How to Save Money on Car Rentals: Insider Tips

Car rentals can quickly add up to a significant part of your travel budget, especially if you don’t take advantage of available cost-saving strategies. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce costs and still enjoy the convenience of having a rental vehicle.

In this article, we’ll dive into insider tips on how to save money on car rentals, avoid hidden fees, and secure the best deals.

Key Takeaways:

• Use price comparison websites to find the best deals on car rentals.
• Book in advance and choose off-peak times to get better prices.
• Avoid hidden fees by bringing your own GPS, child seat, and declining unnecessary extras.
• Join loyalty programs to enjoy discounts and occasional free upgrades.

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Why Car Rentals Can Be Expensive

Renting a car can sometimes feel like a scam because of all the unexpected fees and surcharges added to the initial quoted price. Here are the common factors that can drive up the cost of your rental:

• Base rate: This is the advertised price, which usually doesn’t include taxes or additional fees.
• Insurance: Rental companies often push expensive insurance packages that can significantly raise the price.
• Airport surcharges: Renting a car from the airport is convenient but comes with hefty additional costs.
• Extras and upgrades: GPS systems, car seats, or requesting a larger vehicle can come with steep fees.
• Fuel fees: Many rental companies charge extra if you return the car with less gas than you started with.

Knowing these factors can help you understand why the final bill is always higher than expected.

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Compare Prices on Different Platforms

To ensure you’re getting the best deal, it’s crucial to compare prices across various platforms. Thankfully, there are many websites and apps that can help:

• Kayak and Expedia offer a comprehensive view of prices from multiple rental companies.
• AutoSlash tracks prices even after booking and helps rebook if a better deal becomes available.

It’s also important to compare daily vs weekly rates. Sometimes, renting for a week might be cheaper than renting for just 4 or 5 days.

Pro tip: Some rental companies offer price match guarantees, so if you find a better rate elsewhere, you can use this to negotiate a better price.

Check out more deals on Kayak.

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Book Early and During Off-Peak Times

Booking early is one of the simplest ways to save money on car rentals. Just like flights, car rental prices fluctuate based on demand. The closer you get to the date you need the vehicle, the higher the prices are likely to be.

For more travel tips on renting a car, check out Top Tips for Renting a Car on Your Next Vacation, which offers great advice on how to plan your rental efficiently.

Best Times to Book:

• Off-season: If you’re traveling during a busy period (e.g., summer holidays, major events), consider booking months in advance to lock in a better deal.
• Weekdays: Rentals are often cheaper when picked up on Tuesdays or Wednesdays compared to weekends.

Also, consider renting a car in town rather than at the airport to avoid steep airport fees. Local branches typically have lower overhead and may offer cheaper rates.

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Leverage Discounts and Loyalty Programs

Most car rental companies offer loyalty programs or discounts, which can be a great way to save money over time. Here’s a breakdown of some popular programs:

• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: Earn points for free rentals and get access to member-only discounts.
• Avis Preferred: Allows you to skip the line and receive discounted rates and potential upgrades.
• Enterprise Plus: Earn points that can be redeemed for free rental days.

These programs are often free to join and can lead to significant savings if you rent cars frequently. Additionally, credit cards often offer car rental discounts, especially those that focus on travel rewards.

Learn more about Enterprise’s Loyalty Program here.

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Avoiding Hidden Fees

Car rental companies are notorious for tacking on extra fees, but with a little knowledge, you can avoid many of these:

Common Hidden Fees:

• Insurance fees: Check if your personal auto insurance or credit card provides coverage, so you can decline the expensive insurance at the counter.
• Late return fees: Even returning a car an hour late can result in extra charges. Always check the rental agreement for grace periods.
• Fuel charges: Many rental companies offer the option to prepay for gas. However, this is often more expensive than just filling up the tank yourself before returning the car.

Be sure to read the fine print and ask questions when you’re unsure about additional costs.

Learn more about how to avoid hidden rental car fees on Avis.

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Bring Your Own Accessories

Rental companies often charge outrageous amounts for add-ons like GPS systems, car seats, and toll passes. Here are some tips to avoid these extra fees:

• Use your smartphone as a GPS by downloading offline maps or using Google Maps.
• Bring your own child seat if you’re traveling with kids. Airlines usually allow them to be checked for free.
• Use toll pass services like EZPass that you already own instead of paying daily rates for rental car toll programs.

These small adjustments can save you a lot of money, especially for longer rentals.

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Consider Smaller or Local Rental Companies

While the big names like Enterprise and Hertz dominate the market, you can often find better deals with smaller or local rental companies. These businesses may have:

• Lower base rates than the bigger players.
• Flexible policies that waive certain fees like insurance or additional drivers.
• More personalized service without upselling you unnecessary extras.

However, it’s essential to check the reviews and make sure the local company has a good reputation, especially regarding customer service and transparency.

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Prepaying for Rentals to Lock in Savings

Prepaying for your rental can be a good way to secure a locked-in rate, especially during high-demand seasons. Prepaid rentals typically come with a discount, but there are pros and cons to consider:

• Pro: You can save up to 10-20% by paying in advance.
• Con: Cancellations or changes may not be refundable or could incur fees.

If your travel plans are solid, prepaying is often the smarter financial move.

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Upgrading Your Rental for Free

Believe it or not, upgrading your rental for free is possible! Here are some insider tips:

• Ask politely: If you inquire about upgrades when it’s a slow rental day, there’s a good chance the agent will accommodate you.
• Pick up at off-peak hours: Early morning or late evening are prime times when fewer cars are returned, meaning you might get a better vehicle if they’re low on stock.
• Use loyalty programs: Certain loyalty programs automatically include free upgrades as a perk.

Timing and being kind to the staff can sometimes work wonders!

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FAQs: How to Save Money on Car Rentals

What is the best day to rent a car for lower prices?

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the best days to rent, as prices are lower than on weekends.

How far in advance should I book my car rental?

It’s best to book your rental at least two to three weeks in advance for the best rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

Do loyalty programs really save money?

Yes! Over time, loyalty programs can provide significant savings, including discounts, free rentals, and upgrades.

Is it cheaper to rent at the airport or off-site?

Renting off-site is typically cheaper since airport rentals come with surcharges and extra fees.