A new website www.Zalyn.com keeps a database of affiliate- and user-submitted car rental coupons that users can then search for based on applicable criteria, which means that the site analyzes the terms and conditions of each coupon to determine whether it applies to each user, according to website founder Sorab Bhardwaj.

The coupons are available for rentals in the U.S., and just launched in Mexico and Canada. Bhardwaj outlined the differences between Zalyn.com and websites such as AutoSlash.com by describing Zalyn’s database of coupons as “public.” Websites like Autoslash.com, on the other hand, maintain a private database of coupons and then apply the discount on behalf of the user by booking the rental for them. Zalyn, on the other hand, provides all the terms and conditions of a coupon, and does not actually book the rental.

“Rental car companies benefit by getting traffic directly from Zalyn.com, rather than through a booking service like Travelocity, which was used by AutoSlash,” Bhardwaj said, adding that companies shouldn’t have to worry about people using incorrect coupons. “Many people see codes on discussion forums and use them without realizing that they are only for specific groups, such as government employees or AAA members, etc. Zalyn shows these coupons only to members who sign up and specify that they are members of that group.”

Bhardwaj also contends that showing a car rental company’s coupons in a searchable format could project a more consumer-friendly image for the company. “We believe Zalyn is a better partner for the consumer as well as the rental car companies,” Bhardwaj said. “Consumers benefit by getting centralized access to a huge database of legitimate coupons, being able to easily find relevant coupons that apply to their trip without scanning hundreds of coupons and dozens of pages, and by making an informed decision about the coupons they're using.”

Zalyn.com also evaluates the length of the trip and location, and will also calculate the amount in savings.

 — By Joanne M. Tucker