Renting Cars for Business Travel

The key is to seek out the deals and read the fine print

The cost of renting a car for business has accelerated at break-neck speed in recent years. What's more, rates on weekdays – when most small business travelers need a car – can be more than double the bargain-basement weekend rates.

Plus, fees and taxes can add as much as 50 percent to the cost of a daily rental. To make matters worse, onerous new liability clauses can result in you the renter being responsible for the cost of a new car if the rental company opts to sell rather than repair a damaged vehicle. It's more important than ever to know what you're getting into.

1. Decide if and when you should rent a car
2. Build benefits from frequent rentals
3. Avoid unexpected after-the-fact charges and claims

Quickly search online for the best rental car rates

The internet is a great resource for comparing costs on car rentals.

Maximize benefits from your rental car programs

Choose one or two car rental companies that serve most of your locations and offer special programs for small businesses. Then decide what's most important: convenience and an on-airport location? (You'll pay more). Don't mind the ride to a remote lot? (Rates will probably be cheaper).

Take advantage of car rental discounts through your credit card

If you don't already have one, apply for a credit card that lets you accrue airline miles or points, then check into how you can use those points for car rentals too.

Consider whether you really need a car at all

Do you really need a rental car? Unless you require the vehicle to visit customers, make sales calls in out-of-the-way places, deliver products or transport service equipment or provide transportation for others, it's likely there's less expensive transportation that will get you where you need to go.

• Try to avoid paying "daily" rates if possible; they're usually higher. If you'll keep the car for more than four days, the lower weekly rate should apply.
• Evaluate your present car insurance. Most likely, it will cover you when you rent a car in the US. International rentals are different; in general it's best to take all insurance coverage like CDW (collision damage waiver), LDW (loss damage waiver) and liability/personal accident coverage when renting outside the US.
• Look into AAA, AARP and even Sam's Club and Costco discounts if you're a member (if not, consider joining).
• Always (always!) check over a rental car before you drive it out of the lot AND when you return it. Take pictures if necessary to document previous damage to the vehicle.
• If you're using a discount coupon, make sure it's a true discount. Some are applied only against the highest rate.
• If you're underage (younger than 25) you'll usually either pay a high daily surcharge or be prohibited from renting altogether. Check this out ahead of time.
• If your driving record is sketchy, some companies might not rent to you at all. Know before you go.

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