How To Save On A Rental Car

Everyone at some point in their travels has probably needed to rent a car just to get around their destination. In most places, you can honestly get away with not getting a rental car. That’s great, if thats an option do that. But some places we want to visit are just not quite set up properly for public transportation. But the issue is, car rentals are expensive! It can end up taking up a good portion of your vacation budget. So let’s talk about some ways we can bring down the price of this necessary annoyance. Here are the steps to take to save on your next car rental.

Tabea Schimpf @tabeaschimpf

1. Make a reservation in advance

Booking ahead of time is one of the simplest methods to save money on a car. Prices for rental cars tend to rise as you get closer to your vacation dates, so booking early can help you lock in a lower cost. Many rental vehicle businesses also offer discounts to clients who book ahead of time, so keep an eye out for those when you're looking.

2. Choose the season to rent

The season in which you rent a car might significantly influence the cost. Renting a car during peak travel season (such as summer or major holidays) is generally more expensive than renting during off-peak times. If your travel dates are flexible, renting during a less busy time of year can help you save money.

Hans Isaacson @hans_isaacson

3. Use discount codes and coupons

Many rental car companies offer discounts to customers who enter a promo code or coupon when booking. These codes can often be found on the rental car company's website, as well as on third-party websites that specialize in travel deals. Be sure to do your research and look for any available discounts before you book your rental. A quick Google search, such as "Hertz coupon codes", can sometimes save you quite a bit of money.

4. Sign up for loyalty programs

Again, yes, I am telling you to sign up for loyalty programs. They save you a ton of money in the long run. Especially travel-based loyalty. Most rental car companies offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points or miles for each rental. These points can then be redeemed for free or discounted rentals in the future. If you rent cars frequently, signing up for a loyalty program can be a great way to save money over time. And with the right travel credit card you can double up your rewards. You get points with the car company, plus miles/points for using your credit card.

Nitin bs @nitinbs

5. Avoid renting at the airport

Renting a car at the airport is convenient, I’ll give you that. It can also be more expensive than renting from a location off-site. Many rental car companies charge additional fees for airport pickups, so if possible, consider taking a taxi or public transportation to a rental car location off-site. Sometimes even with the cost of getting over to the offsite rental company, it’s still cheaper than renting from the airport. And they are usually locally owned, so it’s always nice to support the locals wherever you travel.

6. Compare prices from different rental car companies

Just like with any other purchase, it pays to shop around when renting a car. Be sure to compare prices from multiple rental car companies to find the best deal. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best choice, so be sure to consider other factors like customer service and the quality of the rental cars when making your decision. Reviews are HUGE when it comes to figuring out if a rental company is good to work with. So be sure to read those. A tool I have been having a ton of success using is actually Kayak.com. They compare different car rental companies and make it pretty easy to find a good deal. Be sure to start your search there. (And make sure to sign up for their reward program).

7. Consider renting for longer periods

Many rental car companies offer discounts for customers who rent for longer periods of time. If you need a car for more than a few days, consider renting for a week or more to take advantage of these discounts. Sometimes it’s able to save you so much that you end up being able to add another day on for free. It’s the perfect excuse to extend your trip.

8. Avoid additional fees

Rental car companies often charge additional fees for things like additional drivers, car seats, and GPS units. Before you book your rental, be sure to read the fine print and make sure you understand all of the fees that may be associated with your rental. If possible, bring your own car seat and use your phone for GPS to avoid these additional fees. Most places will also charge extra for drivers under 25. So if you're going with a group and someone is over 25, it could save you all quite a bit if they agree to drive.

So there you have it. Hopefully, that was helpful and you’ll be able to find a great deal on a rental car. Come back and reference this post next time you're looking for a rental. You can use it as a checklist so that you can be sure you’re not forgetting anything. Have fun and drive safe!