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The Best Rental Car Companies for Your Next Vacation

The Best Rental Car Companies for Your Next Vacation

By Jeremy Allen
|
August 23, 2023
Woman renting a car
Photo Courtesy: Adobe Images

Renting a car can be a frustrating experience. Thankfully, there are companies that focus on making the process painless. Some of these companies include Alamo, National and Hertz. These rental companies offer affordable pricing and many locations.

These companies have good industry standing and an excellent BBB rating. They also have a variety of vehicles and are able to meet all your needs.

Avis

Avis is one of the largest car rental brands in the world. They offer a wide variety of vehicles, including economy cars, luxury cars, SUVs, and vans. They also have a mobile app that allows customers to reserve and manage their rentals on the go.

The company has an excellent customer satisfaction rating and a solid loyalty program. In addition to earning points for rentals, customers can use the Avis app to find nearby locations, book parking spaces, and purchase car accessories.

Unlike Budget, Avis has a larger fleet and more locations. This makes them a better choice for travelers who are looking for flexibility and value. However, they have received poor reviews for a number of different factors, including age and condition of the vehicles, how well descriptions match the actual car, and their fuel policy.

Budget

Budget was founded in 1958 and continues to cater to value-driven renters. It has a solid industry reputation, with rates about 21 percent cheaper than average according to our cost analysis. The company offers a variety of helpful add-ons and has an extensive presence in cities around the world.

The company also has a good rewards program, Fastbreak, which is free and lets members bypass the regular check-out and check-in lines. It also provides free membership in its insurance plan, which covers liability up to a certain limit and allows for reimbursement for lost personal items.

Budget has more than 1,300 locations in the U.S., and many more overseas. However, airport locations are often subject to additional fees and taxes. It’s best to book at neighborhood locations for the most savings.

Alamo

Alamo is an established car rental company, owned by Enterprise Holdings. It offers an extensive variety of cars, trucks, SUVs and vans in its locations around the world. Customers can book, modify and check in their reservations online or using the Alamo app.

While Alamo’s customer satisfaction ratings are mediocre on some user review sites, it offers competitive prices and an easy booking process. It also provides a good variety of add-ons.

Alamo’s policies on one-way drop-offs vary by location. They may charge a fee to return the vehicle at another location or may require a ticketed return itinerary. Exotic and large vehicles like passenger vans may not travel to Canada or Mexico without additional coverage. Additional drivers can be included for free on some Alamo rentals, while spouses and domestic partners are only allowed on certain vehicles.

Fox

With a solid industry standing and competitive average rates, Fox is an excellent choice for those looking to save money on their rental car. However, beware of extra fees and hidden charges. These fees can add up quickly and can result in a huge bill at the time of pick-up.

Prices vary based on season and the type of vehicle. For example, mini and economy vehicles typically cost less than luxury or premium cars. The rates are also lower during periods of low demand.

Founded in 1989, Fox Rent A Car offers competitive rates and an extensive selection of rental cars. Their customer service is outstanding and their friendly staff will help you find the best deal on your next road trip. Located at 31 airport locations in the United States, and 200 more worldwide, Fox is an excellent option for budget travelers.

Hertz

Hertz is one of the most popular car rental companies in the world. The company offers a wide variety of services, including one-location short rentals and monthly car rentals. It also offers a wide range of cars, from sports cars to SUVs.

Customers can rent a car from Hertz at any of their locations worldwide. Hertz offers a number of services, including an e-Reservation system that allows you to reserve a vehicle online. Hertz also offers an e-Valuation service, which provides the price of your car at the time of pickup.

Hertz has a great reputation in the industry, with a customer rating of 4.4 stars on Trustpilot. Its perks include SuperCover, which waives the excess in the event of a collision or other damage.