Avoiding airport car rentals can save you about 18.4%, or roughly $86, on a standard seven-night rental. Airport locations often include high surcharges such as Customer Facility Charges that inflate prices unnecessarily. Opting for nearby downtown or off-airport rental centers offers a smart alternative without compromising convenience or availability.
Use Online Platforms for Price Comparison
Online travel sites like Kayak, Priceline, and Cheapcarrental.com provide comprehensive price comparisons across multiple rental companies. Searching across these platforms can highlight deals that might not appear on individual company websites. Booking directly with rental agencies afterward can sometimes unlock extra discounts, especially when choosing "Pay Now" nonrefundable options that typically offer lower rates than pay-at-counter rentals.
Discount Brands Are Not Always the Cheapest
Common assumption holds that discount brands like Dollar or Budget provide the lowest prices. However, brands such as Thrifty, Hertz, and Enterprise often offer better deals. For example, a seven-night rental with Thrifty can average around $414, compared to $601 with National, despite National’s reputation as a premium brand. Rate differences vary by location and vehicle class, so exploring multiple brands beyond the obvious discount labels is advisable.
Membership Benefits Can Lower Rates and Fees
Membership programs offer substantial savings and perks. Costco members frequently receive better rental rates plus free additional drivers, which can reduce total costs for shared trips. AAA members gain access to Hertz discounts and often avoid underage driver fees, an advantage for drivers aged 21 to 24. Loyalty programs like American Airlines AAdvantage provide a 35% discount on Airport rentals from Budget and Avis, adding further value for frequent flyers.
Avoid Paying for Rental Extras
Extras quickly add up on rental agreements, but many are avoidable. Using your smartphone’s GPS app can replace the need to rent GPS units, which typically cost $10 to $15 per day. Instead of accepting prepaid toll transponders that come with daily fees, purchasing your own device like Florida’s SunPass for $19.99 is more cost-effective, particularly for longer stays.
Insurance Coverages Can Save Significant Daily Fees
Rental companies often add about $30 daily for insurance coverage, a costly expense if you already have personal auto insurance or credit card coverage that includes rental cars. Confirming existing coverage before renting helps avoid paying for unnecessary insurance add-ons. Carrying proof of your coverage might be required at pickup to waive the offer safely.
Summary of Key Strategies for Saving on Car Rentals
- Choose off-airport rental locations to bypass surcharges.
- Use online booking platforms to compare and find discounts.
- Evaluate all rental brands for the best rates, including well-known and discount ones.
- Leverage membership programs like Costco, AAA, and airline loyalty discounts.
- Avoid optional extras by using phone GPS and own toll devices.
- Use personal insurance or card benefits to avoid added insurance costs.
These approaches provide a layered strategy to cut car rental expenses while maintaining convenience and coverage. By considering location, brand selection, memberships, and extras, travelers can achieve significant budget-friendly benefits on rental vehicles.