Want to travel by car and save money? There are some practical ways to cut costs when renting a vehicle. Find out how to rent a car on a budget!
When it comes to renting a car economically, there are a few strategies that can help you get a more affordable price. First and foremost, it’s recommended to book in advance, as this often allows you to take advantage of lower rates. Then, easily and quickly compare prices from rental companies on the Rentcars website and choose the option that fits your budget.
Even if your rental is short-term or for a longer period, it’s possible to get good discounts and offers that can significantly lighten your budget. This way, you can save important money that can be used for other travel needs, such as tours, food, and accommodation.
10 Tips for Renting a Car on a Budget
There’s nothing better than saving money on a trip, right? And since a car is one of the best ways to make your journey easier, providing more comfort and freedom, here are some special tips to help you save when renting a vehicle!
1. Use an Online Comparison Tool
Well, seasoned travelers know that this part of planning is crucial: research! It’s important to check which rental company is offering the best price and also the best benefits. But we know that visiting each website one by one is practically impossible with our busy daily schedules. That’s why the perfect solution is to consult the Rentcars website, which automatically compares over 300 rental companies around the world.
On the website, you can choose destinations from more than 160 countries and filter by your rental preferences, such as the city where you want to use the car, pick-up and drop-off dates. Done! Now it’s in your hands to choose the most affordable rate with the additional services and protections you find necessary. In this case, besides paying less, you save time!
2. Look for Discounts and Coupons
Who doesn’t love saving money with a discount coupon? Nowadays, this practice is quite common among companies, especially during more promotional periods of the year. Additionally, the cashback system works very well when it comes to saving money, as it functions as a credit back to the customer, allowing them to use this difference as a discount on their next purchase.
In the car rental segment, it’s no different! If you’re looking for unbeatable coupons and discounts to save money when renting a car, you need to take advantage of Rentday, the best time to rent a car with a discount.
The official Rentday will be on September 16th, but Rentcars customers can already enjoy a selection of exclusive offers on the website at the beginning of the month. These are the best rental companies with the best car rental prices. If you prefer, sign up with your email to receive the promotions directly in your inbox and never miss an opportunity!
3. Save by Booking in Advance
Making a reservation in advance works for airline tickets, hotel reservations, and car rentals. The earlier you book, the more money you’ll save.
This is largely due to offer vs. demand, meaning that the closer you are to your travel date, the higher the likelihood that cars will already be booked, potentially reducing your options for available vehicles, leading to higher prices.
If you rent well in advance, you can ensure greater availability and also take advantage of much more affordable rates!
4. Plan Your Itinerary
It’s time to plan your travel route! Have you thought about the places where you’ll go with the rental car? Are you extending your trip to a neighboring city or park? Well, after mapping out your travel itinerary, know that some rental criteria affect the rental price, and one of them is the number of days booked. The longer the reservation period, the lower the daily rates may become. So, how about organizing a broader itinerary?
The cars in the same category can be found with a price variation of around 3 dollars or more in the daily rate. At first glance, this may not seem like a significant saving, but think about the 3 dollars for a 10-day reservation? The savings will be reasonable and can help with the budget for fuel during the trip, for example.
5. Check the Prices of Additional Items, Like GPS
You can add various extra services to your rental, such as GPS, automatic toll payment, baby seats, among others. Each of these extras has a cost, so if you want to save on your car rental, check the prices with the rental company beforehand or clarify your doubts with the Rentcars customer service team. This way, you avoid surprises with fees and can more accurately select which items are essential for your trip.
6. Look for Loyalty Programs and Miles
Loyalty programs and miles associated with car rentals are offered as a way to reward frequent customers and encourage them to use their services more often.
Generally, customers register for free, and once enrolled, they can accumulate points or miles that can be used as part of the payment for car rentals with participating companies. Typically, the number of points or miles accumulated is based on the amount spent by the customer at their bank or credit card. Additionally, some programs may offer bonuses or special promotions to accumulate faster.
Moreover, some rental companies have partnerships with airline mileage programs or other loyalty programs, allowing you to accumulate points or miles when renting a car. This offers the opportunity to accumulate additional benefits and maximize the value of your trips. It’s important to read and understand the specific terms and conditions of each loyalty or miles program offered in the market.
7. Opt for Scheduled Return
Scheduled return in car rental is a service offered by some rental companies that allows the renter to schedule the return of the rented car at a specific time and location in advance. This option is useful when the renter knows exactly when and where they want to return the vehicle, providing convenience and prior planning.
When selecting a scheduled return, you can inform the rental company of the exact date, time, and location where you intend to return the vehicle. This avoids the need to wait in line or delays in returning, as the company can prepare to receive the car according to the schedule.
Scheduled return can be especially useful at airports or busy locations, where the rental company may have a dedicated team to handle scheduled returns, making the process faster and more efficient for the renter.
It’s important to check if the car rental company offers the scheduled return service, as not all rental companies have this option available. If you’re interested in using this service, it’s advisable to contact the rental company or check the scheduling options during the booking process.
8. Opt for a Single Driver
Choosing who will be responsible for driving during the trip is an extremely important step. After all, this person will be responsible for following the planned itinerary and for careful driving to ensure the safety of the passengers.
Before renting the car, talk to everyone involved in the trip and, if possible, choose who will be the driver. By opting for a single driver, you can avoid paying the Additional Driver fee, which is common in many rental companies when opting for a second person to drive.
If having a second driver is essential for you, carefully research which rental companies do not charge an extra fee for an additional driver.
9. Return the Vehicle with a Full Tank
The time is approaching to return the car? Then it’s time to pay close attention to the fuel level of the vehicle that was used during the trip.
As it’s standard procedure for cars to be delivered by the rental company with a full tank for the customer, it’s the renter’s responsibility to return it with the correct fuel level as agreed.
Keep in mind that rental companies charge a high fee for returns with empty tanks, so it’s important to refuel before returning the car. This way, you avoid any last-minute extra expenses.
10. Pick Up and Drop Off the Vehicle at the Same Location
Depending on the rental company you choose, there may be an additional cost to pick up the vehicle in one city and return it in another. This fee is known as the Return Fee, which covers the rental company’s cost of bringing the car back to its original city. During promotional periods, this fee may be waived, so keep an eye on the Rentcars website, which offers a specific filter for this option directly on the website and app.
However, if there is a charge, it’s important to be cautious and check the costs in advance. If the goal is to save during the trip, try to return the car to the same location where it was picked up.
When Is It Worth Renting a Car?
Renting a car can be advantageous in several situations! Here are some circumstances where renting a car is worth considering:
- Travel: If you’re planning a trip, especially to destinations where public transportation may be limited, renting a car can provide greater flexibility and convenience. You can explore remote places, make stops along the way, and create your own itinerary.
- Specific Needs: Sometimes, you may need to rent a car to meet specific needs. This can include business trips, transporting bulky items like heavy luggage or sports equipment, or even as a replacement vehicle when your car is undergoing maintenance.
- Exploring Rural Areas: In rural areas or regions with limited public transportation options, renting a car might be the best way to get around and visit places of interest outside urban centers.
- Freedom and Convenience: Having a rented car gives you greater freedom to move according to your own schedule. You can avoid public transportation schedules, enjoy greater comfort, and even save time in some situations.
What Are the Main Costs of Renting a Vehicle?
The costs involved in renting a vehicle can vary depending on several factors, including the rental company, destination, rental duration, and additional options selected. Here are some of the main costs to consider when renting a vehicle:
- Rental Rate: This is the basic charge for renting the vehicle. This cost can vary based on the type of car, rental duration, and regional demand.
- Insurance: At Rentcars, your reservation already includes basic protections, but you can still add Extra Protection with RentalCover or insurance offered by the rental company. The cost can be significant, but it’s important to evaluate since it’s crucial that you feel secure during your rental.
- Taxes and Fees: In addition to the rental rate, additional taxes and fees may apply, such as airport fees, local taxes, fuel fees, and other local charges. It’s a good idea to check beforehand!
- Additional Charges: There are additional charges that may apply depending on the options selected, such as fees for additional drivers, one-way rentals, child seats, GPS, or other accessories.
- Fuel: The cost of fuel is usually the responsibility of the renter. It’s important to return the vehicle with the same fuel level provided at the start of the rental, or additional charges may apply.
- Fines and Violations: If the renter commits traffic violations, such as speeding or illegal parking, the corresponding fines will be the renter’s responsibility, along with any administrative fees charged by the rental company.
Which Credit Card Offers Discounts on Car Rentals?
There are programs that offer benefits for customers who want to rent a car. You should contact your bank to find more information.
Which Is the Cheapest Car Rental Company?
Car rental prices vary greatly depending on all the factors mentioned earlier: car category, chosen destination, rental period, among others. Because of this, each rental company has the freedom to set prices that cover all these costs. To find the best price and advantages for each of them, run a simulation on the Rentcars website and choose the ideal option for you.
How Much Does It Cost on Average to Rent a Vehicle?
It depends on the chosen destination and, above all, how far in advance you’re making the reservation. If your search is during a promotional period, like Rentcars’ Rentday, the average daily rate can be up to 50% lower than during a regular period. Want to check the best rental prices for your desired destination? Run a simulation, compare the best prices, and get ready for your next trip!
For long-term rentals, such as a week or a month, many companies offer special rates and discounts. In these cases, daily rates can significantly decrease compared to short-term rentals. Generally, the longer the rental period, the lower the average daily cost. Therefore, check in advance to ensure the best cost-benefit ratio.
So, what do you think? With these tips, you’re sure to save big on your next car rental. Have a great trip!
