Renting a car can be a great way to explore a new destination, enjoy a road trip, or save money on transportation. But, renting a car can also be expensive, especially if you don’t know how to find the best deals. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks that can help you save money on your next car rental and get the most out of your experience. Here are some of the top tips for finding the best rental car deals.
Compare prices online
One of the easiest ways to find the best rental car deals is to compare prices online. Some many websites and apps can help you search for car rentals from different companies and locations, and show you the best rates and offers. By using these websites, you can compare prices and features of different car rentals, and choose the one that suits your needs and budget. Consider checking for deals and discounts specifically with Travel Promotional Code for additional savings.
Avoid renting at the airport
Renting a car at the airport may seem convenient, but it can also be costly. Airport car rentals often charge higher rates and fees than off-airport locations, due to the high demand and the airport surcharges. These surcharges often come as fixed dollar figures, typically presented as a “Customer Facility Charge.” You might also find them as a percentage of your overall rental amount — and sometimes, you’ll owe both. Usually a few dollars per day, these fees can add up to a three-figure sum based on the duration of your journey. According to a 2022 NerdWallet study, renting a car at an airport location can cost up to 26% more than renting at a downtown location.
To avoid paying extra for your car rental, consider renting at an off-airport location. You can use a free shuttle, a taxi, or a rideshare service to get to your car rental location and save money on your overall rental cost. You can also use Skyscanner’s search tool to filter your results by “Free Shuttle” or “Meet and Greet” to find off-airport car rentals that offer complimentary transportation or delivery services.
Book in advance
Another tip for finding the best rental car deals is to book in advance. Booking your car rental early can help you secure the best rates and availability, especially during peak seasons and holidays. Booking last minute can result in higher prices and limited choices, as car rental companies may increase their rates or run out of cars due to high demand. Some experts suggest that booking within 24 to 48 hours of your trip can cost up to 30% more than booking in advance.
To get the best deal on your car rental, try to book at least a week or two before your trip. You can also use websites like Budget Australia to track your reservation and alert you if the price drops, so you can rebook at a lower rate.
Choose a smaller car
The size of your car rental can also affect the price you pay. Generally, smaller cars are cheaper to rent than larger ones, as they have lower base rates, lower fuel costs, and lower taxes and fees. Smaller cars are also easier to park and drive, especially in crowded or narrow streets.
Of course, the size of your car rental should also depend on your needs and preferences. If you are traveling with a large group or a lot of luggage, you may need a bigger car for comfort and convenience. But, if you are traveling solo or with a small group, and you don’t need a lot of space, you can save money by choosing a smaller car. Don’t forget to check for potential savings by using a Budget Australia Coupon Code when making your reservation.
Check for discounts and coupons
Another way to find the best rental car deals is to check for discounts and coupons. There are many ways to get discounts and coupons on your car rental, such as:
• Using your membership or loyalty programs: If you are a member of a travel club, a credit card, or a frequent flyer program, you may be eligible for discounts or benefits on your car rental. For example, AAA members can get up to 20% off on car rentals from Hertz, and Chase Sapphire cardholders can get primary car rental insurance coverage.
• Using online coupon codes: You can also find online coupon codes that can help you save money on your car rental. You can search for coupon codes on websites like RetailMeNot, CouponCabin, or Groupon, or on the car rental company’s website or social media pages.
• Using cashback or rewards sites: You can also use cashback or rewards sites to earn money or points on your car rental. For example, you can use Rakuten to get up to 10% cashback on car rentals from select companies or use Swagbucks to earn points that you can redeem for gift cards or cash.
By using these discounts and coupons, you can lower your car rental price and get more value for your money.
Skip the insurance
One of the biggest expenses that can add up to your car rental cost is the insurance. Car rental companies often offer various types of insurance coverage, such as collision damage waivers, personal accident insurance, or supplemental liability protection. These insurance options can cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per day, depending on the company and the coverage.
However, you may not need to buy the insurance from the car rental company, as you may already have coverage from other sources, such as:
• Your car insurance: If you have a personal car insurance policy, it may cover your rental car as well, depending on your coverage and your destination. You can check with your insurance provider to see what your policy covers and what your deductible is.
• Your credit card: If you pay for your car rental with a credit card, you may get some insurance coverage from your card issuer, depending on your card and your destination. You can check with your card issuer to see what your card covers and what the limitations are.
• Your travel insurance: If you have a travel insurance policy, it may cover your rental car as well, depending on your coverage and your destination. Consult your travel insurance provider.
provider to see what your policy covers and what the exclusions are.
By skipping the insurance from the car rental company, you can save money on your car rental cost and avoid paying for unnecessary or duplicate coverage.
Avoid extra fees
Another tip for finding the best rental car deals is to avoid extra fees that can increase your final bill. Some of the common fees that you may encounter are:
• Young driver fee: If you are under 25 years old, you may have to pay a young driver fee, which can range from $10 to $30 per day, depending on the company and the location. To avoid this fee, you can try to rent from a company that does not charge it, such as Hertz or Enterprise, or use a discount code or coupon that waives it.
• Additional driver fee: If you want to add another driver to your rental agreement, you may have to pay an additional driver fee, which can range from $10 to $15 per day, depending on the company and the location. To avoid this fee, you can try to rent from a company that does not charge it, such as Budget or Avis, or use a membership or loyalty program that waives it.
• Gas fee: If you return your car with less gas than when you picked it up, you may have to pay a gas fee, which can be much higher than the regular gas price. To avoid this fee, you can either refill the tank before returning the car, or choose the prepaid gas option, which may be cheaper than the gas fee, but still more expensive than the regular gas price.
• Late fee: If you return your car later than the agreed time, you may have to pay a late fee, which can range from $10 to $30 per hour, depending on the company and the location. To avoid this fee, you can either return your car on time, or extend your rental period in advance, which may be cheaper than the late fee.
By avoiding these extra fees, you can reduce your car rental cost and avoid any surprises on your final bill.
Conclusion
Following the top tips for finding the best rental car deals such as booking in advance, comparing prices from different providers, avoiding unnecessary add-ons, and being mindful of hidden fees, you can ensure a cost-effective and enjoyable rental experience. Remember to stay informed, flexible, and proactive in your search to secure the best deal for your next car rental adventure.
