Renting a car can be expensive if you don't know the tricks. A basic car rental might cost $50 or more per day, and that's before adding insurance, gas, and other fees! But with some smart planning, you can cut those costs way down. This guide will show you many ways to save money when you need to rent a car.
Why Car Rentals Cost So Much
Before we talk about saving money, let's understand why car rentals can be expensive:
- Base rental fee (the main daily cost)
- Extra insurance charges
- Fees for additional drivers
- Taxes and airport surcharges
- Fuel costs
- Charges for returning the car late
- Fees for dropping off in a different location
- Extra costs for GPS, car seats, or other add-ons
Now let's look at how to avoid or reduce these costs!
Plan Ahead for Better Deals
Last-minute car rentals almost always cost more. Here's how to plan ahead:
Book Early, But Keep Checking Prices
Make a reservation as soon as you know your travel dates. Most rental companies let you book without paying upfront. Then, keep checking prices. If you find a better deal later, you can cancel your first booking and make a new one.
Avoid Peak Travel Times
Car rental prices go up when demand is high. If possible, avoid renting during:
- Summer vacation season
- Holiday weekends
- Spring break weeks
- Special events in the city you're visiting
If you can travel during slower times, you'll find much better deals.
Rent During the Week
Weekend rentals often cost more than weekday rentals. If you can start your rental on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, you might save 10-15% compared to starting on a Friday.
Use Price Comparison Tools
Don't just go to one rental company's website. Use tools that compare many companies at once.
AutoSlash: Your Secret Weapon
AutoSlash.com is one of the best tools for finding cheap car rentals. Here's how it works:
- You tell the website your travel dates and what kind of car you need
- AutoSlash searches many rental companies for the best deals
- They apply any discount codes they know about
- They email you the best options they find
- Even after you book, they keep checking for better deals
The best part? AutoSlash is free to use! Many people save 30% or more by using this service.
Other Comparison Sites
Besides AutoSlash, try these websites to compare prices:
- Kayak.com
- Expedia.com
- Priceline.com
- Hotwire.com
Each site might find different deals, so check a few if you have time.
Use Membership Discounts
Many groups and organizations offer car rental discounts. Check if you're eligible for any of these:
Warehouse Club Discounts
If you belong to Costco, Sam's Club, or BJ's Wholesale Club, you can get special rental car deals through their travel services. Costco Travel often has some of the best car rental rates around.
CAA/AAA Membership Discounts
CAA/AAA members get discounts at many car rental companies. These discounts can be 10-20% off the regular price. Plus, members could get an extra driver included for free.
Credit Card Member Discounts
Some credit cards offer special deals with certain rental companies. Check your card's benefits or log into your account online to see what's available. Travel cards like the TD Visa First Class Travel card already include befits like rental insurance!
Employee and Alumni Discounts
Many employers have corporate discount codes you can use even for personal travel. Also, some college alumni associations offer rental car discounts to their members.
Use Reward Points and Miles
If you collect points or miles, you might be able to get a free or cheap rental car.
Credit Card Points
Many travel credit cards let you use points to pay for car rentals. Check your credit card's reward program to see how many points you need for a rental.
Airline Miles
Some airline frequent flyer programs let you use miles for car rentals. This isn't always the best use of miles, but if you have miles that are about to expire, this could be a good option.
Hotel Points
Hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt let you use points for car rentals. If you have hotel points you're not planning to use for rooms, check if you can use them for a car rental instead.
Choose the Right Rental Company
Not all rental companies charge the same prices. Some companies to consider:
Budget-Friendly Companies
These rental companies often have lower prices:
- Enterprise
- Dollar
- Thrifty
- Alamo
- Budget
Local Rental Companies
In some cities, small local companies offer much better rates than the big national chains. Search for "[city name] car rental" to find local options. Just make sure to check reviews before booking with a company you don't know.
Rent from a Dealer
Some car dealers rent cars too, often at lower rates than regular rental companies. Ford, Toyota, and other dealerships sometimes offer rental services. These can be much cheaper, especially for longer rentals.
Pick the Right Location
Where you pick up your rental car makes a big difference in the price.
Avoid Airport Locations
Airport rental locations usually charge extra fees and taxes that can add 10-25% to your bill. If possible, take a taxi, Uber, or public transit to an off-airport location to pick up your car. Even with the cost of getting there, you might save money overall.
Compare Nearby Cities
Sometimes renting from a nearby city can save you money. For example, if you're visiting Chicago, check rental prices in nearby suburbs. The savings might be worth the extra travel time.
Check Multiple Locations of the Same Company
Even within the same city, different locations of the same rental company might charge different prices. Check a few locations to find the best deal.
Choose the Right Car
The type of car you rent makes a big difference in the price.
Book the Smallest Car You Can Use
Smaller cars cost less to rent. A compact car might be $20-30 less per day than an SUV or luxury car. Only rent the size you really need.
Look for Free Upgrades
Sometimes rental companies run out of smaller cars and will upgrade you for free to a bigger car. If you book the smallest car category but need something bigger, ask nicely at the counter if they have any free upgrades available.
Avoid Special Cars
Convertibles, luxury cars, and large SUVs cost much more to rent. A regular sedan will get you to the same places for a lot less money.
Save on Insurance
Rental car insurance can add $10-30 per day to your bill. Here's how to avoid this cost:
Check Your Personal Car Insurance
If you own a car, your regular car insurance might cover rental cars too. Call your insurance company or check your policy before your trip.
Use Credit Card Coverage
Many credit cards provide rental car insurance if you pay for the rental with that card. You usually need to decline the rental company's insurance to use this benefit. Call your credit card company to check what they cover.
Look for Insurance Bundles
Some rental companies offer insurance bundles that cost less than buying each coverage separately. If you do need to buy insurance, ask about package deals.
Save on Fuel Costs
Rental companies might charge $9 or more per gallon if you return the car without a full tank! Here's how to avoid fuel ripoffs:
Decline the Prepaid Fuel Option
Rental companies often offer a "convenient" option to prepay for a tank of gas. This is almost never a good deal because you pay for a full tank even if you return the car with gas still in it.
Fill Up Before Returning
Always fill the gas tank just before returning the car. Look for gas stations near the rental location, but not the closest ones (which often have higher prices).
Use Gas Apps to Find Cheap Fuel
Apps like GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest gas prices near you. This can save several dollars per tank.
Avoid Extra Fees
Rental companies make a lot of money from add-on fees. Here's how to avoid them:
Add Drivers Carefully
Most companies charge about $10-15 per day for additional drivers. Some ways around this:
- Some companies let spouses drive for free
- AAA members often get one additional driver for free
- Costco bookings usually include a free additional driver
Bring Your Own Extras
Rental companies charge high fees for:
- GPS navigation: $15-25 per day
- Child safety seats: $10-15 per day
- Satellite radio: $5-7 per day
Instead, use your smartphone for navigation, bring your own child seat if possible, and download music or podcasts before your trip.
Watch Out for Toll Charges
If you'll be driving through toll roads, ask the rental company about their toll policies. Some companies charge a daily fee ($10-15) on top of the actual tolls. Consider bringing your own toll pass if you have one, or plan routes that avoid tolls.
Alternative Rental Options
Sometimes traditional rental companies aren't the cheapest option. Consider these alternatives:
Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing
Services like Turo let you rent cars directly from their owners, often at lower prices than traditional rental companies. It works like Airbnb, but for cars. You might find unique cars or better deals this way.
Hourly Car Rentals
If you only need a car for a few hours, companies like Zipcar or car2go let you rent by the hour. This can be much cheaper than paying for a full day from a traditional rental company.
Car Dealership Loaners
If your car is being serviced, ask the dealership if they offer free loaner cars. Some dealerships will give you a free car to use while yours is being fixed.
Ridesharing Instead of Renting
In some cases, using Uber or Lyft might be cheaper than renting a car, especially in cities with good coverage and if you won't be driving much. Add up the estimated cost of all your planned trips to compare.
Money-Saving Tips for During Your Rental
Once you have the car, these tips can help you save even more:
Take Photos Before Driving Away
Walk around the car and take photos of any existing damage before you leave the lot. This proves you didn't cause the damage if the company tries to charge you later.
Track Your Mileage
Some rentals come with limited miles. If you go over, you might pay 25-50 cents per extra mile. Know your limit and track your driving to avoid surprises.
Return on Time
Late returns can cost you. Many companies charge a full extra day if you're more than 30 minutes late. Set an alarm to remind yourself when to return the car.
Check Your Bill Carefully
When returning the car, review all charges before you sign anything. Mistakes and extra fees are common, and it's easier to fix them on the spot than later.
Special Deals and Promotions
Keep an eye out for these special offers:
One-Way Specials
Sometimes rental companies need to move cars from one location to another. They offer very cheap one-way rentals to get customers to drive the cars for them. These "repositioning specials" can be as low as $1 per day.
Weekend Specials
Many companies offer lower rates for weekend rentals, especially if you keep the car for 3 days. Look for "weekend special" promotions.
Last-Minute Deals
The Hotwire and Priceline apps sometimes offer deep discounts on same-day rentals. If your plans change suddenly and you need a car, check these apps first.
Putting It All Together: A Sample Plan
Let's see how these tips work in a real example:
- Three months before your trip: Book a compact car through Costco Travel or AutoSlash
- One month before: Check prices again to see if they've dropped
- Two weeks before: Look for coupons and discount codes online
- During rental pickup: Decline additional insurance if you're already covered
- While using the car: Use GasBuddy to find cheap gas
- Before return: Fill the tank at a nearby gas station, not at the airport
- At return: Check your bill carefully for any wrong charges
By following these steps, you might pay $25-35 per day instead of $50-75 per day!
Conclusion: Smart Renting Saves Money
Renting a car doesn't have to break your budget. With some planning and these money-saving tips, you can get the transportation you need for much less money. Remember to:
- Compare prices using sites like AutoSlash
- Use memberships and points when possible
- Avoid expensive add-ons and airport fees
- Consider alternative rental options
- Check for hidden fees and charges
The key is to start planning early and be flexible with your choices. Happy and frugal driving!