Car Rental Tips and Tricks to Help You Save
There’s a chance you may be ripped off when you rent a car. Here are some tips and tricks to help you save money:
Book in Advance
It is a good idea to book your car earlier than the day you require it because the deals are going to be better. The further away the date is, the lower the demand, and the cheaper the prices.
Take Your Own Gps
Packing your own GPS can save you big bucks while renting a car. Most rental companies charge you an additional fee for using the GPS they provide. If you don’t have a GPS device, you can simply turn your phone into one.
Google Maps is the most common choice of app for GPS navigation. However, if you’re concerned about having to use a lot of mobile data, consider free options such as Mapfactor, HERE We Go, Polaris GPS Navigation, and Sygic. These come with route planning, voice navigation, and pre-loaded maps, so you don’t have to worry about draining your data or having a hefty bill.
Choose a Practical Car
It may be tempting to rent a shiny new Mercedes or BMW convertible, but it’s expensive and not a practical choice. Smaller cars are typically the most cost-effective option.
Know What the Fuel Policy Is
One of the most common issues with renting a car is that the company gives you a car with a full tank and asks you to pay upfront for it. If you return the car with a fuel tank that is not empty, you’ll not be given a refund for the unused fuel. If you’ve rented the car for a short duration or to travel to a place which is not very far, paying these charges is a waste of money, especially because you’re likely to end up paying more than you would at a gas station. Avoid renting a car with companies that have this fuel policy.
Shop Around
Looking for deals online is the best way to save on rental cars. You can use comparison sites like Expedia, Skyscanner, and RentalCars to search the rental market easily. You can then choose a rental car agency like Avis or Hertz to finalize the rental. After you find the cheapest deal, search for promotional codes or discounts online as these could save you up to 15%.
