Want to rent a car for less? Learn the tried-and-true tips that will make you save big on your next rental. From how to book to where the hidden savings are, find expert advice here.
Car rentals do tend to be a little bit more expensive than what was expected; they really need not be so, if you know your way around it.
Here are 5 tested ways to rent cars at cheaper rates without necessarily giving up quality or convenience:
1. Book in Advance for Better Rates
Probably the most effective way to make sure that you get the lowest rates is by booking your rental car well in advance. The closer it gets to the date of a booking, the higher your chances are of the rental prices beginning to increase, especially during peak travel seasons. When you make your bookings some weeks in advance, the rates are relatively lower and you have more options in the vehicle you choose. Early bookings will equally get you, for the most part, special promotions or discounts that reduce your costs even further.
2. Different Sites, Different Discounts
The best deal in car rentals is got by comparing across sites. You might feel that you save time by booking the first option itself, but a comparison using price comparison websites and travel aggregators will make other better deals come into view. Be aware of the hidden fees for things like an additional driver or a one-way drop-off that may not be all that visible. Comparisons on multiple sources guarantee the most competitive rate available.
3. Avoid renting from airports
Though this is convenient it may also involve additional costs including airport taxes and convenience fees, it is likely well worth your while renting from an off-airport location. A short shuttle ride or taxi to a nearby rental office can pay for itself. Rates are normally lower and surcharges are fewer from off-airport locations.
4. Use Credit Card Perks and Join Loyalty Programs
Avail yourself of loyalty programs offering discounts, upgrades, or free rental days to their frequent customers. In addition, some credit cards offer car rentals either in the form of discounts or insurance coverage. Always check with your credit card benefits before you book to see if you can apply any that will lower the costs or improve the rental experience.
5. Watch Out for Hidden Fees
Added fees seem to really add up. Beware of added fees for additional drivers, underage drivers, or late returns. Take the time to read through your rental agreement, and ask any questions about possible additional fees you don’t understand. Knowing upfront what to expect and how to budget can save headaches and frustration later on and let you have an even better deal.
Conclusion
With these intuitive tips, the rental of a car doesn’t have to be an awfully expensive investment. You can plan ahead, compare prices, avoid airport locations, use loyalty programs, and keep those hidden fees at bay to get a more inexpensive car rental. All it takes is a little of your effort to make these minute changes and remember a few hints of actual bumping up of savings and making the most out of the car rental experience. For more updates visit: www.gurucent.com
Rent a Car Smartly and Save Big!
FAQ’s
Q1. How to rent a car for less in peak travel seasons?
A. Book in advance, check the rates across different websites, and avoid airport locations since they charge higher fees for renting a car during peak times.
Q2. Is it cheaper to rent a car on a per-week basis than on a per-day basis?
A. Most of the time, yes. There are usually discounts on the weekly rental rates when compared with the daily rate, especially for longer trips.
Q3. Do I have to buy insurance from them?
A. Not necessarily; if you have personal insurance or a credit card that already covers rentals, then you would not need any extra cover from them and hence save some money on that.
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