Popular Car Rental Companies in the U.S.
In most cases it’s an advantage to work with a large and well-known company.
It’s not just a question or reputation or name recognition.
The big names in this industry offer a much wider choice of pickup and drop-off locations, both throughout the U.S. and around the world.
The big and mid-sized players in this business sector are:
- Hertz
- Enterprise
- Avis
- Budget
- Thrifty
- Alamo
- Dollar
- National
Renting a Vehicle the Same Day
The popular online travel sites make it easy to rent a car quickly and pick it up as soon as the same or next day.
It’s a convenient and fast process that can be finalized within a few minutes, so if you need a last-second transportation solution for today or tonight – it’s basically available a click away.
This option is extremely beneficial for those who are under severe time pressure and need to get it done quickly without unnecessary hassles or delays.
In most cases, your online search must begin at least one hour (and sometimes, more) before the desired pick-up time – based on the chosen pick-up location’s local time.
Here’s how the process generally works:
- The first step is to enter a reputable travel reservation site and go directly to the car rental section.
- Choose a pick-up airport or city, date and time.
- Then, choose a drop-off airport or city, date and time.
- The next step is to select the car type that you’re interested in.
Depending on the site, this list may include economy / mini, compact, midsize, standard, full size, premium, luxury, convertible, minivan or even a sports car, for those who have expensive taste.
- If you have a preferred company that you wish to order from, you can specify it and add this criteria to the search.
- If you need special extras, like a ski rack, infant or toddler sized child seat, snow chains or a navigation system, you’ll be able to add this add-on to your search.
After setting the search criteria with the customer’s personalized info, the website will provide the results and the reservation can be finalized online using a valid credit card.
The user can choose which offer to take according to his own preferences and priorities.
While some people will naturally go for the lowest discount rates in order to maximize their saving, others will prefer other factors like a more comfortable and spoiling vehicle, a preferred brand, convenient pick up or drop off locations, etc.
Just before finalizing the booking process, the customer will be able to purchase some optional extras, like insurance that covers the driver against potential rental car damages from collision, theft or vandalism.
Choosing The Right Vehicle
Put your personal needs first, when deciding on which type of vehicle you’ll take.
If you wish to maximize your saving on rates and gas, you’ll probably wish to go with the smallest available car model.
However, if you’re traveling with other people, your family or in case you have a lot of luggage and gear to carry, you may wish to consider larger options, like a sedan or SUV.
Reading the Fine Print
Closely read the terms and conditions before actually confirming your online reservation.
Be sure to understand all aspects of your order, including restrictions, hidden fees, penalties and other paid extras.
Avoid Ridiculous Gas Surcharges
Here’s a golden rule to memorize: make sure never to return a rented vehicle to the agency with less gas in the tank than when you first got it.
Fuel surcharges can be astronomical and can actually double or triple the price per gallon you would normally be required to pay at an average gas station.
No wonder it’s such a significant source of revenue for the companies.
