Using Car Rental Booking Sites

Renting a car on car rental booking sites is very popular, as it allows you to compare the rates of several car rental companies at once.

This gives you the chance to see at a glance, which car rental company gives the best price for the city, dates, times and vehicle that you’re looking for.

What is a Car Rental Booking Site?

Most booking sites or booking engines feature the ability to book airline tickets, hotel reservations, car rental, cruises and many other in-destination services (such as restaurants or attractions) from a broad selection of travel partners.

A booking site will usually give a “best price” or “lowest price” guarantee. If you find a cheaper rate other than the one that you have booked on a booking engine, they will either match the rate or refund you the difference. One thing to keep in mind with these guarantees is that if you find a cheaper rate, that rate must be one that is available to the general public.

For example, if you booked a car with Budget on Expedia, let’s say, and then you went to the Budget website and found a cheaper rate using a car rental discount code that you had from your auto club membership. Expedia would not match that price. Because you used a discount code, and you must be a member of that auto club to get that code, it would be determined that that price was not available to the general public. The price guarantee would also not be offered on corporate discounted rates or prices available by using a rewards program or coupon.

As with any program, when you are renting a car through a car rental booking site, always read the terms and conditions.

Some sites will give much cheaper rates when you pay for the car in advance. If the booking site requires your credit card number to book the reservation, it is usually a prepaid booking, that is charged upfront.

Make sure to always check the terms and conditions on a prepaid car rental, often there are restrictions on modifying or cancelling your reservation.

I suggest that you go to a booking site and check your city, dates, times and vehicle size to find which company has the cheapest rate. If you don't have to give your credit card number, book the car. Then, go to that particular company's website and see if you can get a cheaper rate on the same vehicle using a discount code or special from the site.

If you find a cheaper rate, book it and then go back and cancel the reservation that you made on the booking site.

Using booking sites to rent your car is just one of many options. You can book through car rental company websites directly, or call their toll free numbers

You can also book a car rental through your travel agent.

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