Photo by Obi – @pixel7propix on Unsplash
What are your plans for summer travel? Will you be road-tripping across the country or flying to a destination about which you’ve been dreaming? No matter your travel plans, you’ll probably need a rental car. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could save money on rental cars no matter where you go?
You can. It’s easier than you think. Rental cars shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg every time you set out on an adventure. In some cases, you might be able to add more fun to your travel plans by simply being smart in your rental approach.
With so many rental agencies available from which to choose and just as many places to book your rental, use these tips to find your best deals.
Book Early
Start looking as soon as you know you’ll need a rental car. You can research various travel sites, paying attention to higher rates around holidays and peak season travel.
Once you find what you’re looking for, book it. Most car rental agencies allow you to cancel the reservation without a fee. This gives you the freedom to book early, knowing you can always switch reservations if you find a better deal.
Rent at a Non-airport Agency
While it might make sense to pick up your rental car at the airport, on-site rental agencies can be double the price of off-site agencies. You always pay for convenience. You’ll most likely have to hop onto a bus to get to the car lot at the airport. Instead, take a taxi to a non-airport agency. It may be just as easy, and there could be significant savings by doing so.
Decline Rental Insurance
Car rental agencies make money on extras. Keep things simple, and you’ll be more likely to save big. Before you head out, check your auto insurance policy or credit card company. Many offer insurance programs and cover you for car rentals.
Be sure to read the fine print. Different policies and credit cards offer specific things. If you are traveling internationally, understand what will be covered as you travel. This will help you decide what is the best path to take.
Reserve the Smallest Car Possible
You may prefer a bigger car at home, but is it really necessary while traveling? Because rental car agencies charge more for different classes of vehicles, it may be worth it to downgrade and select a car that’s smaller or has fewer features.
On the plus side, smaller facilities must give you a free upgrade to the next size vehicle if they don’t have your size in stock. During peak hours, their goal is to get you out as fast as possible. This can often work in your favor, allowing you to get a bigger car without the larger payment.
Always Inspect the Car for Damages
Give yourself a little extra time to inspect the car for damage before you head out of the lot. A rental car agency will give you a form to note any damage to the vehicle. You should also use your camera to record a quick video of the car inside and out. This will give you the proof you need if damage is questioned upon return.
Check the Fuel Policy
Car rental agencies also make a lot of money with their fuel policies. Most will offer you a “full to full” option, which gives you a full tank when picking up the vehicle, and expects a full tank upon return. This way, you’ll only pay for the gas you use.
Some will have other policies, such as a “full to empty” option. They sell you on the idea of not having to refill the car, which can sound good, especially if you’re flying at odd hours. In most cases, this works out to be more expensive because you’ll rarely return it empty.
Watch Your Timing
Car rental agencies charge for 24-hour periods. Pay attention to when you’ll pick up a car and when you plan on returning it. You won’t be assessed additional fees if you have the car back before the 24-hour cycle ends. If your drop-off is even an hour beyond this point, you’ll be charged for an extra day.
Happy Travels!