Here are 10 tips that will help you get the best rate on a rental car and eliminate extra costs.
10 cheap rental car tips
1 - The basic daily cost of your car rental is usually determined by the size of the car. Economy, the cheapest, isn't always a good choice for a family vacation but is perfectly suited for a businessperson traveling alone. Compare the number and size of your passengers against the number the car will allegedly seat--five adults cannot travel comfortably in a midsize car, but there will be plenty of room if the backseat is occupied by children or suitcases. Have a look at the seat layout and the size of the trunk before making your choice, if possible, and consider in which ways you are willing to sacrifice comfort to cut costs. Occasionally, companies will even offer a special deal for you to rent a certain type of vehicle, so be sure to ask.
2 - Unlimited mileage. Often, this clause can make a big difference, especially if you will be doing a fair amount of driving. Not many rental companies offer unlimited mileage (and it is almost always restricted to cars rather than vans, trucks or other available vehicles), but a slightly higher daily price for the car will be worth it in the long run, unless the company offers a certain number of miles included with the rental and you are certain you can stay within the limit.
3 - Weekend or weeklong specials are routine with most car rental companies. To maximize their business and the number of days you have their cars for, they will usually offer a discount, fixed "price per week", or "(long) weekend rate". You may find it actually cheaper to rent your car for seven days rather than six, or to have the car from Friday through Sunday rather than Thursday through Saturday. The exact opportunity to save here really depends on the rental company, but if they do not offer any specialty rates, the odds are that you will get a better deal elsewhere.
4 - You may be eligible for a discount if you are a member of the AAA, charity organization, or a company that does significant business with the rental service. Ask for more information to save yourself a little extra!
5 - Inquire with your travel agent. They not only have a good knowledge of the difference car companies (and can help you determine the best one for you) but they often have access to subsidized prices.
6 - Book a full vacation through a travel agency or online service. If your holiday will be including more than just a car, you can often get airfare, your rental and accommodations in one discounted package.
7 - The location from which you rent can save you an extra little bit. Most, if not all airports feature car rental kiosks or pick-up locations. This extra bit of convenience is called a "prime" location and can actually cost you $50 or more. Take public transportation, walk or taxi to another location, or use a company that does not charge extra for rental from the airport. Every little bit counts!
8 - You probably already know that gas prices vary from state to state and town to town. A little bit of research via the Internet and a sharp eye when passing stations can minimize your gas spending. Do not stretch your tank when it's running low, but keep in mind whether gas will be cheaper or more expensive in the next town or state, and fill up accordingly when you see a low price. Keep the tank consistently full for best results!
9 - The fine print on most rental agreements will point out the clause that if you return the car with the tank empty, you must reimburse the company for gas. Prices fluctuate, but you can generally assume that what they will be charging will be considerably more than what you'd pay at the gas station on your own! To avoid this extra cost, fill the tank yourself at the closest station to the rental site, or if you have already filled a few miles back, top it up.
10 - Check the rental website frequently for special rates, discounts and last-minute deals. (Tip--booking via the web will often get you a deal in itself!) Since these are always changing, check early and often to ensure that you find what you need.
Use common sense and take care of your rental car. Remember to always lock up, do not leave valuables within sight inside, and save gas by trying not to let it idle too much. You will save yourself grief and any extra charges by returning the car in exactly the same condition you borrowed it in, not to mention establish a good history with the company. You'll already know for the future, then, where to get the best deals on your next rental.
