Rent a car can be an expensive endeavor, especially during peak travel seasons. However, with some strategic planning and insider knowledge, you can unlock major savings on your next rental. This comprehensive guide shares 15 proven tips to slash your car rental costs without sacrificing convenience or quality.
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Thoroughly Research Companies to Find the Best Rates
The first step to scoring a cheap car rental is to conduct thorough research across providers. While brand names like Hertz and Enterprise may be top of mind, lesser-known companies can actually offer lower rates in many cases.
Start your search with an aggregator site like Kayak or Expedia to compare pricing across major brands quickly. Then, with a good baseline rate in mind, dig deeper by checking the actual rental company websites for direct booking discounts not reflected on the aggregator sites. Renting directly from a provider can sometimes secure exclusive promos and loyalty benefits.
Beyond the big national chains, also consider peer-to-peer car sharing services like Turo and Getaround which connect travelers with privately owned vehicles for rent. These options provide affordable rates plus the ability to choose from unique, specialty vehicles like convertibles, SUVs and luxury cars.
For city dwellers open to a car-free trip, public transit passes, Zipcar memberships and rideshares through Uber and Lyft can also minimize transportation costs. With thorough research across all available options, you can determine the optimal rental solution for your specific trip.
Check Aggregator Sites First to Compare Major Brands
Aggregator sites like Kayak, Expedia and others allow you to enter your travel dates and destination to instantly view rate comparisons across providers. This gives you a solid baseline for average pricing in your area.
Don’t Overlook Direct Rental Company Website Deals
Before booking through an aggregator site, always check the rental company’s own website as well. Direct bookings sometimes come with exclusive discounts or coupons not listed on the aggregate sites.
Consider Peer-to-Peer and Car Sharing Alternatives
For potentially cheaper rates, look into peer-to-peer sites like Turo and Getaround which connect travelers with regular car owners offering vehicles for rent. Car sharing services like Zipcar are another convenient option.
Use Memberships and Loyalty Status for Discounts
If you belong to organizations like AAA, AARP or a university alumni association, membership perks may include savings on rental cars. AAA offers up to 20% off rentals with Hertz, for example. Professional and organizational affiliations can also provide access to discounted booking codes and rates.
Frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs are another avenue to exclusive rental car perks. Airline and hotel elite status sometimes provides matching status with rental companies, earning you upgrades, bonus points and other benefits. Be sure to enroll in all applicable loyalty programs before comparison shopping to access special member pricing.
Organizational Memberships Unlock Rental Discounts
AAA, university alumni groups, employers and other organizations may negotiate reduced rental rates and codes for members.
Earn Status Through Travel Programs
Hotel and airline elite status can match to rental car status for upgrades, insurance perks and bonus points.
Strategic Booking Boosts Savings
Beyond hunting for the best headline rate, strategic decisions during the booking process can also impact final pricing. Opting for off-airport rental locations avoids pile-on airport fees and taxes. And while prepaying may secure an initial discount, carefully weigh cancellation policies which can void any savings if your plans change.
Choosing a downtown or suburban pickup location versus the airport rental counter can shave off the extra taxes and facility fees airports tend to levy. Just factor in the potential cost of a taxi or rideshare to and from the offsite office.
While prepaying for your rental may snag a lower base rate, cancellations or changes are usually highly restricted or prohibited on prepaid rentals. Make sure to thoroughly review cancellation policies before prepaying in case your itinerary needs to shift.
Avoid Airport Locations to Skip Extra Fees
On-site airport rentals incur added taxes and fees – consider nearby offsite options.
Prepay Rentals With Caution
Prepay discounts may be voided by restrictive cancellation policies if plans change.
Optimize Insurance and Protection Policies
Before you blithely accept all the add-on insurance options presented by the rental agent, do your homework on your existing coverage. Your own personal auto policy may already protect rental cars, as may premium credit cards when you use them to pay for the booking.
Additionally, loyalty program status granted through airline and hotel tiers provides rental coverage benefits in many cases. Upping status by earning or matching to partner programs before you pick up the vehicle can be worthwhile for free upgrades and expanded insurance coverage.
Avoid unnecessary extras like GPS units, satellite radio and toll collection devices. Rely on your phone for navigation assistance and music. When possible, pay tolls in cash to skip pricey convenience fees. If you need a child safety seat, opt to bring your own or purchase one locally versus renting for $10-15 per day.
Confirm Existing Insurance Plans Cover Rentals
Double check your auto and credit card policies to avoid redundant rental insurance.
Earn Loyalty Status for Free Upgrades and Coverage
Airline and hotel status programs unlock insurance perks and class upgrades.
Just Say No to Costly Add-ons
Avoid GPS units, satellite radio, toll passes and other rental company offerings.
Act Fast to Maximize Limited Time Deals
Keep an eye out for limited time savings tied to coupons, codes and promotions when searching for the best rate. Retail sites like Ebates offer cash back bonuses on car rentals when you click through their portal before booking.
Corporate discount codes offered by employers, schools, organizations or associations also present periodic savings opportunities with certain providers. The key is to stay alert and act quickly to take advantage of these ephemeral deals when available matches to your rental dates and destination. Signing up for rental company email lists can help you learn about limited time specials as well.
Check for Corporate Codes and Coupons
Limited use promo codes may offer deep discounts for certain renters.
Earn Cash Back Through Retail Sites
Online portals like Ebates provide cash rebates on eligible rental bookings.
The Fine Print Holds Major Money Secrets
Before entering payment details, diligently read the fine print associated with any prospective booking. Key details on taxes, fees, and cancellation policies are buried in the terms and conditions – but they can make or break the overall value of the rental. Watch for blackout dates, vehicle category restrictions and exclusions on coupons or codes that can impact pricing.
Ask questions and clarify directly with the rental agent as needed. Don’t be afraid to negotiate – especially for longer rentals. Transparency up front prevents unwanted surprises down the road.
Pick Up and Return With Savings in Mind
Your money saving duties don’t end when you pick up the rental car keys. Pay attention to policies at the end of your trip as well. Avoid refueling with the rental company by filling up yourself before returning the vehicle. Rental company gas prices are generally well above local station rates.
Take some time at the start of your rental to thoroughly inspect and document the vehicle condition with photos, especially any prior damage. This protects against improper overcharges when returning the car.
Review the return policy – if you booked by the calendar week but end up returning a day or two early, some companies actually charge you more than simply keeping it the full reservation period. Maximizing the value you receive for the full rental period makes the cost per day cheaper overall.
Now Get Out There and Save!
Renting a car does not have to wreck your vacation budget. With the tips and tricks provided above, you can confidently research, plan and book a rental car trip with maximum savings. Remember to check all available membership discounts, read the fine print carefully, and avoid unnecessary extras and fees. By putting this advice into action, you will save hundreds of dollars on your next car rental experience. Happy and thrifty travels!