Orlando Car Rental

Car Hire in Orlando Airport

Orlando Florida car rental is essential if you are visiting Orlando without a car. There are many options available to you when you are seeking car car hire in Orlando, and it is advisable to check out your options before settling on any particular company. Not only do car rental prices fluctuate but so also do the fees for the various options available.

Orlando is a big place, and if you are on vacation the attractions and hotels cover a wide area. Although cabs might be a viable short-term solution for a business trip, you will definitely need a hired car if you are visiting on vacation. Although the usual options are available, Orlando car rental is normally fairly inexpensive because of the demand and the competition between Orlando car hire firms for your business.

It is recommended that you book in advance because you can generally get a lower price that way, and you are secure in the knowledge that you will have a car awaiting you on your arrival in Orlando. When booking, make sure you understand the rental terms, the full extent of the charges and fees you will be paying, and also any discounts that might be available. Here are some discounts to keep your eye out for when booking car hire in Orlando.

1. Check the midweek rates. Many rental companies offer a lower car hire rate Monday thru Thursday, so you can keep your costs down if you arrange to hire your car during that period.
2. Find out if you can get a lower rate by booking online. Most car rental firms will offer a discount for online bookings that are carried out automatically and hence save them administration costs. It is also more convenient for you to book your vehicle any time of the day from your own home.
3. Ask if AAA or AARP members get a discount. Some rental companies offer discounts for members, so ask. You may not be offered a discount if you don't inquire.
4. If you belong to a frequent flyers club you may be entitled to a discount, so make sure that you inquire about that if it applies to you.

Orlando Florida car rental charges and fees vary, and it is wise to become familiar with the various extra charges you could face when arranging car hire in Orlando. It is easy to end up paying double the original quoted fee, so take note of the following extras that could be added to your final credit card bill.

1. Are you over 25? If not, check out any surcharges that may be applied to drivers under 25. Also take note that you normally have to be 21 years of age to hire a car in the USA, so make sure that you have checked this out if you are under 21.
2. If you are visiting Orlando, and then heading off someplace else, check if there are any extra fees applied for picking up and returning your car at different locations. Some Orlando car rental firms allow this at no extra charge while others charge for the service.
3. Make sure that you understand the insurance situation and your level of cover. Few Orlando car rental firms include liability cover in their rental charge, and if you want insurance deductible waiver that will set you back even more - up to and over $20 a day.
4. Unless you have requested an 'all-in' price, you will have added fees to pay such as the 6.5% Florida sales tax and a road surcharge. If you have booked your car from the airport there might be additional fees involved, and what if you want two people driving? Some prices include that, but with others it can be an added extra. Another cheeky charge some Orlando Florida car rental firms apply is a credit card surcharge - when you can't hire the car without a credit card!

When you add up all these extra fees and charges the final price you pay could bear no resemblance to the original quote given. It is therefore best to ask for a total price, with all essential fees included. However, make sure that you read all the fine print and be fully aware of what is included in your vehicle rental charge.

Another problem you might find with car hire in Orlando is the so-called 'free' car hire offered when you book a vacation in Orlando. You might find that the 'free' only applies to the basic hire cost of the vehicle, and not insurance or any other charges and fees. You could find yourself having to pay a fairly hefty bill.

Finally, as prices are normally a lot less expensive at gas stations than at the rental firm, so opt for the full tank return if that is available to you or you could also have a hefty fuel bill to pay. There may be more charges involved, particularly if you need any special fittings such as a child seat, but those mentioned just about cover the more common extras.

In spite of the above comments and things to be aware of, Orlando Florida car rental is generally cheaper than in many other states, and there are many good vacation deals available online. So visit a good Orlando car hire website and check out what is available - but make sure you understand all the costs involved before you commit yourself.