If you're planning a summer trip that includes a rental car, you might have questions like whether you're getting a good deal, which rental companies are the best, and whether it's safe to connect to the car's Bluetooth.
A Consumer Reports survey found that the average cost of renting a car was about $86 per day, which translates to about $600 per week.
National was the only car rental company to receive the highest overall satisfaction rating and the lowest price, averaging $73 per day. Members praised the company for its customer service, vehicle condition, and price transparency.
Enterprise and Alamo rank second and third, respectively.
Consumer Reports members were disappointed with the experiences of Dollar, Fox and Thrifty.
Dollar received poor reviews for customer service and ease of rental car pickup. Thrifty didn't live up to its reputation, with an average of $91 per day, the most expensive.
Half of respondents book directly through the company’s website, and about three in four say they’ve used a discount to get a better deal, such as those offered by AAA or AARP. Another 15 percent book through a warehouse club-style travel portal, such as Costco or Sam’s Club.
Consumer Reports experts suggest that once you find a car that fits your budget, make the reservation. But don't pay the full amount up front. Use a website like Autoslash or Kayak to track your reservation and alert you if a lower price becomes available.
While Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay can be useful technologies during your rental car travels, just be sure to unpair your phone and delete any data and addresses you may have saved before returning the car.
To keep your data private, check the permissions on your phone and grant only necessary access to the car.
Most rental companies will place a hold on your debit or credit card to ensure that you have enough money or credit to cover your final bill. They won't charge you extra if you return the car as promised in your rental agreement. However, if you're close to your credit limit or have a low bank account balance at the time of the hold, your card may be declined for additional purchases.
