Renting a car can be unexpectedly complex, with various options and potential add-ons presented during the process. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or renting a car for the first time, knowing how to navigate these choices can save you money. Here are 11 tips to help you find the best deals on your next car rental.
1. Use Comparison Websites
Start your search on aggregate sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Google Flights, which offer a comprehensive view of the available rates from various rental companies. This step helps establish a baseline for what constitutes a good deal.
2. Explore Discount Sites
Don’t overlook discount sites like Hotwire or Priceline, which often feature competitively priced “stressed inventory” from rental companies eager to rent out vehicles that may otherwise go unused. The trade-off here is that you often don’t know the rental company until after booking.
3. Monitor and Rebook
Car rental rates can fluctuate. If your reservation allows free cancellation, book a tentative car and keep monitoring the rates. Rebook at a lower price if you find a better deal closer to your travel date.
4. Pay in Advance
Some companies offer significant discounts if you pay at the time of booking rather than at pickup. Savings can be as much as 35%, with companies like Avis and Budget often offering substantial prepay discounts.
5. Opt for Discount Brands
While premium brands like Hertz and Enterprise might offer more perks, brands like Alamo, Thrifty, and Dollar often provide the same basic service at a lower cost. Comparing these can save you about $5 to $10 per day.
6. Avoid Airport Pickups
Picking up your rental car at the airport is usually more expensive due to convenience fees and added surcharges. Consider renting from a location away from the airport to save up to 10% on your rental.
7. Leverage Memberships
Memberships with Costco or AAA can offer exclusive discounts on car rentals. Frequent flyer programs often have partnerships with car rental companies too, offering discounts that can make a significant difference.
8. Book Economy Cars
Economy cars are cheaper and, if luck is on your side, might be unavailable upon your arrival, potentially netting you a free upgrade to a better model due to inventory issues.
9. Avoid Adding Extra Drivers
Adding additional drivers increases the cost, often by $10 or more per day. Some programs, like those offered by AAA or AARP, allow you to add a spouse as an additional driver for free.
10. Skip the Rental Insurance
Check if your personal auto insurance covers rental cars. If it does, you can skip the rental company’s insurance, which is often an unnecessary expense if you’re already covered.
11. Decline Additional Extras
Items like GPS, satellite radio, and roadside assistance are convenient but can quickly inflate your rental costs. Use your smartphone for navigation and rely on your existing services for any potential roadside emergencies.
Conclusion
Renting a car doesn’t have to come with unpleasant financial surprises. By utilizing these tips, you can ensure that you not only save money but also avoid common pitfalls that catch less informed renters off guard. Always compare rates, look for discounts where you can, and understand your insurance coverage to get the best deal possible on your next car rental.
