Renting a car can be a great way to see new places, but the process doesn’t have to be hard or costly. You can get better deals, stay away from common mistakes, and have a smooth rental experience from start to finish if you know the right strategies and have insider knowledge.
Do Your Research and Compare Before You Book
Don’t take the first price you see. To get a starting point, use comparison sites like Kayak, Priceline, or Expedia. But you should also call rental companies directly. Sometimes, booking directly gives you better rates or perks that you can’t see on third-party sites. AAA, Costco, and your credit card company all have membership programs that might offer big discounts.
Plan your booking time carefully
Book early for popular places and busy times of year, but be ready to change your plans. A lot of rental companies let you cancel for free, so you can book again if prices go down. If you need to book a car at the last minute, try doing it on the weekends when business travelers aren’t competing for cars. You could also try airport locations, which sometimes have more cars available than city locations.
Pick your spot carefully.
Airport locations are easy to get to, but they are often more expensive because of extra fees and taxes. You could save 20–30% on your total cost by looking at locations that aren’t at the airport or in your neighborhood. If you rent from the airport, keep in mind that it can take 30 to 45 minutes longer to get to your pickup location because you have to take a shuttle to off-site lots.
Smart Booking: Know the Different Types of Vehicles
Rental companies use general terms like “economy” or “midsize,” but the car you get can be very different. Call ahead to make sure that the car you want has the features you need, like all-wheel drive or a big trunk. If there aren’t many bigger cars available, you might get a free upgrade on an economy car.
Look at the Fine Print
Be careful about mileage limits, especially for one-way rentals or trips that last a long time. Most rentals come with unlimited mileage, but some special rates may have limits. Know the fuel policy. “Full to full” is usually the best deal, but you have to bring the car back with a full tank.
Think about your insurance choices
Check what insurance you already have before getting expensive rental insurance. Your own car insurance might cover rental cars, and many credit cards offer primary or secondary rental car coverage. If you rent cars a lot, you might want to get an annual policy from a third-party provider. This can be cheaper than getting coverage for each rental.
At Pickup, Write Down Everything
Check the car carefully and take pictures of any damage, no matter how small, before you leave the lot. Look at the condition of the inside, the mirrors, and all the lights. Write down the fuel level and mileage on your rental agreement. When you return the car, this paperwork protects you from having to pay for damage that was already there.
Talk about upgrades
If you’re nice and the rental place has space, you might get a free upgrade. Business travelers often choose smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, which means that bigger cars don’t always get used. You may have a better chance of getting free upgrades if you join the rental company’s loyalty program, even if it’s free.
Know the Technology
Before you drive away, take a few minutes to get to know the car’s features. If you have Bluetooth, connect your phone to it and adjust your mirrors and seats. Also, find important controls like the headlights and windshield wipers. This stops you from having to deal with systems you don’t know while driving.
While You’re Renting
Keep Detailed Records
Keep all of your rental receipts, including those for gas and any repairs that need to be made. Write down the problem and any costs you have to pay if you need help on the road. Most rental companies will pay for reasonable costs related to mechanical problems that aren’t your fault.
Plan for Fuel
It’s almost always cheaper to fill up the car yourself than to pay the rental company their high fuel fees, unless you’re returning it almost empty. Find the cheapest gas stations near where you are returning by using apps like GasBuddy. To avoid any arguments about the fuel level, plan to fill up within 10 miles of where you will be returning.
Take care of problems right away
Get in touch with the rental company right away if the car has mechanical problems or gets damaged. A lot of businesses have customer service lines that are open 24 hours a day and can help you with roadside assistance or getting a new car. Don’t try to fix things yourself, as this could void your coverage.
Extra Time for the Return Process
If you are traveling during a busy time, plan to return your car at least 30 minutes before your flight leaves. This buffer takes into account possible lines, the time it takes to inspect your vehicle, and the time it takes to get to your terminal. Some places let loyalty members return items quickly, which can save a lot of time.
Last Check
When you give the car back, ask for a receipt that shows the car’s condition and the final costs. If you can, have a rental agent check out the car with you there. This stops surprise damage fees from showing up on your credit card days or weeks later.
Keep Records
Keep all of your rental paperwork for at least 30 days after you return. Sometimes, credit card charges don’t show up right away. Having proof can help settle billing problems quickly.
Ways to Save Money
Memberships and Loyalty Programs
People who sign up for free loyalty programs often get things like faster service, chances to upgrade, and extra points toward future rentals. Some programs also have one-time rental discounts or special rates for members that can save you a lot of money.
Different ways to rent
For unique cars or possibly lower prices, especially for longer rentals, think about peer-to-peer car sharing services like Turo or Getaround. These sites often have a wider range of vehicles to choose from, and in some markets, they can be especially cheap for rentals that last more than one day.
Advantages of Credit Cards
Some credit cards include primary rental car insurance, so you don’t have to pay for coverage from the rental company. Some give you discounts on rental cars or extra points for renting them. Before you go on a trip, look into the benefits of your cards and think about using the one that gives you the best rental-related perks.
Staying Away from Common Mistakes
Fees and extras that aren’t obvious
Watch out for pushy salespeople at the counter trying to sell you GPS units, car seats, or extra insurance. If you’re going with kids, you might want to bring your own car seat. You can also bring your own GPS or use your smartphone. If you need to, include extra driver fees in your budget because they can be very high.
Toll Roads and Tickets for Traffic
Before you leave, look into the toll road system in the place you’re going. Some rental companies charge a daily fee for electronic toll transponders, while others charge high administrative fees for each toll transaction. If you get a traffic ticket while renting a car, the rental company will usually send it to you along with an extra fee for processing.
Things to think about around the world
If you need to, make sure you have the right paperwork when you rent a car in another country. This may include an International Driving Permit. Learn about the rules and customs of driving in your area, and think about getting extra insurance because your home insurance may not cover you overseas.
Last Tips for Success
Being ready and paying attention to the little things are the keys to a good rental experience. You can avoid most common problems and focus on having fun on your trip by doing your homework, knowing what your insurance covers, taking pictures of the car’s condition, and keeping in touch with the rental company.
Being flexible can help you get better rates and availability. For example, being open to different types of vehicles or pickup locations can help you get better deals. The most important thing is to think of the rental process as part of your trip instead of something you have to do. This will make the whole thing much more fun.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be able to rent a car like a pro, getting the best deal and service for your money while avoiding the common problems that many renters face.