Websites using Rentalcars

Okay, let s break down Rentalcars.com, covering its overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

Rentalcars.com Overview

• What is it? Rentalcars.com (formerly known as TravelJigsaw) is an online car rental aggregator. It acts as a middleman, connecting customers with a wide range of car rental companies around the world. They don t own the cars; they facilitate bookings through their platform.
• Global Reach: They offer services in a vast number of locations worldwide, making it a convenient option for international travelers.
• Part of Booking Holdings: Rentalcars.com is a subsidiary of Booking Holdings, which also owns other major travel brands like Booking.com, Priceline, and Agoda. This gives them significant resources and market power.
• Platform: Primarily operates through its website and mobile app, allowing users to search, compare, and book car rentals.
• Business Model: They earn a commission on each booking made through their platform. This commission is a percentage of the total rental cost.
• Search Filters: Users can filter by car type, pickup location, driver age, transmission type and more

Revenue

• Not Publicly Disclosed Separately: As Rentalcars.com is part of Booking Holdings, its specific revenue is not disclosed separately in the parent company s financial reports.
• Significant Contributor: However, it s known to be a significant revenue contributor to Booking Holdings, given the size of the global car rental market.
• Revenue Sources: Revenue comes primarily from the commissions they earn from car rental companies on completed bookings.
• Impact of Travel Trends: Their revenue is directly influenced by travel trends, the overall health of the tourism industry, and competition within the online travel agency (OTA) sector.

Alternatives

Here are some notable alternatives to Rentalcars.com, categorized for clarity:

• Direct Rental Companies:
  • Hertz: A major global brand, often known for its loyalty program.
  • Avis: Another major international player, also with a loyalty program.
  • Budget: Often considered the budget-friendly option of the Avis-Budget group.
  • Enterprise: A large player, known for its focus on local rentals and customer service.
  • National: Often associated with corporate rentals and a premium experience (owned by Enterprise)
  • Sixt: A European company that has expanded globally, known for its diverse fleet.
  • Europcar: Another significant European player with a wide network.
• Other Aggregators/OTAs:
  • Kayak: Popular for flights, hotels, and rental car comparison
  • Expedia: Part of the Expedia Group, another big player in online travel.
  • Priceline: Also owned by Booking Holdings, offers similar car rental services
  • Skyscanner: Known for comparing flights and offering a car rental search too.
  • Auto Europe: An aggregator focused on international car rentals.
• Comparison-Focused Sites:
  • VroomVroomVroom: An aggregator with a focus on comparing across multiple brands.
  • Discover Cars: An aggregator that offers a price-match guarantee and a focus on transparent pricing.

Pricing

• Comparison: Rentalcars.com s core value proposition is that it lets you compare prices from multiple car rental companies in one place. They often offer a variety of pricing options.
• Factors Influencing Price:
  • Location: Popular tourist destinations will often be more expensive.
  • Time of Year: Peak travel seasons and holidays will drive up rental costs.
  • Vehicle Type: Larger, more luxurious vehicles will naturally cost more.
  • Rental Duration: Longer rentals often come with lower daily rates.
  • Insurance/Add-ons: Extras like insurance, GPS, or child seats will add to the cost.
  • Car Rental Company: Different rental companies will have their own rates and pricing policies.
• Hidden Fees: As with any car rental, it s essential to look out for potential hidden fees, such as fuel policies, mandatory insurance, or airport surcharges. Always thoroughly review the terms and conditions before booking.

Customer Care

• Contact Methods: Typically, Rentalcars.com provides customer care via:
  • Online Help Center/FAQs: Covering common questions and issues.
  • Email Support: For more complex issues.
  • Phone Support: Often available, but may vary based on location and urgency.
  • Live Chat: Increasingly common as a support method.
• Common Customer Issues:
  • Booking Modifications/Cancellations: Changing or cancelling a reservation can be a frequent point of contact.
  • Issues with Rental Company: Problems with the rental car (e.g., damaged vehicle, not as described)
  • Hidden Fees/Unexpected Charges: Disputes often arise regarding extra fees upon pick-up.
  • Communication Issues: Challenges in getting timely responses or understanding the policies of the rental provider.
• Reputation: Customer reviews about Rentalcars.com tend to be mixed, often depending on the specific rental experience. Because they are an intermediary, issues with the local rental provider can sometimes reflect poorly on them. Thoroughly reviewing the policies of both the aggregator and the local car rental provider is key.

Key Takeaways

• Convenience: Rentalcars.com s strength lies in its convenience as an aggregator for comparing car rentals across multiple companies.
• Price Comparison: It can be a valuable tool for finding competitive prices.
• Due Diligence: It s crucial to read all terms and conditions carefully, including those of the rental car company you choose, not just Rentalcars.com.
• Mixed Reviews: Customer experiences vary, so consider checking reviews and forums for feedback on specific rental locations and companies.

Recommendation:

Use Rentalcars.com to compare options and prices, but always double-check the details of the specific rental provider before finalizing your booking. Don t hesitate to reach out to customer support for clarifications before or after booking if you have questions or concerns. Consider direct bookings with your desired rental company if you prefer that approach or have a specific loyalty program.