Alamo Rental Tip

[garris3404]

Here's a tip I accidently discovered this morning while checking for a better deal. I was logged in (Insider Deal) and combining 2 Insider Deals (20% off daily [7014667] & $40 off for weekly [AD4027JDO]) for a midsize. My dates were Sept 6 - 14. When I accidently entered 10:00 AM for each date, I got a rate of $118.43. When I entered my correct departure time of 6:00 PM on the 14th, I got a rate of $91.69. So renting for 8 more hours saved me $26.74.

So you might consider rental for a few more hours than needed if you save some money? It doesn't cost you anything if you return early.

When using the 9/6 10:00AM to 9/14 10:00 AM I got the following rates:
1 week at $119.77
1 day at $17.11

When using the 9/6 10:00AM to 9/14 6:00 PM I got the following rates:
1 week at $72.83
2 days at $16.18

 

[Dan Murphy]

.....So you might consider rental for a few more hours than needed if you save some money? It doesn't cost you anything if you return early.....

Not always. The rental company could reprice the rental, to the higher rate, or possibly even the 'rack' rate. Not always, but it can happen.

 

[garris3404]

Not always. The rental company could reprice the rental, to the higher rate, or possibly even the 'rack' rate. Not always, but it can happen.

Maybe with a less reputable rental agency? But I've never had a problem with Alamo or National.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have never used any other company other than Alamo/National, other than one rental from Hertz. Many rentals, and yes, never a problem. I do think all the major rental firms are reputable, but have read here as well as Flyertalk where the aforementioned firms, as well as others, have rerated for short returns. That is why I said, 'not always, but...'

 

[garris3404]

Yes, I agree if you shortened your trip, and thus violated the rental terms (coupon), they could change the rate. In my original post, I was only referring to returning the car a few hours earlier (and still within the same rental terms). Sorry for any confusion.