We often find ourselves in need of a car, but what if renting is way too expensive? Don’t worry: these tips will definitely help you find the best deal possible, wherever you want to go.
1. Avoid getting a car right after landing
How easy it is – to rent a car immediately at the airport. However, this way one has to pay for the convenience. Airport surcharges are the hidden fees that make rental significantly more expensive. For example, the Customer Facility Charge alone adds $6 per day to the price of the car. Have a look at the rental prices in the city – chances are that they will be more advantageous.
2. Turn to the Internet for help
Several online services can help you compare potential costs at different rentals. The examples include Kayak, Cheapcarrental, etc. Then visit the site of the rental you liked – the price there might be even lower, but be careful with the option to pay in advance, it’s often non-refundable. Don’t stop searching after you find a suitable option, something even better might come up later.
3. Use discount brands
Make sure to look into discount rental brands. There are popular ones like Hertz or Enterprise, add to this list some less-known companies, e.g. Payless, Dollar Rental, Advantage, and others. Sometimes the fewer people know about the company, the cheaper it is to use its services. In some cities, Payless or Advantage can save you about $5 per day, so if your trip is long, this gets increasingly advantageous.
4. Memberships
Are you a Costco member? This membership can help you rent a car cheaper. Pro-tip: often adding a driver is free. AAA memberships work here as well – they can give you 8% and 10% savings on such services as Dollar and Thrifty. Another way to score a cheaper rental car is frequent-flier programs. For example, American Airlines’ AAdvantage members get 35% off Avis and Budget (but only if you rent at the airport).
5. Don’t neglect economy cars
Cheap economy cars are typically booked first, and you can take advantage of this. Reserve the cheapest vehicle possible, and then if it won’t be on the lot, you’ll get an upgrade. But always book something that is appropriate for your needs or your holiday may be ruined by too small of a car.
6. There should be only one driver
Rental car companies typically charge you a daily fee (about $12) for an extra driver, but you can avoid that. Companies like Enterprise let a spouse or domestic partner be this additional driver for free if you have the same address on your driver’s licenses. Other companies (for example, National) will do the same if you participate in their membership program.
7. Save on the insurance
If you already have a car, check your primary insurance. It will probably cover renting. Or ask your parents to add you to their insurance. A good driving record will come in handy. Use your credit card to pay – some of them include basic insurance. This can make your rental cheaper up to $30 per day. This hack might not work in overseas.
8. Forget the extras
Resist the urge to buy what rental agents try to sell you like satellite radio or GPS navigation. Chances are, you don’t need these extras.
9. Be careful with prepaid gas
First, check out services like GasBuddy to get an idea about current fuel prices in the area. Then compare them against the prepaid price your rental car company offers. It might be useful to return the car with a full tank to make the rental cheaper.
10. Consider not renting
While these tips are great for getting a cheap rental car, not renting is still cheaper. The majority of big cities have downtowns that are great for walking and efficient public transport, taxis and ridesharing services. And if you need a car for less than a day, use Enterprise CarShare or Zipcar. Their rates are as low as $5 per hour, and you don’t have to pay for the gas. Note, however, that they both require a membership.
