Steer clear of extra fees when renting a car

In this story: Pressure to pay more Avoid bill padding Fill tank yourself RELATED STORIES, SITES

By Jennifer Merin
Tribune Media Services

(Tribune Media Services) -- When you're just about finished booking flights with American Airlines by phone, the reservationist politely asks you, "Will you be needing a car? May I connect you to Hertz or Avis?''

Even if you intend to rent a vehicle from either agency, you'll be wise to say, "No thanks'' and dial the company's toll-free number yourself.

Why? Because what seems to be a polite and convenient referral to a frequent-flier partner may actually result in your paying more than you have to for a rental car.

"I assumed the airline would steer me toward the best deal,'' says Dr. Edith Celden, who was traveling with her husband and two young children to Orlando, Florida, and allowed the reservationist to connect her to Hertz.

"I thought that was the best way to get frequent-flier miles and other perks, and I assumed the rental prices would be about the same -- or cheaper. Fortunately, when I asked my husband to hand my credit card to me so I could confirm the booking, he suggested I first call other agencies to compare prices. We wound up saving about $150 -- money we used to cover activities we might not have done otherwise.''

Pressure to pay more

Celden found the connection to Hertz to be the beginning of a subtle and persistent pressure to get her to spend more -- not only because the rental agent she was connected with quoted the highest daily rate for the vehicle, but also because the agent suggested Celden purchase various insurance and pre-fueling plans she didn't really need.

Celden found lower rental rates at Avis, Alamo and Thrifty. And, when she called Hertz directly and asked for the same car during the same rental period, she was quoted a lower rate than the first agent offered.

"All the agents tried to persuade me to purchase collision and theft insurance for additional charges, and to pay for the tank of gas up front, then return the car with an empty tank. As I questioned successive agents, I realized the extras -- insurance add-ons and pre-fueling plan -- were expensive and unnecessary. Our auto insurance covers rental cars, so I declined the extras and took the lowest rate offered,'' Celden said.

The pressure wasn't over. When Dr. Celden went to pick up the rental car, the counter agent again tried to sell her insurance and persuade her to pre-pay for gas.

"We were flight-weary, eager to get going. I didn't want to discuss the extras again, and I said "No!'' rather forcefully. I felt forced to be rude. I imagine many people succumb to the pressures,'' Celden said.

Avoid bill padding

Yes, and just about double car rental charges. You don't have to be among them.

Of course, some additional charges -- airport taxes, facility-use fees and fees levied by off-site car-rental companies -- can't be avoided, and can increase your bill by 10 to 25 percent. Be prepared to pay these fees.

Avoid bill padding by comparison shopping, questioning agents and considering the following when you rent a car:

Personal accident insurance costs about $5 per day. Chances are, you're duplicating coverage provided by your own auto insurance policy for accident-related injuries or death.

Similarly, personal effects insurance, about $4 per day, covers you in case suitcases, golf clubs, cameras (excluding jewelry, furs and computers) are stolen. It's likely your homeowner's insurance already covers you for off-premises losses.

You can buy a liability policy (about $10 per day) providing up to $1 million in coverage, but you're probably duplicating coverage under your homeowner's policy.

Fill tank yourself

Collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver, sold for about $10 to $20 per day, relieve you of responsibility for damage or theft of a rental car. Your own auto insurance probably covers you for damage or loss when driving a rental car in the United States or Canada. Credit cards often provide this coverage free for 15 to 30 days.

Regarding pre-paid fuel, it's easier and cheaper to fill the tank before returning the car. However, if you don't refuel, car rental companies' per-gallon charges are about double local prices. Ask directions to the nearest cheap gas station, and leave enough time for refueling. Exorbitant hourly charges for lateness usually begin one hour after your contracted return time.

Save yourself legwork and money by consulting a travel agent. Not only can agents consult their computers for comparative pricing, they can also inform you about special deals and rental discounts.

For example, a travel agent would most likely have advised Dr. Celden about the AAA discount for members. Dr. Celden didn't know to ask for it, and rental agents never offered it, so she missed out. Other discounts are offered through the American Association of Retired Persons, some frequent flier programs, and some corporate employee benefits.

(C) 2001, Jennifer Merin Distributed by Tribune Media Services

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