Greetings to all you wheel-gripping, road-ruling, mileage-squeezing business travelers. As the seasoned explorer I am, I’ve circled the sun a few times behind the steering wheel of a decent rental car during a business trip. So, today I’m strapping you into the passenger seat for some cruising on the information superhighway, taking the express lane towards a handful of pro tips on cutting costs, beating the bustle and, of course, nailing the nifty nuances when it comes to car rentals for the grind-on-the-go
Avoiding Airport Up-charges
Airports and convenience are synonymous, but so are airports and extortionate costs. Sure, they’re a stroll away from the baggage carousel, but airport-based car rentals carry an added “airport surcharge”—a quick trick to pad their pockets, and lighten yours. To dodge this, look for off-airport rental locations and plan a short Uber or taxi ride. Travel light in your pockets, and heavy in your wallet.
Skip the Insurance Hard-Sell
Plan on driving away, not being led astray. Many car rentals make a handsome return on insurance add-ons. But before being roped in, verify your coverage. Many comprehensive insurance policies or credit card benefits provide adequate rental insurance. That daily slice of your rental budget could be better spent on the slight extravagance of heated seats, or a life-saving GPS system to evade those hard-to-navigate business districts.
Consider Car Rental Club Memberships
This frequent-flier did not turn savvy by shunning club memberships. High-mileage patrons, it’s worth investigating into your rental company’s club offerings. Not only do they regularly offer financial perks like discounted rates and free upgrades, but they also come with time-saving benefits like skipping the line and direct-to-car check-ins. When the boardroom beckons, the express lane is your best friend.
Keep an Eye on Rapid Check-in
Ever balked at the snaking lines at rental car desks? Me too. Fortunately, most rental companies stock an online check-in service. Simply input your driver and reservation details before arrival, and slash your start-line wait time. More time on the road, less time on the clock.
Economize on Fuel Purchases
Refuelling options at car rentals can be a labyrinth. My advice? Navigate away from the full-tank pre-purchase. Unless you plan to run your tank dry, it’s generally a tall order. Instead, pay for what you use. Fill up close to your drop-off point and hold onto the receipt. Your wallet will give its thanks, and so will the environment.
Inspect before You Eject
A last tidbit from the turfs of car rentals? Stay eagle-eyed. Prior to setting off, inspect your vehicle thoroughly for any damage. Snap some quick pics on your smartphone for backup. There’s no need to start the business ball rolling with a damaged car dispute. You’ve got bigger wheels to grease.
Now, with these secrets under the seat, I dream you may breeze through your business travels with the same savvy suave that I have learned to vogue. Here’s to smoother sailing and full throttling down the highway of success.