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| Originally Posted by Unregistered As an ex-ERAC employee, I am grateful for this website and how I can tell people about how to save money by renting from ERAC. Here is what you have to do.
1- IF YOU ARE HAVING THE CAR FOR A LONG TIME (1 week plus)
Tell ERAC that you were in a car accident, and your car was totalled, and you didn't have rental coverage and your insurance company told you to mention their name and you would get a discount. The best company so far is Allstate, whose cheapest rate is $16.50/day for an economy car, and the last I heard, $25.49 for a full size car. This way they can not verify if your car is in a bodyshop or not since it was totalled. But be careful on this one, they usually ask to see your proof of insurance, so make sure you tell them your insurance companies name.
2- IF YOU ARE HAVING THE CAR A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME
Tell them you work for Bank One and that you have a national account. They have the best rates, by far, for corporate customers that I saw for the 3+ years I worked there. I think their corporate code was 38C3805, but don't hold me to that.
3- RESERVE ONLINE.
Online rates are so much cheaper. Call the local office first, make a tentative reservation, then check the internet. I am guessing you will save 10-20% there.
4- DON'T TAKE THE INSURANCE.
Well, they don't call it insurance. They call it many other things. If you pay for the entire amount of the rental (not an insurance co or 3rd party), if anything happens, your credit card will cover your deductible. And to be honest, a majority of the damage is non-documentable if it doesn't go outside the E-tool (a 2 inch circle they use to document damage). So door dents and minor bumper scraches, don't worry, they can't charge you for it.
5- ADDITIONAL DRIVERS
If you have an additional driver that is not your spouse, make sure you mention/dispute the fee they may put on your contract. Tell them that no-one told you that when making the reservation, and they will take it off. It's just an easy way for them make more money.
6- SHOP AROUND
Enterprise doesn't like loosing a deal to a competitor, especially Hertz. Usually they are cheaper, so find out what their rates are first then tell ERAC you found it cheaper and they will match the rates. Be careful on this one though, because if it is around the holidays, the other rental companies may be sold out of the "specialty" vehicles, like SUV's or Minivans. Check and see if they are available when you are checking rates.
Hope this helps. Write back if you have any success. Good luck renting!! |
Good points. Just to add to this;
1. Tell them that whoever you talked to on the phone said they would not charge you an additional driver's fee or underage fee. 99% of the time they will succumb.
2. The internet has by far the best rates. Have them write your total on the contract before you sign shit.
3. Barter with the agent and say you will take CDW for a tank of gas. Say that is a deal you used to work out at another office. Most will do. Stop by another office the next day and sign it off.
4. Say you called Hertz and they are offering a smoking deal. Make it up. If they are anything but sitting 95%, they will give you the car.
5. The corporate code thing works wonders. The only problem is that most corporate accounts charge more than Joe Schmo off the street. Be careful.
6. Say that you work for an insurance company or body shop and they will give you unlimited mileage on the $9.99 weekend special.