subject: Should You Go Direct Or Through A Car Rental Broker? [print this page] What's the benefit (if any) of going through a car rental broker instead of going direct to the supplier like Alamo or Dollar or Avis? Usually the answer is price! Yes, strange though it may seem it's often cheaper to go through a broker than to go direct.
Why? Well, brokers have contracts with the end supplier to buy car rental at a discount, then they usually pass some of that savings on to you as a reduction. So you still get a car supplied by one of the major players in the car rental industry, but you pay less than if you had booked direct.
The benefits of going direct are that you can normally get an instant confirmation and in many cases print your voucher out online. Plus, going direct would also normally give you the most choices of locations, so if you want somewhere that is not a popular destination then you have more chance of finding it if you go direct.
Going through a broker will normally give you a better price and choices of all the main (and some smaller) locations. You may have to wait 24 hours for confirmation and your voucher would be mailed to you or in some cases emailed.
When hiring a car rental broker you need to have the main points of your rental already decided. Where are you going? How many passengers are coming? And probably most importantly, what kind of car do you need. Make your choice based on the group, Economy, Compact, Intermediate, or size designation will suit your purposes. Decide whether you want aircon, or automatic transmission. Book the car based on group and you will have less problems!
In direct comparison, renting directly from your chosen rental company will provide more locations, some instant confirmations, and the capability to print out your own voucher. But, you may also end up paying higher prices. With a car rental broker you are more likely to be able to acquire lower prices, but you will be a little more limited in locations, a possible 24 hour wait for confirmation, and your voucher may be either emailed or sent through your postal service.
Is there a difference in service? Not usually. In fact, a broker more often than not serves as a buffer against the common problems associated with renting a car so that all you're left with is enjoying your holiday.
by: Terry Mickelson
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