When it comes to renting a car for work, pleasure or necessity, getting the best deal possible should be a priority. You can end up spending money unnecessarily if you don’t adhere to a few tips.
- Do not rent a car from the airport if possible. There are typically many added fees, so do some research ahead and find another location from which to rent.
- Use discounts. It never hurts to ask if they take coupons or AAA, for example.
- Research online. Take a few extra minutes to Google the best deals in the area.
- Call your insurance. Find out if you are covered under your personal auto insurance plan, rather than buying unnecessary (and expensive) coverage from the rental location.
Smarter Travel advises that if you need to make a last minute rental, many of the agencies offer last minute rental deals:
If your rental is last-minute, be sure to check each agency’s online last-minute specials. This can be a great way to snag an economy car for under $30. The following major agencies offer last-minute deals: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
Make sure to ask about this when you making a reservation.
For more information on how to get the most bang for your buck when renting a vehicle, read: Tips for Saving Big when Renting a Car.