Car rentals can be costly, particularly during peak travel seasons with higher rates. But there are some strategies you can use to nab a great deal.
For example, some credit cards offer benefits like damage waivers, which can help you limit out-of-pocket costs. Savvy shoppers can save money by booking through an aggregator or membership club.
Use an Aggregator
An aggregator site is a great way to find car rental deals. It proactively searches multiple rental companies for discounts and coupons. It includes pricing offered to members of certain rewards programs (like frequent flyer programs or credit cards that offer car rental discounts) in its search results. For a comprehensive exploration of car rental options, including potential discounts, consider utilizing the services provided by Budget Car Rental.
Another good aggregator offers many filtering options and displays prices per day, including taxes and fees. This can be helpful when comparing prices between different sites since many websites only list taxes and fees once you click through to the booking page.
These are rentals where you only know the agency that will provide your vehicle after you book, but they can be cheaper than traditional opaque bookings. This is especially important during the current Carpocalypse when agencies have fewer cars available to rent.
Look for Last-Minute Deals
Car rental companies often offer discounts on vehicles about to be returned to their fleet. They may also offer last-minute deals to close out bookings on short notice. These are usually cheaper than rates that would have been negotiated months in advance.
Travelers should spend a few minutes comparing prices to see what deals are available on the various websites. Be sure to click through to the bottom of the page so that the final price is fully displayed. Also, check that taxes and fees are included in the total cost.
Sometimes, the best last-minute car rental deals can be found at local, non-airport locations. These are typically less crowded and can provide a more flexible vehicle selection than the big-name car rental agencies at the airport. Also, membership in certain clubs or organizations can offer car rental deals not available to the general public. For example, AAA members can receive discounts on many car rentals. In addition, some credit cards offer perks such as car rental rewards points.
Ask for a Complimentary Upgrade
There’s no guarantee you’ll get a more excellent car than the one you booked when you show up at the rental counter, but there are ways to improve your odds. For starters, book an introductory class of vehicle when making your reservation and ask for an upgrade once you arrive at the company’s lot since they typically have more cars on hand to give away at this point.
Another strategy is to visit the counter during a busy time of day, such as a Friday afternoon. Depending on how many people show up to pick up their vehicles, the company may run out of the specific car class you reserved, in which case they’ll have no choice but to bump you up to the next tier free of charge.
When you arrive, be kind to the rental counter agent. If customer care agents see you as a respected regular, they will be more likely to upgrade you. Courtesy goes a long way.
In addition to being polite, you can also mention your loyalty status or what perks and rewards you have on your credit card, as this might help sway them in your favor.
Book Early
Conventional wisdom suggests that booking travel plans well in advance is an excellent way to get the best deals. However, that’s only sometimes the case regarding rental cars. Reserving a car three months in advance can be more expensive than just a week out. That’s according to a recent analysis by NerdWallet that looked at prices for a standard vehicle at eight rental car brands.
If you’re traveling during a busy season or need a specific type of car, it might make sense to book early. But, if you’re flexible with your dates and don’t need a particular vehicle, leaving it to the last minute could be worth it.
Even if you reserve a rental car in advance, remember to recheck rates a few weeks before your trip. That way, if you see a cheaper deal, you can take advantage of it without being hit with a cancellation fee. You can also use it to track prices and alert you automatically when they drop.
Pay at the Counter
Car rental businesses will ask if you prefer to pay at the counter or in advance when you make an online reservation. Paying in advance ensures a car will be ready when you arrive, so it’s a good idea. This is particularly crucial during high travel demand, as rental car companies often need more stock.
When choosing a car rental agency, you’ll also want to check if the company offers a loyalty program or other benefits.
Always compare prices across multiple websites before booking, and remember to include taxes and fees. Some websites display these at the end of the booking process, so you might be surprised when you see the total price on the final page. Also, check prices regularly (at least once a week) after booking your rental, as the rates will drop many times.