Do you need to rent a car but don't know where to start? With all the car rental companies offering their services, it can be hard to know which one to choose or if you're getting the best deal. Car rentals near you can offer great prices and convenience, but still, there are a few tips to consider before you book to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Surf the Web for Deals
The best place to start looking for car rental deals is online. With the advent of discount travel websites, you can easily search multiple sites to compare prices, deals and available vehicles. Car rental companies also offer their own promotions such as free upgrades or discounts on certain car classes, so it pays to compare rates between multiple companies. Websites such as Kayak, Expedia, and Priceline allow you to search by your travel dates, vehicle type, and location, making it easy to get the best deal.
Reserve Early
Booking in advance can help ensure you get the car you want at the price you want. This can be especially helpful if you’re requesting a specific vehicle type or amenities, as they may not be available when you turn up to make your booking. To get the best value, consider planning your trip in advance and reserve your car rental a couple of weeks before your departure date.
Know the Extras
The cost of your rental car can quickly add up when you start adding on extras such as insurance, fuel, and additional drivers. To avoid paying any hidden or surprise fees, make sure you know exactly what is and isn’t included in your rental. If you plan to return the car near empty and without any additional drivers, opt for a fuel purchase option offered by the rental car company. This usually offers a cheaper alternative than purchasing your own fuel.
Look at Local Options
It's always worth checking out local car rental companies as they may offer better deals than the large rental companies and have more options available. As they’re not bound by the same strict regulations as the larger companies, they can often offer cheaper deals and have wider selections. While they may not have the range of options the bigger companies have in terms of cars, they don’t sacrifice on quality and you’re more likely to find a good deal.
Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle
Rental car companies aren’t always keen to offer discounts and special offers, but asking for one can be worth the effort. If you’re in a position to haggle or are a loyal customer of the company, there’s no harm in trying to negotiate a better rate. You never know what kind of offers they may be willing to give you if you just ask.
Choosing a car rental company isn’t always easy, but following the tips above can help ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. With online deals, discounts, and local car rental companies, there are plenty of options available, so take the time to compare the prices and offers. You’ll be sure to find the perfect car rental near you with the perfect price.
