Renting a car isn’t glamorous, but is usually the practical thing to do, especially if you need it for a trip. Here are a few car rental hacks that will help you save more on your next reservation.
Cherry-Pick the Perfect Price
Most car rental companies allow you to book a car without prepaying. This will enable you to cancel or change your reservation if you get a better deal.
Find Coupon Codes
Coupon codes can save you up to 25 or 30 percent. So before you pay, check the car rental company’s website to find relevant codes.
Use Group Memberships
If you are a member of a group like AAA, AARP, Costco, BJ’s, or USAA, you could be eligible for car rental discounts or waivers that can save some money. Remember to compare any discounts you get here with other deals before you pay up.
Package Savings
Booking a rental car as part of the flight-hotel-car package trifecta can result in significant savings.
Free One-Way Rental
One-way car rentals are costly. Yet, a few services list vehicles that need to be moved from one destination to another. As long as you are willing and able to drive that vehicle, you might get a super cheap or even free trip.
Sign up For Loyalty Programs
Car rental companies’ loyalty programs give you benefits like members-only deals. Some of them have partnerships with airlines and hotels so that you can use points across the network of flights, rentals, and stays.
Check What Coverage You Already Have.
As long as you pay for your rental with a credit card, it’s worth calling your credit card company to find out what coverage you already have. Your car insurance policy from back home might also be sufficient coverage, so check before you buy additional insurance.
Inspect and Record Your Rental
When checking out your rental, take pictures and videos to document any damage and verify that the company also has these listed.
Don’t Overpay for Gas
Car rental companies require you to return the vehicle with a full tank. Instead of prepaying for fuel at a higher rate, find the cheapest nearby station and fill the tank yourself.