Finding the Best Deal on a Rental Car

Getting Your Price When Finding the Best Deal on a Rental Car

Rental companies are in the business to make money; therefore, they always have profit in mind when a customer is renting a vehicle. However, it is possible to negotiate with companies when finding the best deal for car rental. Looking out for weekday or weekend values, coupons, or membership discounts can help get the best deal possible when the time comes to rent a car.

Checking Online Prices

When renting a vehicle, it is best to always check and pay for your car online, and not up-front at a rental counter. The fees are almost always cheaper and chances are that customers will get a “prepay” discount when reserving and paying for your rental on the company site. Overall, the Internet is your friend when it comes to car rental – it also helps consumer compare numerous companies, which can be invaluable in finding the best deal on a rental car. Some companies are bound to be cheaper then the rest, and the Internet helps locates that cheaper price.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Economy Vehicle

Although some people have the means to get that brand new Ford Mustang for a “reasonable” rate of $80 per day, the less aesthetically appealing Chevy Aveo or Nissan Versa is almost always cheaper, has better gas mileage, and is easier to insure. Furthermore, companies typically allow more than one driver on the rental contract for these cars. Don’t be afraid to get the “economy” car – yes, some features such as air conditioning or GPS may be lost, but your wallet will thank you for it, and it will leave you with more money to spend on the things you and your family need.

Reading the “Fine Print”

Although one rental company may have a better daily rate, there could be hidden fees in its contract that the company is not telling you about. This could more than likely result in the rental costing much more than the originally advertised daily fee. Mileage, insurance, gas, and “vehicle maintenance” fees all add up, and the more you learn about a certain company’s fees, the more realistic picture will have of their actual daily rental fee. While one company may seem to have an expensive daily rate, don’t write them off just yet. If fees are minimal, it may turn out that they’re the best rental car company to go with.

Using the “Middle Man”

With the recent explosion of “middle-man” websites such as Orbitz, Kayak, Hotels.com, Priceline, and Travelocity, travelers are getting better at finding the best deal on a rental car. Use these “middle men” to your advantage – compare rates to see which rental company seems to be the cheapest. Research their hidden fees, and move on if it turns out that they cost too much. Just keep looking, and it is possible find the best deal on a rental car.

With the advent of the Internet, the rental car industry was changed forever. For consumers, this is a good thing, as they can now compare prices for every single car rental company to find the best one. With just a little bit of research, you too can save time and money.