Finding car rental deals is far different than hunting for good airfares. Here are 5 ways to save money on rental cars if you love to travel.
Consider leasing the car for a long period
Hiring a car for a long period is often cheaper. The longer you rent with the company, the more you save on your car. If you hire a vehicle for a month or more, it will save you a lot of money. As a case in point, if you hire a car for more than a week, instead of just renting it for 2 days, you will probably get a lower rate. Some agencies also offer rewards or discounts to be redeemed for future rentals or other services when you rent a car monthly.
Avoid returning the car early
It’s true that leasing a vehicle can give you freedom and flexibility when you‘re travelling, but returning the vehicle early may be extra costly. Some leasing companies might charge you an extra fee if you return the car early, as it is considered breaking the contract. There are ways to dodge the fee, though. Check in advance if you could get a refund, so it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Read the contract carefully before renting the car.
Consider hiring an economy car
Want to travel, but need to do it on a budget? Why don’t you opt for economy cars? It will probably put your money back in your pocket. In reality, small cars often boast excellent economy. Therefore, if you hire an efficient and economical small car with low emissions during your trip, it will reduce your fuel bills and other running costs like low tax as well as low insurance. Some of the most economical cars you can rent include the BMW i3, Renault Zoe and the Citroen C-Zero. So reserve the smallest and the most affordable vehicle possible to spend less money.
Find the best coupons and discount codes to lower your rental rates
You can make the most of your trip with a discount car hire or with coupons. Make a research online in order to find last minute specials and discounts, which allows you to build in your own savings. Also, you can save money on your next road-trip by doing some research and searching out the best deals. Just use online comparison tools.
Skip the fuel-service option
If you do that so, you can leave the car as near empty as you want. But make sure you check the terms and conditions of the agency itself in advance about the Fuel Purchase Option. Check if you have a choice as to how you would like to pay for fuel. You won’t know what the car hire company is charging until you arrive. So keep that in mind, skip the pumps and give the car back as you want, empty or not.