Unless you’re getting a flashy, luxury car, renting a car is usually not something that you likely look forward to. After all, you just want a rental car that will get you from point A to point B – so why would you want to spend more money than you have to on a rental car? Here, we have a few tips that will help you save money on your next rental car.
Reserve Your Car, but Don’t Prepay
Many rental car companies give you the option of reserving a car, without having to pay for it. Make use of this since you will likely be able to change or cancel your reservation if you find a better deal in a few days.
Look for Coupon Codes
Before you book your car, check the website of the rental car company for discounts or coupon codes that you can use.
Check if The Rental Car Company Offers Group Discounts
If you are a member of a group like the AARP, AAA, BJ’s, USAA, or Costco, you may be eligible to get a discount on your rental car. Keep in mind that this is just one type of discount that rental car companies offer. There may be several other discounts that you qualify for. While you may not be able to combine multiple discounts, it’s a good idea to compare the various discounts you are eligible for and select the best one.
Take Videos of The Car when You Inspect It
When you inspect your car, make sure to walk around the vehicle and take a few pictures or videos if you spot any scratches or dents and report it to a company staffer. In case the company tries to charge you for such damages when you return it, the photos and videos you took will serve as proof that it happened before you rented out the car.
Return the Car with A Full Tank
Before you return your rental car, make sure to fuel up. While most rental car companies will give you the option of returning the car with an empty tank, they will charge you exorbitantly to refuel the car on your behalf.