Are you planning a road trip and looking to save money on rental cars? With rental car prices on the rise due to high demand and limited supply, it’s essential to make smart decisions to avoid hidden fees and get the best deals. Follow these car rental tips to score a cheap rental car for your next adventure.
Key Takeaways:
- Compare prices from different rental car brands, including both well-known and discount brands.
- Consider renting from downtown locations instead of the airport to avoid surcharges and save money.
- Shop around online and utilize platforms like Kayak and Priceline to find the best deals.
- Leverage memberships such as Costco or frequent-flyer programs for exclusive discounts.
- Explore alternative rental car options like Turo, Getaround, Lyft Rentals, Zipcar, Silvercar by Audi, and Kyte for unique opportunities to save money.
Skip the airport
If you’re looking to save money and avoid unnecessary fees when renting a car, consider skipping the airport altogether. While renting a car at the airport may be convenient, it often comes with hefty surcharges and higher prices compared to downtown locations. In fact, opting for a downtown car rental can save you an average of $126 on a weeklong rental compared to airport locations. By choosing a downtown rental, you can still have access to affordable options while avoiding the additional expenses that come with renting at the airport.
Not only will you save money on surcharges and other fees, but you’ll also be able to explore the city on your own terms. With a downtown rental, you’ll have the freedom to easily navigate to nearby attractions, restaurants, and other places of interest without having to rely on public transportation or rideshare services.
Maximize your savings
To maximize your savings, consider using public transportation or a rideshare service to get from the airport to a downtown car rental location. While this may add a bit of extra time to your journey, the money you save in rental fees and surcharges can make it well worth it. Plus, you’ll have the added convenience of avoiding potential long lines and wait times at the airport rental car counters. So the next time you’re planning a road trip, think twice about renting a car at the airport and opt for a downtown location instead.
Shop around online
When it comes to finding the best deals on rental cars, your best friend is the internet. Online platforms like Kayak, Priceline, and Cheapcarrental.com allow you to compare prices from multiple car rental companies at once. This saves you time and effort, ensuring that you find the most affordable option for your road trip.
But don’t stop there! After narrowing down your options, it’s a smart idea to visit the car rental company’s website directly. Why? Because they may offer even steeper discounts, especially for “Pay Now” bookings. Many car rental companies provide additional savings if you pay for your reservation upfront. So, take advantage of this option and keep more money in your pocket.
Remember, the online marketplace for rental cars is highly competitive. Prices can change frequently, so it’s important to continue shopping even after you’ve made a reservation. You never know when you might find a better deal. If you do come across a lower price, most car rental companies allow you to cancel your reservation without penalty and rebook at the lower rate.
Make the most of online platforms:
- Use Kayak, Priceline, and Cheapcarrental.com to compare prices
- Visit car rental company websites for additional discounts
- Consider “Pay Now” options for extra savings
- Continue shopping even after making a reservation
“Don’t settle for the first offer you find online. Take the time to shop around and compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. It may require a bit of extra effort, but the savings can be well worth it.”
By utilizing online car rental comparison websites and exploring all available options, you can find the best deals and maximize your savings. Remember to be proactive, do your research, and keep an eye out for any special promotions or discounts that may be available. Happy car hunting!
Rental Car Brands: Comparing Prices and Finding the Best Deals
When it comes to renting a car, it’s important to compare prices and explore different rental car brands. Don’t assume that discount rental car brands always offer the cheapest rates. According to a NerdWallet study, well-known brands like Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, and Dollar often provide more affordable options compared to lesser-known discount brands like Advantage or Payless. So, it’s worth doing your own comparison shopping to find the best rental car deal.
When comparing rental car prices between brands, keep in mind that factors beyond just the brand name can influence the cost. Look for any additional fees or charges that may be associated with a particular brand. For example, some rental car brands may charge extra for mileage or have higher insurance rates. By comparing prices and understanding the fine print, you can make a more informed decision and potentially save money on your rental car.
“Don’t assume that discount rental car brands always offer the cheapest rates. It’s worth doing your own comparison shopping to find the best rental car deal.”
Another tip is to consider the reputation and customer reviews of different rental car brands. While price is important, it’s also crucial to choose a brand that has a good track record for customer service, clean and well-maintained vehicles, and transparent rental policies. Reading reviews from other customers can give you insight into the overall experience you can expect from a particular brand.
In summary, don’t limit your search to just one rental car brand. Take the time to compare prices, consider additional fees, and read customer reviews. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of finding the best rental car deal that fits your budget and meets your needs.
Leverage Memberships
Maximize your savings on rental cars by leveraging your memberships. If you have a Costco membership, you can often find cheaper prices compared to online travel agencies. Costco also offers the added benefit of allowing you to add an additional driver for free, saving you money on additional driver fees.
Don’t forget to check if your frequent-flyer program offers discounts on rental cars. Many programs, such as American Airlines’ AAdvantage, provide exclusive discounts to their members. Take advantage of these offers to save even more on your rental car expenses.
There are other memberships you can explore as well. Organizations like USAA, AARP, AAA, and Costco may offer additional benefits and savings when renting a car. Some memberships even provide a free additional driver with select rental car companies. Don’t overlook these valuable perks that can help you cut costs on your road trip.
Get More Value from Your Memberships
- Consider a Costco membership for cheaper rental car prices and free additional driver options.
- Check if your frequent-flyer program offers exclusive discounts on rental cars.
- Explore other memberships like USAA, AARP, AAA, or Costco that may provide additional benefits and savings.
- Take advantage of free additional driver perks offered by select rental car companies.
Conclusion
When traditional rental cars are unavailable or too expensive, there are alternative options to consider. These nontraditional rental car companies offer unique advantages and opportunities to maximize your savings.
Turo operates like the Airbnb of cars, allowing you to rent vehicles from local owners. Getaround offers the convenience of hourly rentals, perfect for shorter trips or running errands. Lyft Rentals provides the ease of renting through the popular rideshare app, making it a seamless experience. Zipcar offers flexible hourly rentals, giving you the freedom to use a car only when you need it.
For luxury car enthusiasts, Silvercar by Audi provides a premium rental experience with their fleet of high-end vehicles. And if you value convenience, Kyte stands out with their delivery service, bringing the rental car right to you.
By exploring these alternatives, you can find unique ways to save money and enjoy your road trip without breaking the bank. Consider these nontraditional rental car options to make the most of your journey and experience the freedom of the open road.
FAQ
Is renting a car from downtown locations cheaper than renting from the airport?
Yes, renting a car from downtown locations can save you an average of $126 for a weeklong rental compared to airport locations. You’ll avoid surcharges and other fees associated with airport rentals.
Where can I compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars?
Online platforms like Kayak, Priceline, and Cheapcarrental.com are great options for comparing prices and finding the best deals. Additionally, visiting the car rental company’s website directly may offer steeper discounts, especially for “Pay Now” bookings.
Do discount rental car brands always offer the cheapest rates?
Not necessarily. According to a NerdWallet study, brands like Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, and Dollar often provide more affordable options compared to well-known discount brands like Advantage or Payless. It’s important to do your own comparison shopping and consider factors beyond just the brand name when searching for the best rental car deal.
How can I save money on rental cars through memberships?
If you have a Costco membership, you can often find cheaper prices compared to online travel agencies. Costco also allows you to add an additional driver for free. Additionally, check if your frequent-flyer program offers discounts on rental cars. Some programs, like American Airlines’ AAdvantage, provide members with exclusive discounts. Lastly, explore other memberships like USAA, AARP, AAA, or Costco to potentially get a free additional driver with select rental car companies.
Are there alternative options to traditional rental car companies?
Yes, if traditional rental cars are unavailable or too expensive, consider alternative options such as Turo, Getaround, Lyft Rentals, Zipcar, Silvercar by Audi, and Kyte. These nontraditional rental car companies offer different advantages and cost-saving opportunities. From the Airbnb-like experience of Turo to the convenience of renting through Lyft Rentals or the flexible hourly rentals provided by Zipcar, these alternatives can help you find unique ways to save money and enjoy your road trip without breaking the bank.