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Whether you’re traveling for business, taking a vacation or visiting family, renting a car can be a convenient and economical way to get around. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls that can drive up your costs.

Start by comparing prices with an aggregator site. Also, be sure to factor in additional fees, like road tolls and company-provided EZ-Passes.

How to Rent a Car in New York

In New York, the easiest and most affordable way to get around is with a car rental. With a rental, you can visit any part of the city without worrying about catching a train or calling for a taxi. Car rentals can also make it easier to explore areas outside the city, like Cold Spring or Washington, D.C.

Weekends and holidays are typically peak times for car rentals, so it is important to reserve your vehicle well in advance. This will ensure that you will have a car available, and it may help you avoid paying higher prices than normal.

Many major rental agencies have neighborhood offices in New York, and they can often offer cheaper rates than the airport locations. In addition, some agencies have loyalty programs that reward you with free rental days and vehicle upgrades. Ask about these perks when you book your car. They may not be advertised, but it is always worth asking about them.

Book Your Car in Advance

Despite all the caveats and fine print, there are still many ways to save money on a rental car. You can reduce costs by booking in advance, using corporate or AAA codes, renting during off-peak times and avoiding extra fees like gas and tolls. You should also check rates on the rental car company’s own website before booking with an aggregator, as they often have special deals and agencia de alquiler de coches santa cruz de Tenerife discounts not available on third-party sites.

Another way to save is to book a vehicle with pre-payment options. This typically saves about 15-20 percent on your total rate, as the reservation is prepaid and you only pay when you pick up the car.

If you have a pre-paid reservation, you can usually keep checking rental prices (or use an app like AutoSlash) and cancel your reservation without paying any early-bird or walk-up fees. Then, if you find a cheaper deal, you can rebook the same car for the same dates with the new price.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Many rental car companies have a penchant for hiding costs. Even if they show you the base unavoidable total on their website, it’s often obscured by lots of extra fees, aka "junk" charges.

These extras can add up to a shocking bill. Some examples include the fee to use the company’s toll transponders, even if there are no tolls in your area; the prepaid gas fee; and fees for declining the collision damage waiver. It’s not the rental car companies’ fault, of course; they’re often required to spell out these charges in their contracts.

But the experience is still frustrating and feels unfair to consumers. The problems in the rental car industry don’t get nearly as much attention as they do with airlines or hotels, though. And that needs to change. The answer, in part, could be to limit the junk fees. Until then, it’s worth doing your homework and asking questions. And that goes for both booking in advance and picking up at the counter, too.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Conventional wisdom suggests you should book travel reservations in advance to nab the best deal. However, when it comes to rental cars, the opposite may be true. According to a NerdWallet analysis, it’s often cheaper to reserve a vehicle and pay at the counter compared with booking a car in advance.

Another thing to consider is that many rental companies now offer neighborhood locations that operate on more traditional business hours, meaning you may not have to wait in a long line at the main office. Additionally, if your company has a loyalty program, you can enroll in it and jump the car-hire line entirely.

Also, be sure to inquire about any extra fees you might face, such as an EZ-Pass fee or Agencia de alquiler de coches Santa Cruz de Tenerife one to rent a GPS unit. In New York, companies are allowed to charge for these unless you bring your own. Also, some brokers add a third-party insurance policy, so read the fine print carefully.