Checks? appeared first on AutoSlash.

https://rentacar24.org/car-rental-news/what-to-find-out-about-automobile-rental-credit-history-checks/

Does It Make Good Sense to Pre-pay for Your Rental Car?

Last Updated on September 7, 2022 by Jonathan

Shopping online for a rental car can be a confusing process in the best of times, but this year is unlike any other. Coming out of the pandemic, we’re still facing a car rental shortage, which has driven up prices. The best way to protect yourself is to choose the “Pay Later” rate for your rental car so you keep your options open and don’t risk missing out on a better deal.

We all want a cheap car rental, but don’t always know how to get the best price. One of the first choices you’ll face is when to pay. When you make a reservation, you might choose to simply provide your contact information and pay for the car at the counter when you pick up the car.

Alternatively, you can opt for a prepaid, non-cancellable rental in which you pay up front in full when you make the reservation. Is it a good idea to prepay for a car rental? Or do you get a better deal by paying later?

In most cases, a publicly available “Pay Later” rate will deliver the lowest price. (After booking, be sure to ask us to track your reservation for price drops. A prepaid rate locks you in and you’ll miss out if a better price comes along.)

No Shows and Prepaid Rental Cars

The no-show rate in the car rental industry as a whole can approach 30%. That means that up to one-third of people who make a reservation for a car rental will not pick it up. To protect themselves, car rental companies must overbook in order to get close to renting the majority of vehicles available. But it can backfire. You may show up with a confirmed reservation, only to find out that there are no cars available in the class that you reserved.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

Most customers do not secure their reservation with a credit card, which leads to no-shows. This means that there is no consequence if someone books a rental car and then fails to show up to claim it. The industry has grappled with no shows for some time, which led it to introduce a prepaid model. Prepayment provides financial accountability for the renter to actually show up for their rental. If you don’t show, you will either pay a penalty or you will forfeit the entire amount paid.

How Car Rental Companies Get You to Prepay

When booking a vehicle online, you’ll sometimes see two prices—one for “Pay Later” and one for “Pay Now”. Not every rental company offers a “Pay Now” or prepaid option, and typically not on every vehicle category. Yet when this option is available, the price will typically be 5% to 15% lower than the standard rate.

By paying upfront, you’re signaling to the rental car company that you’ll show up for the rental. In return, the car rental company gives you a bit of a discount as a reward for taking some of the risk out of equation.

If your plans are firm, then a 15% discount might be a tempting offer, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind before hitting the “Pay Now” button. First, if you decide to cancel your reservation, you’ll virtually always be hit with a cancellation fee. One major rental company website states that if you cancel your reservation more than 24 hours before pickup time, it will charge you a $25 cancellation fee. Cancel within 24 hours, and it bumps up to a $50 cancellation fee. If you don’t show, you’ll forfeit the entire amount paid.

There is an exception, however. AutoSlash’s prepaid rates are cancelable up to 48 hours with zero penalty. That means if you book one of our prepaid deals three weeks in advance of your trip, you can track the rental with us for better deals right up to the 48-hour mark and still be able to cancel and re-book if a better deal comes along, with zero penalty.

In contrast, if you make a prepaid reservation elsewhere and need to cancel, you will pay a penalty no matter what. 

Save with Slash Deals—Low Prepaid Rates, No Cancellation Penalty

The other thing to know about a prepaid rate is that the discount is typically off the published rate only. If you apply a discount code or coupon, the “Pay Now” option often disappears. You’d be wise to check the rental company website for coupons and compare other discount codes for which you might be eligible.

Prepaid Car Rentals on Opaque Websites

Sites like Priceline and Hotwire sometimes offer what are known as “opaque” deals, because they offer you a deeper discount in exchange for not revealing the rental company until after you’ve paid. Priceline calls them *Express Deals* while Hotwire calls with *Hot Rates.” Whatever the name, the most important thing to know is that once you’ve paid, you are locked in. You cannot cancel for any reason. Don’t like the rental company? Change of plans? Sorry, you’re out of luck. No changes or refunds.

Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops

Certainly there are great deals out here, but the major drawback is that the policies are even more restrictive than if you book directly with the rental companies. For example, you may encounter language like this:

“Rentals are final and cannot be cancelled, refunded, changed, exchanged or transferred. Your account will be charged for the total price shown, regardless of whether the reservation is used.”

Naturally, rental car companies love prepaid bookings. For them, it’s guaranteed money in the bank. From a consumer’s perspective, the attractiveness really depends on how good a deal is, and whether you’re certain you’ll be able to make trip as planned. For a small discount, it may not be worthwhile, But if the price differential is large, prepaying may be tempting. It’s important to evaluate all of your options before making a decision in order to get the best deal.

Does It Make Sense to Prepay for a Rental Car?

Prepaying for your rental, either through the rental company’s website or through one of the opaque booking sites can offer you a discount off the standard rate. Typically the discounts offered by the opaque sites tend to be more aggressive than the rental companies themselves, but there are also more restrictions, so be sure your plans are 100% firm.

Also keep in mind that rental rates can change multiple times a day. What may look like a great rate today can look like a rip-off tomorrow. Savvy renters have learned to let AutoSlash search for the lowest rate and then track your price automatically. But if you’re locked into a prepaid rate, then you will miss out on potential savings if rates drop after you book. (Remember, the exception is if you book AutoSlash’s prepaid rates, you can track your reservation and cancel up to 48 hours before pickup without any penalty.)

The bottom line? We rarely find that prepayment is a good deal unless you’re booking last minute. So long as you have not yet paid for your rental, AutoSlash can usually find a better deal through price drops.

Related:

• 6 Reasons You Should Never Prepay for Gas in a Rental Car
• Should You Buy Car Rental Insurance?

The post Does It Make Sense to Prepay for Your Rental Car? appeared first on AutoSlash.

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The Very Best Road Trips from Denver

Last Updated on September 5, 2022 by Laura

Photo: Shutterstock

Set right on the edge of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a thriving cultural center with enough museums, landmarks, breweries, and restaurants to keep you busy for weeks on end (not to mention some fabulous hotels, to boot). But the Mile High City is also within driving distance to some of the most beautiful peaks, forests, and deserts in the U.S. Here are the best road trips from Denver.

Fabulous Road Trips from Denver

Rocky Mountain National Park

66 miles / 1 hr. 30 mins.

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With 147 lakes, 77 Rocky Mountain peaks soaring higher than 12,000 feet, and miles upon miles of hiking trails, this popular National Park is just an hour and a half from Denver. The Continental Divide runs north–south through the park, where ancient glaciers carved out the most mind-blowing landscapes. Plus, the wildlife viewing is top-notch: Expect to see elk, bighorn sheep, and moose throughout the park.

Colorado Springs

70 miles / 1 hr. 40 mins.

From Denver, I-25 S is usually the fastest route to the town of Colorado Springs, which is worth visiting for its shops and restaurants alone. But the biggest draw to Colorado Springs is the abundance of activities right outside the city. Garden of the Gods has 300-foot towering and unusual sandstone rock formations with a backdrop of Pikes Peak and bright blue skies. Walk, bike, or segway your way through the red-rock park.

Steamboat Springs

156 miles / 3 hrs.

From Denver, follow I-70 W, CO-9 N, and US-40 W and you’ll find yourself in Steamboat Springs. The unpretentious small-town vibe, year-round outdoor recreation, and geothermal hot springs all make this three-hour road trip from Denver worth it. Don’t miss the steaming Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs for blissful relaxation. Hiking and horseback riding are must-dos in the warmer months. And in winter, it’s an international ski destination with snow so fluffy and fine it’s been dubbed “champagne powder.”

Aspen

159 miles / 3 hrs. 20 mins.

In a little more than three hours from Denver, you’ll find yourself in one of America’s most popular mountain destinations, with terrific places to stay and play. In the summer, take the shorter route by turning south off I-70 at Copper Mountain. Follow Highways 91 and 24, then turn right at Twin Lakes toward Aspen. In the winter, State Highway 82 is closed due to snow, so it’ll take a few extra minutes to wind around Vail and Glenwood Springs. This winter wonderland has some of the best skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowbikes. In the warmer months, the slopes transform into mountain biking and hiking trails for a thrilling wilderness experience. 

Great Sand Dunes National Park

239 miles / 3 hrs. 50 mins.

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Colorado has its fair share of soaring, snow-capped peaks, but the Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado is a lesser-known, not-to-be-missed landscape. From Denver, head south on I-25 through Colorado Springs (be sure to make a pit stop to explore there), then take US-160 W to CO-150 N to the dunes. Reminiscent of the Sahara Desert, this National Park boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America. Sure, you can walk along the dunes, but sledding down them is the best way to experience the park. Trails lead to various ecosystems including grasslands, wetlands, forests, tundra, and alpine lakes like Medano Lake—which is filled with trout and surrounded by tundra wildlife. 

Related:

• Denver International Airport (DEN) Car Rental Guide
• Why Denver Car Rentals Are So Expensive
• How to Find Cheap Parking in Denver

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Is Payless Vehicle Rental a Great Choice?

Last Updated on August 28, 2022 by Kristin

Photo credit: Shutterstock

If you’re renting a car on a budget, you’ve likely come across some affordable rates from Payless Car Rental. But if you’ve never rented from this brand you may be wondering what kind of service and vehicle you can expect. Here’s what you should know about Payless before booking a reservation.

Basic Facts About Payless Car Rental

Payless Car Rental is a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group, the parent company of well-known car rental brands Avis and Budget among others.

Payless opened its doors in 1971 in Spokane, Washington and now is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. The company operates more than 100 U.S. locations and in three dozen other places, including in Canada, Mexico, Europe and South America. Its rental offices are a mix of franchises and corporate locations.

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Payless offers cars ranging from smaller, economy vehicles like the Kia Rio to premium cars like Mustang convertibles and Jeeps.

Reviews of Payless Car Rental

Thanks to its large range of locations, there’s a good chance Payless will be pop up as a car rental option for your next vacation. Payless customers have given the company mixed reviews, which seem to differ widely depending on the specific location.

Payless has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, yet at the same time only has 1.03 stars out of five based on an average of 65 reviews. The company has closed 431 complaints on the site in the past three years. Payless does appear to be responding to each customer complaint filed on the BBB website.

On popular consumer reviews website Trustpilot, Payless Car Rental has just 1.6 stars based on 147 reviews—a “bad” rating. While the company did have some positive reviews, 85% fell into the “bad” category. In their complaints, customers claimed they dealt with issues including unexpected rental charges and poor customer service.

Google reviews at specific Payless locations tend to vary. For example, a Payless location in Queens, New York has 2.8 stars based on 233 Google reviews—not bad, but not the best, either.

But then, the Payless office at Orlando International Airport has only 2.2 stars based on 681 reviews. On Yelp, that location has just 1.5 stars based on 38 reviews.

Is Payless Car Rental a Good Choice?

Payless, like other car rental companies, has attracted a number of complaints from customers about issues such as unexpected charges. While those reviews can be concerning, Payless does have two things going for it: it appears to be responding to customer complaints, and it’s owned by the reputable Avis-Budget Group.

In our own car rental rankings, AutoSlash puts Payless in the third of four tiers and awards it three out of five stars. Sister companies Avis and Budget ended up in the first and second tiers, respectively.

In AutoSlash’s Ultimate Rental Car Ratings, we give Payless 3 out of 5 stars and consider it a “Tier 3” company after hearing many complaints. While ACE may offer what looks like an attractive price, be aware that you run the risk of an unsatisfactory experience.

Payless may be a decent choice for your next rental, but we recommend looking at the recent reviews for the specific location you are planning to rent from to get a picture of possible issues.

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Also, you can take a few steps to better your experience at Payless or any other rental car company. First of all, make sure to fully read the fine print in your rental contract to understand the charges, fees and insurance requirements related to your rental. Then, inspect the car carefully before leaving the rental car office and make sure the company notes any existing damages. Finally, track your credit or debit card statements after your reservation to make sure you were not charged any surprise fees.

Related:

• The Lowdown on Payless Perks
• The Best Car Rental Companies at Airports
• How Are Car Rental Companies Rated?

The post Is Payless Car Rental a Good Choice? appeared first on AutoSlash.

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Hot spots to travel: 6 destinations to see in the summer

What is your favorite destination for summer travel? You thought of the beach and so did we! Check out the best seaside destinations to travel by car!

Summer is coming, the temperatures are heating up, and the weather starts asking you to enjoy the day, the city and, of course, the beaches! So take advantage of the season to enjoy a weekend, a holiday or even a whole vacation in a different destination!

United States: Los Angeles and Miami

One of world’s favorite destinations, the United States is a great option to enjoy sunny days and breezy beaches. And when we talk about summer, we immediately think of California and Florida, where there is no shortage of places for all types of preferences.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is not only about movies. The city also offers stunning beaches, which are only 50 minutes away from downtown. One of the main ones there is Venice Beach, which has a beautiful boardwalk with several craft stores and where you can rent surfboards, bikes, and rollerblades to ride in style.

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Miami

In Florida, we have Miami, one of the most visited cities in the United States – not only by foreigners, but by Americans themselves -. Loved for its constant heat throughout the year and its beautiful beaches, the city receives more than 12 million visitors annually. Impressive, isn’t it? But what’s so cool to do there?

Start in South Beach. If you are looking for a place that’s lively and fun, you can’t miss South Beach, between 2nd and 5th Street on Ocean Drive. There you’ll see many beautiful people, sports, entertainment and beautiful scenery. In Biscayne Bay you can take boat trips with a tour guide and receive in-depth explanations on the many mansions in the region.

Besides South Beach, some of the most famous attractions in the area are Miami Beach, North Beach, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Haulover Beach Park, Sunny Isles Beach, Hobie Beach, Lummus Park Beach.

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Mexico: Cancun and Acapulco

Cancun

When you think of beaches, Cancun most definitely comes to mind. Known for its incredible paradise landscapes, framed by fine sand and a lush turquoise sea, this incredible itinerary is sure to leave anyone in love. 

This unmissable destination also offers much more, as it’s full of attractions for all tastes and ages, makings it an even more interesting destiantion. So, hit the road and enjoy this little stretch paradise and it’s many attractions!

One of the most famous beaches in Mexico is the beautiful Playa Tortugas, whose waters are warm and very calm, but which also offers the option for more heart pounding activities such as Bungee Jumping and more. In addition, this area is well known for the Tortugas Center, which brings together the ferries that take tourists to the wonderful Isla Mujeres.

If you drive a little further, about an hour, you will reach Playa del Carmen and Playa Linda. Both are great places to take a relaxing boat ride, see and swim with the friendly dolphins, and enjoy the beautiful green color of the sea, caused by the encounter with one of Cancun’s lagoons. Enjoy!

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Acapulco

What do you think about Acapulco? The city is located in the state of Guerrero, southwestern Mexico, on the Pacific coast. There, you’ll find paradise beaches, a lively nightlife, and lots of Mexican culture. 

For those who enjoy snorkeling, check out Isla de la Raqueta, a spectacular place to get a close look at the marine life in the area. If you want a panoramic view of the city, we recommend a boat ride to Farallon del Obispo, an island in Playa de La Condesa.

Now, if you are looking for exciting things, La Quebrada cliff is the place to be! With an astounding height of 147 feet, it’s quite common for people to dive off the edge into the gorgeous transparent waters below. Would you take the jump?

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Europe: Portugal and Spain

Ah, the European summer has a unique charm, doesn’t it? With their warm weather, some destinations stand out from amongst the rest, but there is no shortage of great places to visit in Europe!

Lisbon

Our tip today is to start in Portugal, a country full of beaches and incredible landscapes. If your trip starts in Lisbon, the country’s capital, you should definitely get to exploring the city, which offers beautiful cityscapes framed by the legendary Tejo River and breezes awaft with aromas that are sure to make you want to try every dish of the country’s exceptional cuisine has to offer. 

One of the most famous spots is the Jerónimos Monastery and nearby is the famous Belem Tower that was built on the banks of the Tejo River and has become one of the main local monuments as it symbolizes Lisbon in a unique way. Then, get a rental car and explore surrounding cities like Cascais and Lagos, which offer incredible views of the sea and stunning sunsets.

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Mallorca

Enjoy your trip to see the beauties of Spain! Our tip is Mallorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean. There are more than 2230 miles to enjoy the natural landscapes of the region with family, friends, or as a couple. That is why it’s essential to rent a car to fully enjoy your trip. 

You should start at Cala des Moro, one of the most famous beaches on the island, with white sands and incredible blue seas. Another option is Es Trenc, with a longer stretch of sand, it’s ideal for taking the kids.

Cala Llombards is impressive in its own right! The water is a bit colder, but the view is enough to make anyone fall in love: crystal clear waters and no waves, ideal to enjoy the whole day on the beach.

A note of caution: jellyfish are quite common on Mallorca’s beaches, so be careful to avoid accidents.

If you want a cultural tour, we recommend the Cartuja de Valdemossa, a historic building that was once a monastery and residence of kings. And if you have the time, it’s worth crossing the island to Platja de Formentor, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the region where you’ll be able to enjoy a diving tour as well. Enjoy!

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Explore more cities by car!

At Rentcars, we work with promotions all year round and we get up to 30%OFF on the rate for trips around the world. Plus, you get the best service and all the support you need for your car rental.  Book now and enjoy your trip!

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