Tip

How to Make It Work for You

Save More with Smaller Brands

High-end car rental companies typically charge more for vehicles. Opting for budget brands like Payless, Dollar Rental, Thrifty, and Advantage will save you some bucks and let you skip the frills while also riding off in similar vehicles that don’t skimp on quality, but do cost less to borrow.

Decline the Extras

Speaking of frills – e.g. GPS navigation systems, insurance, toll passes, satellite radio, etc. – all can add up and often prove unnecessary. (Pro tip: Your smartphone has some pretty amazing mapping capabilities built-in, and a car mount costs under $10.) If you’re booking in person, rental agents will try to give you the hard sell you these, but stay firm about only paying for the basics that you’ll really need and use. (This is a really easy way to save big on car rentals.)

Compact Cars Offer Compact Prices

Need to get bargains and deals on rental cars? Opt for compact models instead of mid- or full-size SUVs and sedans. If you land at your destination and they don’t have vehicles in smaller models, and you’ve reserved one, you’ll often be given a free upgrade to a larger vehicle as well well.

Compare Prices

Price comparison search engines such as Hotwire and Priceline can help you get an idea of rates and compare prices between companies. This will keep you from overpaying and let you pick the best deal for you. Note that some credit cards, e.g. select American Express options, provide concierges you can call to do much of this research for you as well.

Avoid Airport Rentals

Airports charge rental companies hefty fees and daily taxes for keeping cars in their lots. If you rent, pick a company that lets you get your car from an off-site rental location to save as much as 25% on typical airport rental rates.

Keep Up with Sales

Rental companies will often offer last-minute and location-specific sales that can land you sweet deals. You may have to do some searching on social media or coupon codes sites (although you’re checking those daily to find discount codes already, right?) to find one that works for you, but a little research can pay off big.

Rent for Longer Terms

Logically, you would think that renting for a shorter amount of time would mean you pay less, but that isn’t always the case. The shorter-term rentals are often priced for business travelers who aren’t as price-conscious, and many rental car carriers offer price breaks on week-long rentals so you can save money on car rentals.

Check Your Memberships

Costco, AAA, corporate programs, and residential associations often provide exclusive members-only offers that provide deep discounts, deals, and bargains on car rentals. Cash in on the benefits that your memberships provide the next time you rent.

Car Share, Ride, or Walk

Renting a car may not be your only transportation option. It may be more economical to opt for a sharing service at your destination like ZipCar or Enterprise Car Share. Other alternatives if you’re looking to get around include public transportation, Uber, Lyft, and taxis. Price these options out to find which makes the most sense (and cents).

Don’t Preorder Online

Booking online eliminates you from getting potentially lower rates if prices change. If you’re scared to head to a destination without a ride, book a refundable rental so you can take advantage of potentially lower prices should a sudden deal or sale strike.