5 Tips for Finding the Best Car Hire Rental Deals
Renting a car is often the most economical option to explore Melbourne's underground spots or find that coveted restaurant everyone's talking about. But how can you score the best rental rates?
1. Check prices online. Use an aggregator site like Kayak to quickly compare a few options. Book a refundable reservation and keep checking.
Shop Around
Unlike flights and hotels, renting a car is an industry where prices fluctuate. Luckily, there are some easy hacks to help you find the best deal.
Start by booking a few weeks in advance, if possible. This will give you plenty of time to compare rates and pick the cheapest option. And don’t forget to check price aggregator sites like Kayak, Autoslash, and Discover Cars. These search over 500 websites to get you the best price.
It’s also worth checking out peer-to-peer rental companies, like Turo and ZipCar. This way you can rent a car directly from a private owner, often at a much cheaper rate. Plus, the cars are more likely to be up-to-date and in good condition.
Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate! This is a trick that’s not used as frequently for car rentals, but it can save you up to 30% off the regular price. Just make sure you know what’s included in the price and avoid any extra fees, such as a GPS device or vehicle upgrade.
Car rental companies are great at upselling, but you can counter this by being aware of their tactics. For example, they will usually try to sell you insurance or a GPS device, but these are things you can purchase elsewhere. Similarly, they’ll try to convince you to prepay for fuel, but this is often a scam, especially if you’re traveling somewhere with cheap local gas stations.
Another trick is to skip the airport altogether and rent from a more convenient location, such as a hotel or the city center. This can save you a lot of money, and oftentimes you’ll have better service too.
Compare Prices
Car rental prices can vary dramatically between different locations and even the same car from the same company. This is why it is important to price out all of the options before booking. Be sure to factor in any extra fees (like cleaning charges if the vehicle is not returned clean) and check whether or not the rate includes unlimited mileage. This will help you avoid getting stuck with a bill for an extra thousand miles that you did not anticipate.
When you’re browsing rates, be sure to include a few different aggregator sites and OTAs. This gives you the best chance of finding a deal. Many OTAs will also offer free cancellation, which can be helpful if you find a better deal on a different car a few days before your trip.
BudgetAir Promo Codes can help you save money on your car rental from Budget Car Rental. Simply apply the promo code at checkout and enjoy discounted rates on your rental car. Make sure to check for any restrictions or terms and conditions before using the promo code.
Some aggregators will automatically compare prices across multiple car rental companies, but others will let you filter your search for specific needs like one-way drop-off or driver’s age. You can also narrow down your search to only show cars from local companies that may have more competitive rates.
Another way to save money on a car rental is by renting from a city location rather than an airport. This can save you $25 or more a day on average. It’s a great option if your destination has a reliable public transit system that can get you around easily without the added expense of a rental car.
It’s also worth checking to see if you have access to affordable car rentals through your membership in an alumni association, or through work or travel programs. You may be surprised at how many discounts are available!
Pay in Advance
You’ve got flights secured nine months out, and hotels booked shortly after, and now you’re turning to the next trip logistics like renting a car. Whether you’re one of those travelers who plan trips way or last minute, the rental car process can be fraught with fees and fine print.
As the market shifts, rental prices change and it can be tricky to determine when you’re getting a good deal. It’s also important to book ahead of time because some companies only have a limited number of certain vehicles and will sell out if you wait too long. If you’re looking for a specific vehicle, such as a minivan or a swanky sports car, booking early is essential.
To combat no-shows, rental car companies sometimes offer prepaid rates that give them some control over the inventory they’re putting out there. These opaque bookings (like Priceline’s *Express Deals* and Hotwire’s *Hot Rates*) are often cheaper than the regular rates but there’s a catch. In many cases, these prepaid reservations don’t allow you to add your loyalty program information and may not honor any existing benefits you have with the company.
The best way to get around this is to avoid opaque bookings unless you’re booking last minute. Instead, look for a site that shops the marketplace and uses discounts, coupon codes, and membership perks to find you the best car rental deals. Team Clark recommends a site called AutoSlash which we’ve reviewed in detail here.
AllOverCoupon offers Travel Promo Codes for car rental deals with Budget. These promo codes can help you get discounts on your rental car. Keep an eye out for these promo codes on the AllOverCoupon website or sign up for their email newsletter to stay updated on the latest deals.
Check the Weekly Rate
There aren’t many “insider tricks” when it comes to finding cheap weekly car rental deals. The best strategy is to keep looking, reserve as far ahead as possible, and then watch your reservation for any price drops. Having a flexible itinerary also helps — convertibles may be great for a road trip along the California coast, but they’re less attractive to renters in Cleveland or New York. If you can avoid renting a specific type of vehicle, you’ll usually be able to find the cheapest weekly rates.
A good way to get discounted car rentals is to join a loyalty program. For example, USAA members can save up to 35% on car rentals with Thrifty. Members of AAA and AARP also often have access to discounted car rental prices. And, if you’re a student or recent graduate, there are often discounts available through your university or employer.
Another good tip is to try to rent a car on Monday or Tuesday instead of a Friday or Saturday. NerdWallet research found that booking a rental car on these days costs an average of $75 more than if you booked three months in advance.
And finally, remember to pay attention to any early return fees. Many companies will charge you extra if you return the car before the agreed-upon time. That can quickly negate any savings from a cheap weekly car rental rate. It’s a good idea to ask your rental company about any early return fees before you book your reservation.
Check the Fine Print
If you are renting a car, it is important to be aware of the many extra fees that some rental car companies will try and add on. Adding these fees to your rental will increase the price significantly, so you must understand what you are paying for. This will help you to make the best decision when it comes to which type of rental car you should choose.
Some of these additional charges include fuel surcharges, location fees, and vehicle upgrade fees. These are not always clearly marked, so it is important to check the fine print thoroughly. It is also important to note that some rental cars have a mileage limit, so be sure to check the fine print carefully. If you are planning on driving a long distance, then you may need to pay for an unlimited mileage rate.
In addition, some rental car companies will try and sell you insurance on top of the standard liability coverage. This can be expensive, as it may be more than the cost of your auto insurance. It is also important to remember that your credit card insurance often covers rental car rentals, so you may not need to purchase additional insurance from the rental company.
Another important tip is to be sure that you return the car in a clean condition. Many rental companies will charge you a cleaning fee if the vehicle is returned dirty or soiled. It is also important to know that you are responsible for any parking or driving tickets that you receive during your rental period.
Another great tip is to sign up for a loyalty program with the rental car company. This will usually only require your email address, and you will be able to enjoy special deals and discounts that are not available to the general public. In addition, you can often earn points on your rental car purchases, which can add up quickly!
Conclusion
AllOverCoupon can help you save money on your car rental from Budget Car Rental. If you are renting a car, it is important to be aware of the many extra fees that some rental car companies will try and add on. It is also important to remember that your credit card insurance often covers rental car rentals, so you may not need to purchase additional insurance from the rental company.
