Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to get around a new place. In fact, the car rental industry continues to grow, increasing by 21% in revenue since 2020.
Despite its popularity, car rentals can be costly when you don’t prepare for it. Fortunately, guides like this are readily available online for anyone who’s looking to book a rental car for their next trip.
Is renting a car expensive?
Renting a car can be cheap, but often, it can be costly. One reason why car rentals are so expensive is because there is a high demand for them, not to mention the additional fees these companies charge their customers.
Are car rental prices negotiable?
Although car rental prices are high, it is still possible to haggle for a lower rate. This is especially possible for rentals during the off-season. Take your chances and politely negotiate. Most of the time, these companies can move the price slightly to accommodate your request.
How to Save Money on Car Rental?
Although car rentals can be expensive, there are ways to save money. This all depends on different factors affecting the rental fees such as when you book, what type of car you book, and from whom you book the car from.
Here are other ways you can save on car rental costs:
1. Compare prices ahead of time
Before diving into the first car rental company, the first thing to do is to take the time and compare the prices. This also means not looking for rental cars at the last minute. If possible, go through all your options ahead of time so you can determine which deal fits your needs and budget best.
2. Book early
Another thing that affects car rental prices is when you book. Typically, bookings made early are cheaper than bookings made on the day you need them.
Car rental prices can even skyrocket when demand is high so if you’re considering renting a car during the peak or holiday season, it’s best to book a rental car in advance. Not only is the price lower, but you also get to pick the exact car that you want or need.
3. Join car rental loyalty programs.
It may not sound like it makes a huge difference, but car rental loyalty programs provide many perks that allow you to get the best deals, such as free upgrades, express service, and other member-exclusive deals. You may even find better pricing exclusive to car rental loyalty program members.
4. Reserve the rental car only for the days you need It.
Just because your trip lasts for a week doesn’t mean you should rent a car for the entire seven days. If you’re just in the city without a real need for a car, you could save on a lot of money by renting a car only for the days when you actually need it for long drives.
5. Rent away from the airport.
When you’ve just landed at the airport, it can be tempting to just rent from any of the car rental companies nearby. While seemingly convenient, the added tax and demand for rental cars near the airport are quite high, meaning the prices are higher than anywhere else.
If you want to save money, check car rental companies that are away from the airport, and closer to the city or your accommodation.
6. Rent only the type of car you need.
Don’t pick a car just because you find it appealing. There is no need for a seven-seater if only two of you are in the car. Not only are larger vehicles more expensive than their smaller counterparts, but they also usually require more fuel.
To save money, pick a rental car that you actually need.
7. Research on car rental insurance
Most of the time, car rental prices are not the only factors why you’re paying too much. Rental car companies also have insurance fees charged daily. If you don’t know anything about car insurance, you might be talked into getting the expensive ones.
To avoid paying more than what you need, review your personal car insurance and see what is usually covered. Use this information as a reference when you rent a car during your next trip.
8. Ask about available discounts.
It doesn’t hurt to ask about discounts! If you are a senior, an AAA member, or a member of the military, you might want to inquire about any discounts you can avail. Many car rental companies offer discounts they don’t typically announce.
9. Skip the upsells and add-ons.
If you have all you need to rent a car safely, there’s no need to consider add-ons to your service. For example, a GPS add-on is unnecessary when you have Google maps on your phone.
10. Check the fuel policy.
Before renting a car, don’t forget to check the car rental company’s rules regarding fuel consumption. For example, do you need to fill up the tank upon returning it? Talk to the car rental company and ask what their fuel policy is.
11. Leverage memberships.
Did you know that certain memberships can help you save money during car rentals? Costco, for example, offers on car rental prices for Costco cardholders when they book a rental through Costco Travel.
12. Obey traffic laws.
This is a no-brainer, but don’t forget to abide by all traffic laws. This means avoiding speeding, illegal parking, etc. Tickets and fines can still hurt your funds and getting your rental car towed can even cost a lot more.
13. Use a third-party site for deals and specials.
Although third-party agents add a commission on top of the original car rental price, some third-party sites such as AutoSlash or EasyCar can still help you save money with car rental deals and specials.
14. Stick to one driver.
Just because both you and your companion, partner, or spouse can drive, doesn’t mean you should take turns driving the rental car. Many car rental companies ask for an additional fee for every authorized driver added to the rental.
15. Book with a credit card.
Your credit card can come in handy when renting a car. For instance, it can cover your insurance when you use it to pay for the car rental. However, before you use your credit card, check your credit card company’s coverage first.
16. Take a photo of the car before using it.
Avoid unnecessary fees by checking the car before taking it out for a drive. If you see a dent or scratch on the car, take a picture and let the car rental company know. This will protect you from any additional charges when you surrender the vehicle to the company.
17. Bring your own child car seat or buy one at your destination.
Although car rental companies offer a child car seat, it can be very expensive, so you’re better off bringing your own car seat. However, if the child car seat is too bulky to carry around, consider purchasing one in your destination if you’re staying for a long period of time.
18. Pay tolls in cash if you can.
Some car rental companies charge you for a daily convenience fee if you choose to pay tolls through them. However, you can avoid these fees if you choose to prepay the tolls online or pay the tolls in cash yourself.
Enjoy the ride without breaking the bank
It can be tempting to book a car rental with any random car rental company you first see. However, it pays to take the time to research what type of car you need and when you need it for. This helps you save a lot of money without sacrificing comfort and convenience.
If you don’t know where to begin or what kind of car meets your needs and budget, it’s best to consult a trusted car rental provider like Luxo Exotics, the largest car rental provider for luxury and exotic cars in Houston.
