Improving Your Automobile

5 Real Ways to Save on the Cost of a Rental Car

13 January 2015

Addison Morris

When searching for ways to save on the cost of a rental car, you may know to travel during the off-season and to avoid the large national rental chains. However, there are other ways to actually save on the cost of a rental car that you may easily overlook. Before you plan your next vacation, consider a few of those ways you can save when renting a car.

1. Add an extra day or two to your rental

This may seem like you're going to pay more for your rental, but, in reality, you may be able to save money if you make a longer reservation and then return the car early. Longer reservations may get a lower rate because week-long reservations are often cheaper per day than just weekend or three-day reservations.

2. Use coupons

If you've ever bought a coupon book for dining out and for saving money on oil changes, check to see if there are also coupons for renting cars. You can also find these coupons online. They may offer a lower daily rate, or they may offer a certain percentage discount on the overall cost of renting a car. Be sure you note that you're using a coupon when you make your reservation or enter the right coupon code online so it's honored at the counter.

3. Track rates every day

Rates for auto rentals often change daily as a rental agency books up or faces cancellations. If an agency notices that they have a lack of reservations for a certain week, they may lower their rates. It's easy to keep track of these rates every day and, once you see them dropping, make your reservation.

4. Prepay

Paying in advance can often save you quite a bit of money on a rental car, so if you know you won't be canceling or changing your reservation, pay in advance. If you're not offered a discount for prepaying, ask about it when making the reservation. Compare the rates for prepaying and for paying at the counter, and you may see it's the best choice for saving.

5. Rent the "mom van."

A sports car is often the most expensive type of rental, followed by a luxury sedan and then a standard sedan. A minivan is often the cheapest rental simply because it's not very luxurious. However, today's minivans typically offer all the comforts you need to make your travels enjoyable and can also be a good choice for families on vacation. They can even save you money on the cost of fuel you'll need for your vacation, so consider this type of rental versus any other.

For more information, contact a company such as Meteor Car & Truck Rentals.

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