How to save money on car rental and what you should never do

There are many tips on how to find good car rental deals. When renting, you need to think not only about prices but also about other things like insurance, the best time to rent, and taxes.

Tips on how to save money on car rentals may vary depending on your situation and market conditions. What information you need to use to avoid mistakes when choosing a deal is described in the gobankingrates article.

10 things to consider when renting a car

1. Look for information

Discover the best car rental deals by gathering information through aggregator sites such as Priceline and Kayak. But don't stop there: explore additional options. Once you've found out about the deals on these sites, call the rental companies directly: this can lead to even better rates. Having a credit card will also help you save money when you compare different companies.

2. Don't use airport car rentals

Fun fact: airport car rental companies usually include concession fees and taxes in the rental price. It is always more profitable to use the services of a company outside the airport. In addition, such companies usually offer a free shuttle service, making the process of picking up or returning a car as convenient as possible, especially if the airport is nearby.

3. Look for coupons and discount codes

Want to save money on your car rental? Use coupons and discount codes! Sites like Brad's Deals have a variety of offers from different car rental companies. Also, check out the companies' websites to see what coupons and codes are available. For example, on the Budget website, you will find not only offers with savings of up to 25% but also bonuses such as a free upgrade or an extra day of rental on the weekend.

4. Control your booking

Once you've gotten the best deal on a car rental, you don't want to miss out on an even better offer. Rental prices are subject to change, so AutoSlash is your reliable assistant. This site tracks your rental and searches for the best rates at the time of your trip. Once you book, AutoSlash continues to monitor and can rebook at a better price, even with coupons or discounts. And a nice bonus: this service is completely free.

5. Understand your car insurance options

One of the quickest ways to save money on car rental is to not include insurance from the rental company. Its cost can seriously increase your daily rental fee. A few tips: if you have other insurance options, don't use the insurance from the rental company. Your car insurance policy is best. Check if your current car insurer covers rental cars.

Don't forget to bring proof of your insurance when you rent. If you don't have insurance, find a separate company that specializes in rental car insurance, such as InsureMyRentalCar.com. Also, your credit card may provide some insurance benefits, but this is usually limited to damage or loss of the car. It's important to remember that credit card insurance may not cover your liability for damages in an accident.

6. Contact a car rental broker

Compare Car Rent is a platform that brings together local and global car rental brokers. Brokers can offer lower prices because they rent cars from rental companies in bulk and are able to negotiate the best rates.

7. Decide whether to make an advance payment

It's easy to find a good deal on a car rental if you're willing to pay an upfront fee. If your trip is planned precisely and prepayment offers more benefits than other discounts, it may be the best choice. Just remember that prepayment may prevent you from changing your reservation, even if a better offer suddenly appears.

8. Fill up with your own gasoline

Before returning your rental car, fill it with fuel to avoid unexpected surcharges. The car rental company may offer options for solving the fuel issue. One of them is to return the car with an empty tank and ask the company to fill it up for you, which often costs more than if you did it yourself. Before you start your trip, it's worth checking out sites like GasBuddy to find the nearest gas stations and their prices near your rental car.

9. Use the sharing economy

Turo is a car rental membership programme that connects those who rent cars with those who want to rent one. If you choose this method, you can expect lower costs compared to a regular rental company. But you should prepare yourself: activate your membership and clearly understand what obligations you are taking on.

10. Research cheaper alternatives and keep an eye out for them

If you need a car for a few hours, car sharing is a great option. Zipcar and Enterprise CarShare offer car rentals by the hour. To use these services, you'll need a membership: choose the right plan based on your needs.

Finally,

When you rent a car, it might be a good idea to review your booking to make sure you get the best price. Read the terms of your rental agreement to make sure you're not paying for extra services you don't need. These 10 tips will help you get the best price on your car rental.