Strategies for Finding Affordable Rental Cars
Follow these tips to secure the best deals on rental cars for your next trip.
Key Strategies
- Book in Advance: Reserve your rental car several weeks or months ahead of your travel date for lower rates.
- Compare Prices: Use comparison websites like Kayak, Rentalcars.com, or Expedia to check rates across multiple companies.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Adjust your pickup/drop-off times and dates if possible, as rates can vary significantly.
- Consider Off-Airport Locations: Rental companies located away from airports often have lower fees and taxes.
- Look for Discounts: Check for membership discounts (AAA, Costco, etc.), corporate codes, or credit card benefits.
- Avoid Airport Fees: If practical, take a shuttle or taxi to a nearby rental location to avoid airport surcharges.
- Choose a Smaller Car: Economy and compact cars are typically cheaper to rent and more fuel-efficient.
- Check for Hidden Fees: Review the rental agreement for extra charges like insurance, fuel policies, and additional driver fees.
Additional Tips
- Join loyalty programs for potential upgrades and faster service.
- Consider renting from local or lesser-known companies for competitive pricing.
- Read recent customer reviews to ensure reliability and service quality.