Affordable trips planned carefully by reviewing cheap travel options, including cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages can turn out more expensive than desired because of unexpected car rental costs.
In July of 2011 the average rate for a weekly airport rental of a compact car reserved seven days ahead was about $370 vs. $237 in March of 2011.
Given that more people tend to vacation in the summer months than in March, the following are tips as to how to minimize the cost of renting a car:
Be open to renting cars from companies other than major national chains such as Hertz and Avis. Independent companies with lower operating costs, such as Payless and Fox Rent a Car, often charge 15 to 30 percent less than better known brand name rental companies.
Look for virtual discounts and coupons from websites such as Promotionalcodes and CouponWinner. Rental car companies often offer discounts to members of frequent flier programs and partner organizations such as American Automobile Association, Costco and BJs. Most major car rental companies allow renters to combine discount codes.
Do your best not to rent cars from airport locations. Off airport sites can be as much as 30 percent cheaper than airport rental locations.
Sometimes reserving a car for longer than is needed can lower the rental price. By adding an extra day or sometimes even a couple of hours to extend a rental into a weekend, even though you have no intention of returning the car that late, a lower rental price can occasionally be had. You should always read the car rental agreement closely to confirm that there is no penalty for returning a car early.
Be ready to negotiate when you arrive at your car rental pickup location. Sometimes drivers are able to rent nicer cars for the same price as the cheapest rental on the lot. Success depends on factors such as the type of car requested, the number of cars on the lot, and the mood of the clerk.
Prepaying for a car rental can result in discounts of up to 20 percent. Only employ this strategy is you are certain not to need to cancel. Cancellation rates typically vary from $10 to $50.
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