When it comes to renting a car, timing and strategy are key to securing the best deal. With a bit of planning and knowledge of the right tactics, you can save money and even score an upgrade. Use these insider tips to find great rates.
Check Membership Discounts:
Programs like Costco Travel often offer better rates than major car rental companies such as Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, and Avis. AAA members can also enjoy discounts with Hertz. If you’re a member, always check for these exclusive offers before booking.
Use Frequent Flyer Programs: Many airlines offer car rental discounts to their frequent flyer members, often through partnerships with rental companies. Though these discounts may come with restrictions such as renting only from airline partners or picking up and dropping off at the airport they can still help you save. Plus, booking with an airline might earn you extra miles.
Explore Discount Sites: Sites like Priceline and Hotwire allow you to book a car without knowing the rental agency in advance. These “opaque” sites offer deep discounts but be aware that your reservation is nonrefundable. If you’re flexible and willing to commit without knowing the company, you could score significant savings.
Try the “Two-Minute Trick”: Once you book your rental car, set a reminder to check the price weekly. If the rate drops, cancel your original reservation and rebook at the lower price. This simple trick can save you money without much effort.
Look for Coupons: Websites like AutoSlash.com help you find the best discounts available by scanning a database of coupons. Just enter your rental details and any relevant memberships, credit cards, or frequent flyer accounts, and you’ll receive emails with potential discounts that could lower your overall cost.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage: Before paying for insurance at the rental counter, check if your credit card, personal car insurance, or travel insurance covers rentals. This could save you $15 to $28 per day in insurance fees.
Avoid Airport Rentals: Rental cars at airport locations usually come with higher fees and taxes. Renting from an off-airport location can save you up to 20%. However, in some large cities like New York, airport rentals may be cheaper due to limited parking. Always compare prices from both airport and non-airport locations to get the best deal.
Beware of Hidden Fees: Extra charges for things like GPS units, phone chargers, or toll transponders can quickly add up. To avoid paying inflated prices, bring your own accessories and be mindful of any additional fees at the rental counter.
Consider Booking for a Week: Sometimes, renting a car for a full week is cheaper than booking it for just a few days. Take a few minutes to compare the total cost of renting for a longer period to see if it offers better pricing.
Book the Smallest Car: Rental companies often overbook to account for no- shows, which means booking the smallest, cheapest car increases your chances of getting an upgrade. If the company runs out of compact cars, you may find yourself behind the wheel of a larger vehicle at no extra cost.
By following these tips, you can minimize your rental costs, avoid unnecessary fees, and even increase your chances of driving away in a bigger or better car. d
