Secrets to Saving Money: Rental Car Hacks to Rent a Car at the Best Price
Car rentals can be a nightmare, especially when prices seem to change daily. Working with a car hire company often brings its own set of challenges and frustrations, such as outdated and convoluted processes at rental counters.
Hidden fees, surcharges and confusing terms can add up quickly and leave you with a bigger bill than you expected. As car rental companies change their pricing models, finding the best deals gets harder and harder.
But you don’t have to fall into these traps. Armed with insider knowledge and car rental hacks, you can get the best, lowest price ever for your rental car and avoid the extras. In this guide, we’ll show you the best ways to save on your next road trip so you can get the best deal.
Hack #1: Book in Advance with Free Cancellation
One of the best car rental ideas is to book your rental car well in advance. Car rental companies offer lower prices for early bookings, so when you plan ahead you get rewarded. By booking your rental car early, you can lock in a good deal before prices rise due to demand and closer to the season time.
Checking the car rental company’s website for discount code and special loyalty program can also help you find exclusive deals and savings.
Choose a Rental With Free Cancellation
This way, you can rebook your rental car if you find a better agreement later. Keep an eye on rental car prices after you’ve booked, and if you find a cheaper price, cancel your existing booking and book again at the lower price.
This hack is especially useful during peak travel periods when prices go through the roof. By being proactive and flexible you can save and get the top price.
Hack #2: Avoid Airport Rentals
While renting from the Airport might seem convenient, it’s often the most expensive option. To avoid additional costs, booking directly with the rental company is critical.
Car rental companies at the airport charge higher rates and add surcharges and fees that can add up to a big extra cost. This is one of the car rental hacks that can make a big difference to your budget.
Rent from a Downtown Location or a Smaller Off-airport Provider
Local companies or smaller rental locations are often cheaper than the airport ones. You can save even more by taking a taxi, rideshare, or public transport to a cheaper car rental company or location.
This small extra step can save you big time, especially if you’re renting a car for more than just a few days. By avoiding the airport rental desks, you’ll find better deals and pay much less for your rental car.
Hack #3: Use Price Comparison Tools and Look for Car Rental Deals
In today’s digital world one of the smartest car rental tips is to use online price comparison tools. These platforms allow you to compare rental car prices across multiple car rental companies so you can find the better and lowest price anywhere. Additionally, it is important to check the car rental company’s website for discounts that can save you money.
- By comparing costs from different car rental companies you can find the better proposition and not overpay for your rental car.
- Set up price alerts so you get notified when prices drop. This way you can book at the right time and get the great deal on your rental.
- Promotions and discounts. Many car rental companies and third-party booking sites offer special promotions or discounts that can be applied during the initial booking process.
P.S.: Don’t forget to read the small print and be aware of any extra costs that aren’t included in the initial price.
Hack #4: Use Credit Card Benefits
One of the biggest rental hacks is to use a travel rewards credit card to get the most bang for your buck. Usually credit card company offer big bonuses when you use their card to pay for car rentals, and these benefits can save you money and make the whole process more enjoyable.
Rental Car Insurance Coverage
One of the biggest benefits is rental car insurance coverage, often included as a benefit with many credit cards. This can save you from buying expensive rental car insurance from the rental car company.
It is crucial to check the insurance coverage for rental vehicles provided by your credit card before renting. Before you hire cars, check the terms of your card’s insurance policy, which often includes collision damage waiver (CDW) and liability coverage.
This primary coverage can replace or supplement the coverage you would have to buy at the rental desk.
More Discounts
Many travel rewards credit cards also offer exclusive discounts when booking through specific car rental companies or through the credit card company’s travel portal. These discounts can be free upgrades or reduced rental rates to get you a better deal than what’s available.
Credit Cards:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Primary rental car insurance and additional points on travel purchases, including car rentals.
- American Express Platinum: Premium car insurance and access to the Premium Car Rental Loyalty Program, which includes discounts and free upgrades.
- Capital One Venture Rewards: Earn double miles on all purchases, which can be redeemed for travel expenses, including rental cars.
By using your credit card when you rent a car, you can access these benefits to save money, get better car rental deals, and protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
Hack #5: Decline Unnecessary Add-ons
When you rent a car it’s easy to get caught up in all the extras the rental car company offers at the rental counter. The car rental company’s rental counter often employs upselling tactics to encourage you to purchase additional services and insurance. But many of these extras come with a high cost that can add up quickly to your rental bill.
Here’s a car rental hack: decline these unnecessary extras whenever you can.
GPS and Satellite Radio
Rental car companies offer GPS devices and satellite radio as extras, but these can be expensive.
- Instead of paying for these add-ons, use your smartphone for navigation.
- With apps like Google Maps, Maps. Me or Waze, you can get directions without the extra cost.
- If you need entertainment, many rental cars now have Bluetooth, so you can stream music or podcasts from your phone.
Insurance
As mentioned earlier, car hire insurance is another area where you can save. If you have your own car insurance policy, it may already cover rental vehicles.
And if you’re using a credit card that offers rental insurance you can decline the rental company’s insurance coverage and save a lot.
Prepaid Fuel and Toll Passes
Rental companies will often try to sell you prepaid fuel options or toll passes as a convenience, but these can come with a big markup.
- Instead, refuel the car yourself at the one of closest gas stations near the return location before you return the car and only pay for the gas you use.
- Many areas now offer pay-by-plate options for tolls, so you can avoid the expensive toll passes.
| Extra Service | Average Cost Per Day | Total Cost (7 Days) | Total Cost (7 Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPS Rental | €10 - €15 | €70 - €105 | Use smartphone GPS apps (Google Maps, Waze) |
| Insurance | €20 - €30 | €140 - €210 | Use your own car insurance policy or credit card coverage |
| Prepaid Fuel Option | €10 - €20 | €70 - €140 | Refuel yourself at a local gas station |
By reading the fine print and declining unnecessary add-ons, you can lower the total cost of your car rental and keep more money in your pocket.
Hack #6: Try Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing
In recent years, peer-to-peer car rental platforms like Getmancar or Turo have emerged as budget-friendly alternatives to traditional car rental companies.
These platforms allow you to rent cars directly from individuals, often at a lower cost than what you’d find at the major rental companies, and you can rent it starting from one minute.
Carsharing is Cheaper
Peer-to-peer car rentals can be cheaper because they skip the overhead of traditional car rental companies. This is especially helpful if you’re looking for a short-term car rental company’s proposition or need a specific type of car that’s not available through rental car companies.
More Personalized Service
Renting from an individual often means you get a more personal experience.
- Owners may offer flexible pick up and drop off times or include extras like car seats or GPS for free.
- You’ll also find a wider variety of cars, from economy to luxury models, which can make your driving experience more enjoyable.
Possible Risks
However, be aware of the risks involved with peer-to-peer car rentals. Unlike traditional rental companies, you won’t have access to the same level of customer support or insurance options.
- Make sure to review the insurance policy provided by the platform and consider purchasing additional coverage if needed.
- Always inspect the car before renting and report any pre-existing damage. It is important to document the condition of the rental vehicle to avoid any disputes later.
By trying peer-to-peer car sharing you can find unusual and potentially cheaper rental vehicle options if you’re willing to think outside the box for renting a car.
Hack #7: Book Flights and Hotels Together
One of the simplest car rental hacks to save money is to book your car rental with your flights and hotels. Many travel sites and car rental companies offer vacation packages that combine these three, often at a lower rate than booking each separately.
Big Savings
When you book a vacation package with a rental car, airlines and hotels offer big discounts. They want to encourage customers to book everything in one go.
By doing so you can get lower rates on the various rental car companies and potentially save hundreds on your entire trip.
Convenience
Bundling also means everything is managed in one place. It simplifies your planning and reduces the time spent comparing prices across multiple sites.
Compare The Packages
However, always compare the package price to the cost of booking each element separately. Sometimes booking individual might still be cheaper especially if you have access to special promotions, loyalty programs or discount codes. Check the fine print and ensure the bundled price is a better deal.
Bundled Travel Packages vs. Separate
| Travel Arrangement | Separate Cost (Avg.) | Bundled Cost (Avg.) | Savings (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Car Rental | €700 | €620 | 11% |
| Hotel + Car Rental | €800 | €680 | 15% |
| Flight + Hotel + Car Rental | €1,500 | €1,250 | 17% |
Bundling your car rental with your flight and hotel is a good way to save, but do a little extra research to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Maximize Savings for Your Next Travel
Getting the best deal on a rental car doesn’t have to be painful. Use these car rental tips to feel in control and get the top price and avoid the extras. From using credit card benefits to skipping the extras and trying peer-to-peer car sharing these hacks are designed to save you money on your next adventure.
When you book your next journey don’t forget to bundle your car rental with your flight and hotel to get even more savings. Whether you’re renting a car for a few days or a week or more these travel tips together will get you the most bang for your buck.
FAQ
Why book in advance?
Booking in advance allows you to get lower rates before prices increase closer to your travel date. And booking early with free cancellation means you can rebook if you find a better deal later.
Is it really cheaper to avoid airport rentals?
Yes, renting from downtown or off-airport locations is usually cheaper because airport rentals have extra charges and fees. Renting from a non-airport location means you avoid those extra costs.
How do I find the best deals?
Use online price comparison tools to compare rates across multiple companies. And set up price alerts to be notified when prices drop and check for promotions or discounts on the car rental company’s website.
What are the benefits of using a travel rewards credit card for car rentals?
Travel rewards credit cards often include rental car insurance and offer discounts or points on travel related purchases including car rentals. These perks can save you money and provide extra coverage during your rental period.
Do I need to buy extra insurance from the car rental company?
It depends. If your own car insurance or credit card provides rental coverage you may not need to buy extra insurance from the rental company. But always check your existing coverage before you decide.
What are the risks of using peer-to-peer car rental platforms like Turo?
Peer-to-peer car rentals can be cheaper but come with risks like varying vehicle quality and limited customer support. Always inspect the vehicle before you rent and consider buying extra insurance.
Should I bundle my car rental with flights and hotels?
Bundling your car rental with flights and hotels can save you a lot. But always compare the bundled price with the cost of booking each separately to make sure you’re getting the best deal.