Look for a car rental cheap? There are a number of ways to ensure you get the best rates available. Here are some suggestions:
- Online Discounts – In an attempt to save money, many large car rental companies give discount rental car offers from their websites and via newsletters or emails. These discount offers can save you huge money! Online discount offers are great because you get big savings and the rental company attracts you with little to no effort or expense to them.
- Advance Bookings – You can get great deals by booking your vehicle well in advance of the day you want to pick it up. Prices are usually bumped up for individuals and business customers who book last minute.
- Package Discounts – If you book a flight and a car rental at the same time, there’s a good chance the agency (or website) you use will offer package discounts.
- Weekend Discounts – Weekday rentals are usually more expensive because business customers can usually afford to pay more. Rental companies discount weekend rates to attractive individual customers. If you can, book your vehicle for a weekend, or include a weekend in the days you want the vehicle for. If you include a weekend in your days, you typically get discount rental car rates.
- Minimize. Most of us would love to cruise around in a sports car rental.. but do we really need it? Taking the compact or mid-sized rental can save lots of cash vs the big SUV rentals or sports cars.
- Use the Shuttle Service. Instead of picking up your rental vehicle from the airport rental place, try taking a shuttle to a nearby (but off airport property) car rental company. You’ll be amazed how much more you pay for the convenience of renting from the airport companies.
- Insurance. Most credit cards now come with vehicle rental insurance already on it if you use it to pay for the rental. Check with your bank to see if your card has the insurance on it already… if it does, then you can save the $20+ and decline the insurance at the rental company.
There are many ways to save a little money here and there.. and believe me, it adds up quickly, especially if you always remember the above tips.
