Essential Car Rental Hacks – Save Money, Reduce Stress
Introduction
Welcome to our Car Rental Hacks post where we share tips to help you with your future car rental experiences when traveling. We’ll cover topics such as getting discounts on rentals, comparing rates, understanding insurance options, avoiding hidden fees, and more! Let’s explore some valuable information to help improve your future car rental experiences.
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Benefits of renting a car for vacationers
Renting a car for a vacation can be an excellent way to get around and explore your destination. With a rental car, you have the freedom to go wherever you want, when you want. You don’t have to worry about relying on public transportation or waiting for taxis or rideshares. Plus, you can save money by avoiding expensive taxi fares and parking fees.
A rental car also allows you to take advantage of all the attractions in the area without worrying about returning in time for a bus or train schedule. You can be more spontaneous in your travels. And if you’re traveling with family or friends, renting a car is much more cost-effective than paying for multiple tickets on public transportation.
Car Rental Hacks
The importance of car rental tips
If you’re planning to travel to a distant destination, renting a car is a great way to ensure a flexible adventure. But we get it. Renting a car can be one of those tasks that nobody looks forward to. Fortunately, we have rented cars dozens of times in our travels and are here to help you figure it out.
We’ve developed some insider car rental tips and tricks to make the process as smooth as possible. We’ll get into our favorite car rental hacks to help you save money, secure your ride, and make the most of your trip.
If you’ve been stuck at home for far too long, a good road trip getaway might be just what you need to spark your sense of adventure.
Car Rental Hacks
Financial Tips
Comparison shopping
When renting a car, begin your research at least two months before your trip. Head to an online site such as Expedia or Kayak.com to get a rough idea of the rental cost. Website aggregators like these compile search results from various car rental companies in a single place, so you can find the best price available — the one you need to beat.
Next, compare options to find one that suits your budget and timing. Remember to check the car rental company’s site to see if their price is better than what you found. And before clicking “Rent,” take some time to read through the rental agreement.
Get a better rate after making your initial reservation
Along with the typical popular travel websites, see if you can improve your rate using the website Autoslash. You can book directly through them or even enter your reservation code. Autoslash will track your booking for potentially cheaper rates and notify you if you can get a better deal.
Look for coupons
Before locking in your reservation, check the rental car website to see if discount codes are available. If you’ve booked rental cars before, check your email to see if you’ve been sent discount offers recently.
You can also try a google search using the name of your rental car company and the phrase “coupon code”
Be aware of hold charges and excess charge fees
When booking early, also expect to have a hold placed on your credit card for the rental period. The hold charge can be anywhere from several hundred to over one-thousand dollars in certain countries. This is often listed as an “excess charge” in the reservation details and is easily overlooked.
Knowing this can help avoid unexpected shock and finding yourself over your credit card limit.
These charges typically occur when a customer has exceeded the time or mileage agreed upon in the rental contract. They can also arise if the customer had caused any damage to the vehicle or failed to return it in the same condition as when they picked it up. Additionally, some companies may charge an “administrative fee” for handling traffic violations, cleaning the car, refueling, and other services.
Excess charge fees vary greatly depending on the company and location, so it’s important to read through all rental agreements carefully before signing anything.
The Pre-Pay Gas Option
One of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether or not to accept a pre-paid fuel option. Rental car companies offer pre-pay fuel options and allow you to pay for a full tank of gas upfront at the time of rental. Pre-paid fuel can be convenient if you don’t want to worry about refueling the car before returning it and if you’ll likely bring it back with close to just fumes left in the tank. And there are some important things to consider before making your decision.
If you choose the pre-pay option, you will know how much you’re paying for gas. This might be a rate comparable to local pump prices, or it might be considerably more. And, if you don’t use all the gas in the tank when returning the car, there’s no refund for what’s left over. If you bring it back with only a quarter tank or 90 percent full, you won’t get any money back from the rental company. So we see this as more of a convenience option – that will likely cost you more than if you fill-up the tank yourself.
Overall, pre-pay fuel options can be convenient, but they aren’t always the best deal financially. If you don’t use all the gas in the car, you will pay more than you need.
We say, plan to fill up the tank before returning your car. Give yourself time on your itinerary before returning the car to get to a gas station. And having an app like Gas Buddy on your phone can help you find the cheapest fuel closest to the rental car return lot.
Avoid Airport Surcharges
Renting a car can come with some unexpected fees. Airport surcharges are one of the most common hidden charges that rental car companies will try to sneak in. Airport locations often charge a premium for the convenience of accessing a rental car upon arriving at the airport. Fortunately, several ways exist to avoid these fees and save money on your next car rental. You’ll want to see if the extra cost of a car rental at the airport versus a nearby location is worth it.
First, consider renting from an off-site location instead of the airport. Many rental companies offer lower rates at their other locations, so you may save some money by avoiding the airport altogether. This is a tactic we used on a visit to Seattle, Washington.
On average, it costs just over 26% more to get a rental car at an airport than nearby downtown locations. (source: Nerdwallet – Car Rental Pricing Statistics)
If you can get an Uber or taxi for less than the cost of the airport surcharge, get a ride into the city and pick up your rental car away from the airport.
Companies & Organizations
Choosing a car rental company
When renting a vehicle, selecting a reliable rental car company is crucial. Quality companies will provide reliable vehicles, competitive rates, and excellent customer service.
The best-rated car rental companies include Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, National, and Alamo. Enterprise has come in on top of the North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study. CNET and TripSavvy also rank Enterprise highly.
For example, you might also find cheaper car rental deals from peer-to-peer services. However, potential drawbacks include varying levels of quality, car condition, and cleanliness since you’re renting the car directly from private owners. So, finding a cheap rental doesn’t equate to the best option.
Take advantage of membership organizations
Renting a vehicle with a membership organization such as Costco, Sam’s Club, or AAA can be a great way to save money and access exclusive discounts. With these organizations, you can often find discounted rates on rental cars from leading companies like Avis and Budget. Additionally, many of these organizations offer complimentary membership in their counter bypass programs like Avis Preferred, which can help you avoid long lines at the rental counter.
Membership organizations also provide additional benefits, such as car upgrades and points toward free rentals. For example, Hertz offers special savings on car rentals for members of associations and membership programs.
Overall, renting a car with a membership organization is an excellent way to save money while accessing great perks and benefits. So if you belong to a group such as Costco, Sam’s Club, or AAA, remember to consider how they can help you with a car rental.
Loyalty Programs
Is it worth using loyalty programs when renting a car? The answer depends on your situation.
Loyalty programs encourage customers to do business with the same company by offering incentives such as special discounts or sales, free goods or services, or points redeemable for rewards. For example, some car rental companies offer loyalty programs that allow customers to accumulate points for every dollar spent on rentals. These points can fund future rentals or obtain rewards such as free upgrades and discounts on car rentals.
In addition, loyalty programs may provide exclusive access to special offers and promotions unavailable to non-members. You might receive priority at airport check-in lines, complimentary roadside assistance, or other perks.
However, some rental car agencies charge a convenience fee if they need to communicate with an outside loyalty program about points. So, it isn’t always worth the cost. Don’t assume this will save you money.
Car Rental Hacks
Timing Tips
Do your research early
Let’s talk about when to book your rental car. When you book early, you can take advantage of discounts and special offers that may not be available closer to your travel date. You also have more time to compare rates between different companies to find the best deal for your needs.
In addition, booking a rental car in advance provides peace of mind. You’ll know that your rental car is reserved and will be ready when you arrive.
Finally, you have more time to select the exact type of car that fits your needs. Whether it’s a luxury sedan or an SUV, reserving ahead of time may ensure that your chosen vehicle selection will be available when it’s time to pick up your rental.
Now, consider getting a reservation with a REFUNDABLE rate. This way, when you book early, you can still look for deals that might arise when you get closer to your travel date. You might check some sites two weeks before your vacation and one week ahead. Even the day before. Some rental car agencies run specials when demand is lower than expected. If you find a deal this way, you can cancel your initial reservation if you booked a refundable rate option.
Does booking early save money?
Actually, no. A recent industry report by NerdWallet shows that people generally pay more when booking three months in advance versus booking one week before travel.
Car Rental Hacks
Strategies for Car Rentals
Book your car as part of a travel package
If you include your car rental when making your flight and hotel reservation through a site like Expedia, you can get pleasantly surprised by the bundled cost savings. We’ve seen the bundle strategy save us hundreds of dollars.
What car type should you choose?
First, think about how many people you need to transport. If you’re traveling with a large group, look for a car rental company that offers larger vehicles like minivans or SUVs.
Also, consider what type of terrain you’ll be driving on. If you plan on taking roads with steep inclines or off-road trails, an SUV or truck may be your best bet. However, if your journey is mostly on flat roads and highways, an economy car may be a viable choice.
On the other hand, if you’re only traveling with one or two people, a smaller sedan may be more suitable. And if you have just one or two people to consider, one strategy is to book the cheapest option available. If you see a good deal, that may be a small economy car or a mid-size one. Often, you may find you get offered an upgrade upon arrival.
If offered an upgrade, be aware of the implication for fuel cost. If you get moved from an economy car that gets 35 miles per gallon to an SUV that gets 19 miles per gallon, you’ll have a more roomy car and pay more for gas. Just be sure you are ok with this upgrade aspect if offered a larger vehicle.
Choose your driver with care
Adding additional drivers to a rental car agreement can sometimes incur other daily fees. You might save money if you can get by with a single driver.
Now, if you do this, stick with your decision. If you have an accident or traffic incident with an unauthorized person driving, you can be in for unwelcome surprises.
You must also be aware of drivers’ age limits, which can vary by company and location.
Choosing the number of days for your car rental
One way to save money is to consider if you can do without a rental car for a portion of your trip. For example, your hotel might offer a free shuttle between the airport and the hotel. You may not need a rental car immediately if you have such an option. Chopping off one or more days can save you hundreds of dollars in car rental fees.
What if you need a one-way rental?
Just know that one-way rentals generally cost more money. You can avoid one-way rental charges if you can return the car to the same location where you pick it up. If it is manageable, see if you can structure your itinerary to bring the car back to the original location.
Car Rental Hacks
Add-On Decisions
Car insurance for your rental car
On to a topic that is a sore spot for many people – automobile insurance.
First and foremost, you should be aware of your car insurance policy and its coverage for rental cars. Many policies will provide some level of coverage for rental vehicles, but the specifics can vary greatly from one policy to another. If you have an insurance agent, it could be worthwhile to have a conversation to understand what coverage your policy already provides.
Most rental car companies will offer additional coverage at an additional cost. The insurance may include a collision damage waiver (CDW) or liability insurance supplement (LIS).
Finally, you’ll want to understand the implications of declining additional coverage offered by the rental company. In many cases, if you decline their coverage, you may be held liable for any damages incurred while driving the vehicle. Therefore, it is important to carefully weigh all your options before deciding whether or not to purchase additional coverage from the rental company.
Certain credit card benefits provide auto insurance extensions for car rentals. So check if your credit card or travel insurance, if purchased separately, already provides insurance coverage for car rentals. For example, the Chase Sapphire Cards provide primary insurance coverage (you’ll want to read their agreement to understand the complete terms). It’s one of the many reasons we think this is an ideal travel credit card. Oh, and for this coverage to kick in, you’ll want to pay for the rental car with the credit card that provides the coverage. If you don’t have this card yet, check the link in our show notes – it’s one of the most important tools in our travel tool kit, and we highly recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card.
We run into the car insurance upsell every time we rent a car – and it’s something that we do not buy from the car rental agency when renting domestically.
If you’re traveling outside your country, you’ll want to look extra carefully at the car insurance options, as your personal insurance policy may likely not provide international coverage.
The bottom line, do your homework on this topic before you leave home. It can help you avoid the stress and expense of making the wrong decision when you get to the car rental booth.
What about roadside assistance?
Think about your roadside assistance options when renting a car. Many rental companies offer some form of roadside assistance, but the coverage and cost can vary greatly. Some typical features of roadside assistance include tire changes, jump-starts, lockout service, fuel delivery, and towing services. Additionally, many rental companies will provide emergency medical assistance in the event of an accident or injury.
This is another topic where your credit card company may provide coverage if you experience a flat tire, need a locksmith, or need a towing service. Again, several premium credit cards offer this coverage level. Check to see if your credit card does too.
Back to the Chase Sapphire Cards, roadside assistance include limited towing, tire changing, jump-starting a battery, lockout service, and fuel delivery. But there are also specific exclusions – including whom they cover and geographic restrictions.
And most importantly, if you plan on possibly using such services, you must have the phone number of your credit card’s travel coverage. So add that information when you compile your itinerary.
Car Rental Hacks
Bring your personal GPS
If you don’t want to get lost in a new city and want to save some money, consider bringing your GPS device. Car rental companies make more money when they upsell GPS service, costing around $10 – $15 daily. We usually just use the Waze app on our phones – and if you use a phone-based system, be sure to bring a cable to keep your device powered in a rental car.
You can also download offline maps in Google Maps for the places you visit. That way, you can access turn-by-turn directions even when you don’t have WiFi or a cell signal.
And if you are traveling out of the country, having your GPS device lets you get navigation instructions – in your language.
Consider bringing a phone cradle for easy viewing of your device.
Another benefit of bringing your GPS when renting a car is that it will be more familiar than a rental unit. You will already know how to operate the device and won’t have to spend time learning how to use a new system. It can be frustrating enough to navigate unfamiliar roads. You don’t need the hassle of learning a new navigation device.
Bring child seats from home if possible
If you have littles, bringing your own infant or child seats could save you money. Car rental companies will charge you extra for these – so you’ll want to weigh the cost difference between what the airline will charge you to travel with these versus the total cost of just using a child seat provided by a car rental company.
Also, if you bring your own seat, you avoid the surprise of learning the car rental company doesn’t have an appropriate seat available when you arrive.
Say No To Satellite Radio
Unless you can’t live without it, you might find this option is available for a fee. Instead, load up your smartphone with music, audiobooks, or your favorite podcast, such as The Places Where We Go. Listen to what you enjoy and save more money.
Car Rental Hacks
Paying For Your Rental Car
Check if your credit card offers extra points for travel-related expenditures such as car rentals. If so, you can add points towards a future travel adventure using your most advantageous credit card.
Chase Sapphire Preferred – Earn Points Towards Future Travel
Car Rental Hacks
Inspect The Car Before You Drive Off The Parking Lot
This next tip is something you must do every single time you rent a car. And that is to inspect the vehicle for any damage before leaving the lot.
The last thing you want is to be held liable for damage that already existed on the car when you picked it up.
This inspection should include looking over the car’s exterior for any dents, scratches, or other damage. You should also check the car’s interior for signs of wear or tear, such as stains or tears in the upholstery. Additionally, you should check all of the car’s features, such as headlights, windshield wipers, and air conditioning to ensure they all work correctly.
If you notice anything improper, be sure the rental car company representative notes it. And take photos just to be on the safe side if you see anything wrong. Don’t assume a small ding is insignificant.
So always, always, always – inspect the car yourself. This might be our most important tip, and it could save you extreme headaches and financial costs.
Returning Your Vehicle
If you return the car with damage, don’t fill the tank, or return late, you can say bye-bye to your savings. Here are a few top travel tips when returning your rental car:
- Check for damage: Before returning your rental car, check it for any damage that may have occurred during your trip and document it.
- Refuel: Make sure to refuel the car before returning it to avoid any extra charges from the rental company.
- Clean up: Take some time to clean out the car’s interior before returning it, such as removing trash and vacuuming if necessary.
- Return on time: Make sure to return your rental car on time to avoid any late fees or other penalties from the rental company.
- Follow instructions: Read through all the instructions provided by the rental company before returning your vehicle to ensure that everything is done correctly.
- Get a receipt that indicates there was no damage noted when you returned the car. You might even take photos of the car upon your return for extra safety.
Car Rental Hacks
Rental Car Fun Facts
Recent car rental rates in Los Angeles, as reported by Bankrate.com for an economy car – range from a low of $30 using Turo to a high of $114 with Avis. That’s a huge difference – so it does pay to shop.
Cheapest major metros in the United States to rent a car:
| Metro area | Nearest major airport | Average weekly rental price |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. | $490. |
| Orlando, Florida | Orlando International Airport. | $519. |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. | $545. |
And among the most expensive major metro areas in the United States to rent a car:
| Seattle-Tacoma Airport. | $657. |
| Chicago O’Hare Airport. | $743. |
Nationwide in the United States, the most affordable car rental company is – Enterprise (as reported by Nerd Wallet.com).
Studies show that over a third of car renters test-drive for future purchases. So when renting a car, you can kill two birds with one stone. First, have a vehicle that provides transportation for your vacation. And secondly, spend time beyond the wheel of the make/model of the car you are thinking about purchasing in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
– Have a credit card in the main driver’s name
– Have a valid driving license
– If needed, have an International Driving Permit
– Have enough credit to cover the rental fee deposit
– Be of the minimum age set forth by the rental car company
– Do your homework in advance to understand your rental options
– Get a refundable rate when you book in advance
– Recheck rates with several companies days before your trip for last-minute deals
– Avoid getting a rental at an airport location
– Skip upsells like GPS and Satellite Radio
Conclusion – Car Rental Hacks
We hope this post on rental car hacks has helped provide you with some valuable tips for renting a car.
There is much to consider when renting a car; even this part of travel can cause stress. Doing your homework in advance can earn you rewards, help you find good deals, and minimize unwelcome surprises.
We also hope you walk away with tips to save money the next time you rent a car.
If you have additional tips for renting cars when traveling, drop us a line at comments@theplaceswherewego.com, and we’ll share those with our audience.
Listen to our Podcast – 10 Car Rental Tips
Check out more travel tips
Planning an international trip – Here’s what you should do
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