10 Clever Ways to Save on a Rental Car This Summer, According to Experts

1. Book Early, But Keep Checking

Procrastination rarely pays off when it comes to rental cars. Booking your car well in advance, ideally several weeks or even months, can often secure a lower rate. However, don't just set it and forget it! Prices fluctuate constantly. Continue to monitor the rental car prices leading up to your trip. If you see a lower rate, re-book and cancel your original reservation. Most major rental companies offer free cancellation, so there's no risk involved.

2. Compare, Compare, Compare!

Never settle for the first price you see. Use comparison websites like Kayak, Expedia, Priceline, and AutoSlash to get a comprehensive overview of available rental car deals from various companies. Be sure to check both well-known brands and smaller, regional agencies. Sometimes the less familiar names offer surprisingly competitive prices.

3. Consider Off-Airport Locations

Airport rentals are convenient, but they often come with a premium price tag due to higher fees and taxes. Explore off-airport locations. You might need to take a short taxi or rideshare to get there, but the savings can be significant, especially for longer rental periods. Often, local rental offices offer the same vehicles at considerably cheaper rates.

4. Look for Weekend or Weekly Discounts

Rental car companies frequently offer discounts for longer rentals. Even if you only need a car for 5 days, checking the price for a full week might reveal a lower overall cost. Similarly, weekend rates can sometimes be cheaper than weekday rates, depending on the location and demand.

5. Leverage Memberships and Affiliations

Many organizations, such as AAA, AARP, Costco, and even your credit card company, offer rental car discounts. Always check with these affiliations to see if you're eligible for a lower rate. These discounts can sometimes be stacked with other promotions for even greater savings.

6. Decline the Rental Company's Insurance

Rental companies often push their own insurance policies, but you may already be covered. Check your personal auto insurance policy and credit card benefits. Many credit cards offer collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage when you pay for the rental with that card. If you're already adequately insured, declining the rental company's coverage can save you a significant amount of money.

7. Book a Smaller Car (If Possible)

While it's tempting to opt for a spacious SUV, smaller cars are almost always cheaper to rent and have better gas mileage. If you don't need the extra space, downsize your vehicle to save on both the rental cost and fuel expenses. Be realistic about your needs, but consider if a smaller car might work.

8. Avoid Extra Fees

Be mindful of extra fees such as additional driver fees, GPS rentals, and toll charges. If multiple people will be driving, see if you can negotiate a waiver for the additional driver fee or add them as authorized drivers if they qualify under specific company conditions. Use your smartphone's GPS instead of renting one from the car company. Pay tolls with cash or use your own electronic toll transponder if possible.

9. Check for One-Way Rental Fees Carefully

One-way rentals, where you pick up the car in one location and drop it off in another, can be convenient, but they often come with hefty drop-off fees. Carefully weigh the cost of the one-way fee against the cost and hassle of returning the car to the original location. Sometimes, it’s worth the extra drive to save money. Occasionally, rental car companies will offer incentives to relocate vehicles, so check for those opportunities.

10. Refuel Before Returning

Rental car companies charge exorbitant rates for refueling if you return the car with less gas than when you picked it up. Always refill the tank before returning the vehicle to avoid these inflated charges. Keep the receipt as proof of refueling.

Quick Reference Chart for Saving on Rental Cars

Here's a handy table summarizing these tips:

By implementing these clever strategies, you can significantly reduce the cost of your rental car this summer and enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank. Happy travels!