Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 17, 1990 TAG: 9005160343
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Before you actually rent a car, decide what size and options you want and how much you're willing to spend. Then call as many companies as possible.
Here are some tips to consider before making a choice:
Call several car-rental companies and get price estimates. Many offer weekly and weekend specials. Watch for advertised specials, but ask about any restrictions on special offers including blackout dates, when an advertised special price is unavailable.
Decide on what model and size car you want to rent, but realize that each company may have its own classification system. The terms "compact," "mid-size" and "luxury" sometimes differ among companies.
Know there may be additional fees that could substantially increase an advertised base rate. These costs might include: collision damage waiver fees; a refundable charge; airport surcharges and drop-off fees; fuel charges, mileage fees, taxes; additional-driver fees; under-age driver fees; out-of-state charges; and equipment-rental fees, for items such as ski racks and car seats.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is an optional charge. Although it's called collision damage coverage, technically it's not collision insurance. It's a guarantee the car rental company that will pay for damages to your rented car. However, under CDW, the rental company will not pay for bodily injuries or damages to your personal property. If you don't buy CDW coverage, or are not covered by your own auto insurance policy, you could be liable for the full value of the car. Before buying coverage offered by car-rental companies, check to see if it duplicates what is already provided by your auto and homeowner's insurance policies.
A refundable charge may be required when you pick up your car. The charge varies, but may be as much as hundreds of dollars. Most companies make the charge to your credit card but do not process the amount against your account unless you do not return the car as specified in your rental contract. Keep in mind though that, until the car is returned, the limit on your card may be reduced by the amount of the deposit.
Airport surcharges and drop-off fees can add considerably to a base rental rate. Surcharges apply when airport commissions impose fees for airport use even when car rental companies shuttle you to an off-airport site. Drop-off charges refer to fees that some companies charge to allow you to drop off the car at a location different from your pick-up point.
A fuel charge is the amount many rental companies add to your bill for gasoline. Some companies give you a half-tank at a charge of $10 to $15 and tell you to return the car empty; others initially fill the tank and charge for the amount of gas you use.
Mileage fees usually are assessed on a cents-per-mile basis or a flat fee when you exceed the alloted free mileage cap.
by CNB