7 ways to avoid getting ripped off when renting a car

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Renting a car has practically become a dreaded part of the travel process for even for the most experienced travelers. The rental company often finds ways to add unexpected charges to the final bill.

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Want to avoid getting ripped off? Here are seven tips from savvy travelers and rental car industry experts.

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Do research beforehand. Educate yourself about your own car insurance and credit card policy coverage before you sign the contract.

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Book in advance. Rates are almost always lower when you book in advance. Planning ahead also gives you time to comparison shop.

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Skip the airport rental. Airports often charge additional taxes and fees that the rental car companies pass along to the renters, said Chad Rixse, director of financial planning at Forefront Wealth Partners and former rental car agent.

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Take pictures. Make it a point to take pictures of the car when you pick it up and again when you drop it off, said Mitch Krayton, owner of Krayton Travel.

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Skip the GPS. “In many countries, SIM cards and data plans are more cost effective than adding on a GPS device from the rental company,” said McLaughlan.

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“Not all companies will let you know so be sure to ask to avoid hidden late fees,” said Odah.

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Just say no. The best way to save money on car rentals is to just take a hard pass on any potential extras the agent offers. There are often cheaper alternatives.

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7 ways to avoid getting ripped off when renting a car

Renting a car has practically become a dreaded part of the travel process for even for the most experienced travelers. The rental company often finds ways to add unexpected charges to the final bill.

Read More

Want to avoid getting ripped off? Here are seven tips from savvy travelers and rental car industry experts.

Read More

Do research beforehand. Educate yourself about your own car insurance and credit card policy coverage before you sign the contract.

Read More

Book in advance. Rates are almost always lower when you book in advance. Planning ahead also gives you time to comparison shop.

Read More

Skip the airport rental. Airports often charge additional taxes and fees that the rental car companies pass along to the renters, said Chad Rixse, director of financial planning at Forefront Wealth Partners and former rental car agent.

Read More

Take pictures. Make it a point to take pictures of the car when you pick it up and again when you drop it off, said Mitch Krayton, owner of Krayton Travel.

Read More

Skip the GPS. “In many countries, SIM cards and data plans are more cost effective than adding on a GPS device from the rental company,” said McLaughlan.

Read More

“Not all companies will let you know so be sure to ask to avoid hidden late fees,” said Odah.

Ask about the return time.

Read More

Just say no. The best way to save money on car rentals is to just take a hard pass on any potential extras the agent offers. There are often cheaper alternatives.

Read More

Read More

Swipe up for more INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP YOU AVOID GETTING RIPPED OFF WHEN RENTING A CAR

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