We love a comparison site as much as the next traveler. They’re handy for seeing what’s out there, comparing your options and getting a feel for what your trip might cost.
But when it comes time to actually book your hire car? Going direct has some pretty decent perks.
Better access to deals. Fewer middlemen. Clearer information about your rental. And if something changes (because travel plans never change, right?), you know exactly who you’re dealing with. Here’s why it’s worth coming straight to the source.
1. The insurance bit is much clearer
Let’s tackle the confusing one first.
When you book through an online travel agent or comparison site, you may be offered insurance as part of the booking process. What isn’t always obvious is that this insurance can be a completely separate product from the damage cover offered by the company actually renting you the car.
Why does that matter?
Because third-party insurance doesn’t necessarily reduce the liability or security bond that applies to your East Coast rental. In some cases, if something happens, you may need to pay the applicable cost to the rental company and then claim it back separately through your insurer.
Book directly with us and you can see the damage cover options that apply to your East Coast rental while you’re booking, including the applicable liability and security bond. Less confusion at the counter. More getting on with your holiday.
2. You get access to our best direct deals
Here’s a good habit to get into: before you book through a third party, check direct.
When you book on the East Coast Car Rentals website, you’ll have access to our latest direct rates, deals and promotions.
And if you like a sneaky deal (hello, who doesn’t?), join our VIP email list. Our VIPs get exclusive access to deals and discounts delivered straight to their inbox. Your future road-trip budget may thank you.
3. No middleman. Just us.
Book directly with East Coast and your booking is, well… directly with East Coast.
Revolutionary stuff.
But it actually makes a difference when you need help.
Instead of working out whether you need to contact the booking website or the rental company, you can come straight to the people providing your car. One booking. One rental company. Much simpler.
4. Plans changed? It happens.
Flights get moved. Trips get extended. Someone invites themselves along and suddenly that compact car you booked is looking very compact.
Travel plans change.
When you’ve booked directly, our team has your reservation and can talk you through the options available if you need to make a change.
If you’ve booked through a third party, some changes may need to go back through them first. We know which option we’d rather deal with when there’s a flight to catch.
5. Got a weirdly specific question? Ask us.
How often does the airport shuttle run? What happens if your flight is delayed? Will four giant suitcases fit? Where exactly do you return the car?
These are the questions that suddenly become extremely important approximately 24 hours before a holiday.
When you book direct, you can ask the people who actually know our branches, vehicles and rental process. No generic answers. No hunting through six different help pages. Just ask us.
6. You know exactly who you’re dealing with
There can be a surprising number of businesses involved in one online booking.
The website you booked through. The company providing the vehicle. A separate insurance provider. Maybe another company processing part of the reservation.
Booking directly cuts through some of that noise.
You book with East Coast. You collect your car from East Coast. And if you need us along the way, you know where to find us. Simple.
So, should you always book direct?
Look, comparison sites have their place. They’re genuinely useful when you’re researching a trip and figuring out your options.
Our advice? Compare away. Then check direct before you book.
You might find a better direct deal, you’ll be able to see exactly what East Coast offers with your rental, and there’s one less middleman involved if you need help later. And frankly, holidays already involve enough admin.
Ready to hit the road?
Find your car, book direct and get on with planning the fun part.
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