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6 car rental tips from AAA Arizona

Posted at 10:41 AM, Jul 07, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-07 13:41:20-04

Car rentals can make a trip easier, and they come in handy if you’ve been in a fender bender or your car is in the shop for repairs. 

As a go-to source for travel information, AAA reveals six things for consumers to check before renting a car this summer:

  1. Do the math. An unbelievably low rate might not be so low when everything is said and done. Clarify taxes, surcharges and other fees you’ll be expected to pay in advance. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  2. Plan ahead. Before arriving at the rental counter, decide whether you’re going to insure your rental. Review your auto insurance policy and major credit card agreements, because you already may be covered.
  3. Check restrictions. If you’re planning to drive across state lines or on a dirt road, check to see that it’s OK before you lock in your rental deal to avoid extra charges and/or penalties.  
  4. Be on time … but not too early. Dropping a rental off late or early could result in extra charges. Call ahead to explain your situation and see if there’s any wiggle room to avoid a penalty.
  5. Supply your own car seat. If traveling with children, you can save more than $10 a day by providing your own child safety seat rather than renting one from the car company. 
  6. Ask for discounts and deals. Often times, discounts are available through organization memberships and affiliations. When renting through Hertz, for example, AAA members receive a number of benefits, including free use of one child safety seat with each rental and no charge for up to four additional drivers who are AAA members and meet standard rental qualifications.

For more travel tips and information, visit AAA.com.