How To Save On Car Rentals

Are you looking for a way to find care rental discounts for your next business or personal trip? It is no secret that rental car rates are sometimes so high it almost feels like it would be cheaper to purchase a plane ticket. 

Finding ways to secure a cheap car rental doesn’t have to take up too much of your time or energy. The tips will help you get started with searching for budget car rentals – so keep reading to learn more! 

red sedan in the middle of a forest with snow

Book As Early As Possible 

Waiting until the last minute to rent a car often results in much higher rates. Today’s largest car rental companies try to estimate how many available cars they’ll need, and they often start this process weeks in advance. 

Booking as far in advance as possible ensures you’re getting a better deal and provides more options – especially during peak seasons. By planning, you secure a more reasonable rate and ensure that you can book a rental that meets your needs and expectations. 

Look For Bundles

Many booking sites and travel deals include an option to rent a car for a discounted rate. This is an excellent option if you’re planning a trip and need multiple means of transportation. However, it is crucial to do some homework when considering these car rental discounts. 

While, in many cases, bundles can help you save money on your rental car, they are not always completely transparent. When considering a bundle deal, do a quick search, ensuring that you can’t find a better rate by booking your rental car independently. Also, ensure you read all the fine print regarding your bundle deal. 

Join AAA

If you’re unfamiliar with AAA, it is essentially a roadside assistance membership offering its members various discounts and services. Luckily, one of AAA’s most notable discount programs is the discounts they offer for rental cars.

While these discounts aren’t extended to every rental car service, it does cover many of the larger car rental companies. For example, AAA members can save up to 20% when booking a rental car with Hertz. 

Additionally, there are other ways to save on budget car rentals when using your AAA membership. These benefits include complimentary baby seats, fuel discounts, and even waived fees for drivers under 25. While these benefits don’t affect the rental rate, they do cover many of the unforeseen charges that quickly escalate the cost of renting a car. 

Final Thoughts 

It’s easy to get frustrated when searching for a rental car – especially when it’s one part of your trip that you’re likely not very excited about. While renting a car is typically associated with high rates, hidden fees, and the fear that damage may occur while using the vehicle, there are many ways secure savings for your next car rental! These tips will help you save on daily rates, as well as help you keep additional costs to a minimum, so you can get back to enjoying your traveling experience.