Cheap rental cars

Cheap rental cars go very quickly. As you start your vacation planning, don’t overlook reserving a car. You do not want to get to your destination, only to find that all the reasonably priced cars are gone. Renting a car should be given as much attention as finding a cheap flight, and there are a number of techniques that can help you save money on your rental.

Start Early to Find Cheap Rental Cars

First, start looking early. There are many car rental companies out there, and they compete for your business and offer discounts, so you have plenty of options to compare. If you find a good deal, reserve your rental car. This is very important if you are traveling in a busy season, when the lowest-priced cars sell out first.

If you choose not to pay for the rental right away, make sure to keep track of the deadline for making your payment. A reservation you forget to confirm can disappear, along with the price you locked in.

Bundle Your Flight, Hotel and Cheap Rental Cars

To make planning easier while saving money at the same time, consider renting your car as part of a package deal when you book your flight or hotel. Many travel sites will give you a discount for doing so. On some websites the discount comes off automatically, while on others you have to use a coupon code at checkout. Note that coupon codes usually have an expiration date.

Before you commit, add up what each piece would cost if you booked it separately. A package is not always cheaper, and comparing the two prices takes only a few minutes.

Rent Cheap Rental Cars Away From the Airport

Consider renting at locations that are a few miles away from the airport. Rental counters at the airport often cost more, so an off-airport location can be a way to find cheap rental cars. However, make sure the location will give you a shuttle bus ride to the airport and pick you up on your return. Compare the total price, including the extra time it takes to get to and from the lot, before you decide.

Choose a Smaller Vehicle for Cheaper Rental Cars

Instead of renting a large SUV, rent a smaller vehicle. Smaller cars generally cost less to rent, and they often use less fuel too. Pick the size that fits your passengers and luggage, and skip the extra space you will not use.

Use a Car Rental Website to Compare Cheap Rental Cars

Use a car rental website. These sites sometimes have a large supply of cheap rental cars, and they make it easier to compare prices side by side. Some websites will also give you an additional discount for using their site when you rent a car. It is still worth checking the rental company’s own website, which can show deals the comparison sites do not.

Last-Minute Deals on Cheap Rental Cars in the Off Season

If you are traveling in the off season, look for last-minute deals. Because there is a large inventory of discounted rental cars available when demand is low, you have a good chance of finding cheap rental cars close to your travel date. In busy seasons, do the opposite and book early.

Avoid Extra Fees on Cheap Rental Cars

A low daily rate can grow quickly once extras are added. Before you reserve, read the fine print and check for fees for additional drivers, young drivers, GPS units, child seats, tolls and refueling. Ask how the fuel policy works, and return the car on time to avoid late charges.

Rental companies will also offer insurance at the counter. Before you travel, check what your own auto insurance policy and credit card already cover, so you do not pay for coverage you do not need. The Federal Trade Commission’s consumer advice site offers general guidance on spending wisely and avoiding unwanted add-ons.

Planning the Rest of Your Trip Around Cheap Rental Cars

A rental car is only one part of the trip budget. If you fly out of a New York area airport, compare the cost of parking while you are away. Off-site lots often cost much less than the terminal garages. You can compare rates and shuttle details for JFK airport parking, LaGuardia airport parking, Newark airport parking and Westchester County airport parking, and look for savings with our airport parking discount coupons.

Cheap Rental Cars FAQ

Good luck with your search for cheap rental cars. A little comparison shopping before your trip can save you real money.