Car rental prices since July 2021 have reached new heights. Luckily, car rental tips proved helpful, as prices have peaked and continue to drop. The rental car cost is still very high compared to the cost before COVID-19.
However, inflation has affected almost all areas of the economy, but the impact on car rental costs is particularly severe.
While everything has increased in price by about 23% on average since before the pandemic, the cost of a rental car will increase by a much larger 35% in 2024.
The good news is that you do not have to spend your entire vacation budget on a rental car.
Let us explore tricks to ensure how to get the best deal on a rental car. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip or a long road trip across the country, these strategies will help you find affordable car rentals.
From short getaways to extended journeys, these tips will guide you in finding the best deals on rental car costs.
Some of the Best Car Rental Tips
1. Skip the Airport
If you want to lower your rental cost, stay away from picking up your car at the airport. Airport rentals may be more expensive despite their potential convenience because of increased demand and other costs. These expenses could be a set sum of money or a portion of your monthly rent.
Choosing to rent a car in the downtown area rather than at the airport can save you about $86 a week on your rental car. If you decide to rent a car downtown, make sure to factor in the cost of getting there by taxi or ridesharing. These tips and tricks will help you manage your budget effectively.
2. Shop Around Online
To understand how to get a cheap car rental, it’s crucial to explore various online resources. Start by comparing options on different rental websites to find the best deal.
Then, visit the car rental company’s own website, as they might offer even greater discounts, particularly with “Pay Now” options. For the best cheap ways to rent a car, continue searching even after booking. You can always cancel and make a new reservation if the price is lower if your original reservation is not nonrefundable.
3. Comparison Shop Between Brands
You should never assume that discount brands are always the most economical when looking for ways to save money on car rentals. Some of the more well-known rental companies can actually provide lower rates, according to a recent study.
To discover the best deals on a rental car, make sure to compare different brands. This can help you find out how to get the best deal on a rental car, even among the more prominent names in the industry.
4. Leverage Memberships
Memberships can be a powerful tool in finding cheap rental car options. For example, a Costco membership can help you save money on your next rental car.
AAA memberships are another excellent money-saving tool by providing discounts for Hertz rentals as well as no underage driver fees for AAA members ages 20 to 24. Frequent-flyer programs also offer discounts on car cost.
5. Opt for Economy Cars As Cheap Ways to Rent A Car
One simple car rental tip for saving money is to choose economy cars. Since economy models are typically the least priced and in high demand, if the one you reserved isn’t available, you might wind up with a better car.
Reserve the smallest, least expensive car possible to save as much money as possible, but make sure it’s not too little for you to prevent pain on the journey. This strategy is a fantastic way to take advantage of possible upgrades and understand how to save money on car rental.
6. Stick to One Driver
Many rental car companies impose an extra fee for adding additional drivers, which can exceed $10 per day. To cut costs, consider sticking with just one driver. Some rental agencies offer fee waivers for a spouse or domestic partner if both drivers share the same address.
Additionally, certain membership programs can eliminate or reduce these fees for family members. Utilizing memberships such as USAA, AARP, AAA, or Costco can also provide opportunities to save on these additional costs.
7. Use Your Own Insurance
Using your personal insurance can help you save a considerable amount on your rental. Rental car coverage is frequently included if you already have car insurance. When you use a credit card to pay for your rental, many of them also provide basic insurance coverage.
This is one of the most effective car rental tips to keep costs down. This can reduce your daily rental cost by about $30. Even if you have coverage through your credit card or primary auto insurance, you may still need to buy insurance when renting abroad.
8. Forgo the Extras
Resist the upsell from rental agents on extras like roadside assistance, satellite radio, and GPS navigation. These extras can add up quickly. For emergency services and navigation, use your smartphone instead. Throughout a lengthy trip, this straightforward advice on how to find a cheap car rental can save you a great deal.
9. Price Out Prepaid Gas
While choosing prepaid gas can be convenient, financial savings aren’t guaranteed. Before determining whether the prepaid option is worthwhile, find out the local fuel prices.
Think about how much gas you will probably consume and whether you need to fill up the tank before bringing the car back. Shorter trips might only require a simple refill, while longer ones might result in savings if you return the car with less petrol. This is one of the cheap ways to rent a car but it is still effective.
10. Walk or Ride
Avoiding car rentals altogether is the best approach to reducing your expenditures. Walkable neighborhoods and extensive public transit networks, which include ridesharing and taxis, are common in many cities.
Assess whether a rental car is truly necessary for your trip. Additionally, consider exploring alternative options where individuals rent out their personal vehicles.
These services often offer hourly rentals, which can be more economical. You may be able to find more effective ways to meet your transportation needs if you make use of these car rental tips.
Conclusion
It’s not hard to find ways to learn how to save money on car rental. You can have a fun trip without going over budget if you use these and other vehicle suggestions. Recall to avoid renting a car at the airport, compare prices online, take advantage of memberships, and think of other ways to get around.
These tips will assist you in finding cheap ways to rent a car that maximizes your travel expenditure, whether you’re renting for a little weekend break or a longer road trip.
If you keep these vehicle rental guidelines in mind the next time you need a rental, you should have no trouble finding a fantastic rate. Take into consideration the outstanding Chicago limo rental service. They make sure that every trip is pleasurable, safe, and efficient, adding to the memory of your journey. Happy travels!
