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"There's the
psychological comfort of knowing you're driving a newer
vehicle," MacPherson says.
With gas prices climbing past $3 per gallon,
you might also be able to save significantly on fuel
costs by renting a more efficient car if the one in
your garage is a gas hog.
You'll have to find out if the desired
rental car is available, too. Paula Rivera, manager
of public affairs for Hertz, says the company's Toyota
Prius fleet -- the hybrid sought after for its thrifty
gas consumption -- is concentrated on the West Coast,
where the demand is.
“You might also be able to save significantly on fuel costs by renting a more efficient car.” Consider putting a value on other features
available on rental cars that your own doesn't offer.
For instance, a DVD player might be priceless on a long
trip with the kids.
Then, find out if you can swing any rental
deals that sweeten that choice. AAA members, for instance,
are eligible for a standard 15-percent to 20-percent
discount from Hertz, which also offers discounts to
AARP members, says Rivera.
On the other hand, the rental company
may have provisions that increase the cost. Additional
drivers can push up the bill. Teenagers, with whom you
may have been counting on to share driving, may be barred
from driving at all, MacPherson says.
He also advises confirming your own auto
insurance will cover a rental vehicle. It's commonly
believed that personal coverage extends to rental vehicles,
but MacPherson says he's seen some policies that don't.
"If they do not, that could leave
you very much exposed," he says. Drivers who discover
their policies don't cover a rental could ask the insurer
if a rider can be added for the term of the vacation,
rather than buying pricey rental coverage.
Choosing the optional loss-damage waiver
and personal accident insurance on the rental of that
standard-size car from Avis, for example, would tack
another $94.50 onto the bill, upping the total cost
by almost one-third. A driver between the ages of 21
and 24 would also be charged an extra $25 per day fee.
Finally, see if your credit card will
cover the deductible if an accident or damage occurs.
MacPherson had this pay off when his rental vehicle
was scraped by another car. He had to upgrade his credit
card for the coverage, but that was free for the asking
and saved him the $200 deductible.
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