Top Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Car Rentals
One of the most popular reader questions here at NerdWallet concerns how to get a good deal on a car rental. You can do several things to help make your next rental cheaper, from using corporate, AAA, or university codes to maximizing perks built into your frequent flyer or credit card programs.
Book Early
Whether you need an SUV to haul the family around or a convertible to take in the sights, booking your rental car early at Kauai car rental is one of the best tips for saving money on your next road trip. The reason for this is simple: just like with flights, rates are often lower when you book your rental online in advance versus walking up to the counter and grabbing a vehicle at the last minute.
For even more savings, use a search engine that compares prices from multiple providers, including the big names you expect, like National and Budget, and smaller local companies you may need to learn or peer-to-peer options. Kayak is a popular option that does this nicely, and it also includes price ranges by area of town to help you narrow down your selections without getting too specific about where you’ll be picking up and dropping off.
You’ll also want to read the fine print on your reservation, including the kilometer limits and other fees that could add up (like insurance, fuel charges, cancellation policies, and caution deposits). If you’re planning a one-way rental, plan accordingly so you don’t have hefty drop-off fees, which can be even more expensive than the initial rental. Also, if you’re driving an international vehicle, don’t forget to check if your credit card offers a damage waiver covering your car in case of an accident or theft.
Look for Bundles
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for when to book a rental car, but the general rule is to reserve as early as possible. That said, if you’re flexible about the vehicle type and agency, you can often wait until closer to your trip. But beware of the risk: Cars can sell out, and rates rise.
Fortunately, plenty of online tools help you find the best deal. One of the newest is an algorithm that uses over 1,000 coupon codes to locate rentals at the lowest rates. It also takes into account memberships to discount clubs. If you have an existing reservation, Autoslash will monitor it and email you when the price drops.
Another way to save is to skip extras, such as roadside assistance and GPS devices, which can run $15 daily or more. Instead, navigate your route using your smartphone (or a paper map).
Be sure to check out bundled rates for car and flight bookings and hotel and car packages. Often, bundling can save travelers an incremental average of 10 percent. And don’t forget to look for coupon codes and other discounts on rental car companies’ websites. You might also consider checking with your credit card issuer to see if their coverage extends to rental cars.
Look for Discounts
Rental car prices constantly fluctuate, so once you find a rate you’re happy with, keep an eye on it. Unlike airline tickets, rental car reservations often don’t have any cancellation fees attached, so you can check back and try to get a better deal.
If you’re a member of AAA or AARP, your organization likely offers car rental discounts that can save you money. Similarly, many credit cards provide extra rental car insurance that may not require you to purchase additional coverage from the agency.
Read your rental agreement closely and note any “additional driver charges” or other add-ons that may not be listed on the initial quote. These extras can add up, especially for long rentals, so understand the total cost before you sign. Remember that you may be able to avoid these extras by leveraging your membership in other organizations or by having a travel rewards credit card that automatically covers the insurance.
Rental agencies make extra money by selling you the convenience of GPS navigation systems, satellite radio, and roadside assistance. Be polite but firm and decline anything the agent tries to sell you. You may already have a GPS app on your smartphone. And, if you want to listen to the radio on the road, try tuning into a free station or podcast from your smartphone instead of paying the rental car company for theirs.
Don’t Let the Rental Outfit Fill Your Tank
Fueling up alone is almost always cheaper than paying the rental company. And, as Frommer notes, “rental companies typically tack on the fuel service option — which ostensibly covers a full tank of gas – as one of its many hidden extra charges.”
The best way to avoid these gimmicky fees is to skip prepaying for gas and use a free app or website to scope out nearby stations that charge less than the prepaid price. It may take two minutes of your time per week, but it can save you a bundle.
Some rental car companies impose expensive extra charges, such as the fee for adding another driver. Frommer suggests taking photos of the fuel gauge and odometer before returning the vehicle to help prevent unethical surcharges.
Another tip is to consider using a peer-to-peer rental service that works similarly to Airbnb. While the service isn’t available in every city, it can be a great way to find a vehicle that’s not only cheap but also a good fit for your needs. Plus, the service will track your booking and alert you if it finds a lower price for your specific search criteria. You can then cancel your original reservation and rebook with the lower rate.
