Renting a car can be a great way to explore new places or make a trip more convenient. However, if you don’t know how to find the best deals, it can quickly become an expensive endeavor.
As someone who rents cars in different cities, I’ve learned a lot about how to save money. In this guide, I’m sharing my top tips for saving money on car rentals, so you can enjoy your trip without overspending.
1. Book Your Car Rental Early
One of the easiest ways to save money on car rentals is to book early. Car rental prices tend to rise the closer you get to your pick-up date. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to secure a lower price. Plus, booking ahead gives you a wider selection of cars to choose from.
Here’s a quick tip: Aim to book your rental at least a few weeks before your trip, especially if you’re planning to travel during peak times like holidays or summer.
2. Use Price Comparison Websites
Price comparison websites are an excellent way to find the best deals. Websites like Kayak, Expedia, and Rentalcars allow you to compare prices from multiple rental agencies all in one place. These sites also let you filter your search by car type, location, and rental company.
Be sure to check a few different comparison sites to make sure you’re seeing the most competitive rates. Sometimes, one site might offer better deals than another!
3. Avoid Airport Rentals
Renting a car from the airport is super convenient, but it can also be expensive. Airport rental locations often have higher fees due to airport taxes and convenience charges. If you’re flying into a new city, look for rental agencies that are just outside the airport or in a nearby neighborhood. Often, these locations offer the same cars at much cheaper prices.
If you need to get to the rental office, you can usually take a quick taxi, shuttle, or public transport to save money.
4. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs
When renting a car, choose a vehicle that fits your needs—not necessarily the fanciest option. For example, if you’re traveling alone or with one other person, a compact car should be enough. Upgrading to a larger SUV or luxury car may seem tempting, but it will cost you more. The size of the car also impacts gas usage, so smaller cars are generally more fuel-efficient and cheaper to drive.
Think about your trip and what kind of car will be comfortable for you. There’s no need to pay for extra space you won’t use.
5. Look for Discounts and Coupons
Discounts and coupons can make a big difference in lowering your car rental costs. Many car rental agencies offer special discounts to members of certain organizations, like AAA, AARP, or even certain credit card holders. Check the rental agency’s website for any special promotions, or search for online coupon codes before you book.
You can often find discounts on websites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com. It’s worth taking a few minutes to look for deals before finalizing your reservation.
6. Check for Hidden Fees
When renting a car, always read the fine print. Some rental agencies charge extra fees for things like additional drivers, young drivers, GPS, car seats, or insurance. Make sure you understand what’s included in the rental price and what’s not.
For instance, many people are surprised by the extra cost of insurance. If you already have car insurance or a credit card that offers rental car coverage, you may not need to pay for the agency’s insurance.
Also, watch out for drop-off fees. Returning the car to a different location can sometimes result in a hefty fee, so if possible, plan to return the car to the same place you picked it up.
7. Consider Long-Term Rentals
If you need a car for a week or more, a long-term rental could save you money compared to booking daily rentals. Rental agencies often offer discounted rates for longer rental periods. In some cases, you might find a weekly rental that’s cheaper than paying for several days in a row.
When renting for a longer period, also consider the mileage limits. Some rentals come with unlimited mileage, but others may charge you extra if you go over a certain amount. Be sure to check this before you drive too far.
8. Refuel Before Returning the Car
Many rental agencies offer the option to prepay for gas when you pick up your car. However, this is almost always more expensive than filling the tank yourself before you return it. If you return the car without a full tank, you could be charged a premium price for gas.
To avoid this, make sure to fill up the tank at a gas station close to the rental drop-off location. Doing this can save you a lot of money!
9. Use Your Own GPS or Maps
Many car rental companies will try to upsell you on additional features like GPS navigation or satellite radio. If you have a smartphone, there’s no need to pay extra for GPS. You can use Google Maps or another navigation app for free.
If you’re worried about using data, many apps allow you to download offline maps before your trip. This way, you won’t have to worry about roaming charges.
10. Avoid Extra Drivers or Add-Ons
If you can, try to rent the car just for yourself. Extra drivers, especially those under 25, often come with additional fees. Some agencies charge as much as $10 to $15 per day for each extra driver.
If you’re traveling with family or friends, decide who will be the main driver and stick to that. This will help keep your rental costs low.
11. Look for Local Rental Agencies
While well-known brands like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise dominate the car rental market, local rental agencies sometimes offer better rates. They may not have as large a fleet or as many locations, but you can often find good deals by renting from a smaller, locally-owned business.
Do a quick online search to see if there are any highly-rated local rental agencies in the area you’re visiting. You might be surprised by the savings.
12. Avoid Car Rental Insurance If You’re Covered
Rental car insurance can be expensive, but you might not need it. Many credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit, so check your credit card’s perks before paying for additional coverage. Additionally, your personal car insurance policy may cover rental cars.
If you already have insurance, you can decline the rental company’s coverage and save a lot of money. Just be sure to double-check that you’re fully covered by your personal insurance or credit card before you skip the extra coverage.
Conclusion
Renting a car doesn’t have to drain your vacation budget. By following these simple tips and being mindful of hidden fees, you can save money and have more cash to enjoy your trip. Remember, the key to saving money on car rentals is to plan ahead, shop around, and be smart about what extras you really need.
Thank you for reading! I hope these tips help you get the best deal on your next car rental.