Whether you’re planning a vacation, a road trip, or need a temporary ride while yours is in the shop, renting a car can be a huge convenience. But it can also become surprisingly expensive. From base rates to hidden fees, insurance add-ons, and fuel charges, costs stack up quickly.
Fortunately, with a little smart planning and a few insider strategies, you can save significantly on car rentals. Here’s how to keep more money in your pocket while still driving off in the car you need.
Book Early—But Keep Checking
One of the simplest ways to lock in lower prices is to reserve your car rental well ahead of time.
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Rates tend to rise as the pickup date approaches, especially during busy travel seasons.
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However, many car rental reservations can be canceled for free. This means you can book early to secure a low rate, then keep checking for price drops and rebook if a better deal comes up.
This approach ensures you have a car reserved without being stuck if prices dip later.
Compare Prices Across Multiple Sites
Don’t rely on just one booking platform.
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Use aggregators like Kayak, Expedia, or Rentalcars.com to compare prices across multiple rental companies.
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Also check directly with major rental agencies. Sometimes they offer exclusive online discounts or membership rates not shown on comparison sites.
A few extra minutes spent shopping around can easily shave off 10–30%.
Consider Off-Airport Locations
Renting from the airport is convenient—but that convenience often comes with hefty fees and taxes.
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If possible, look for rental offices away from the airport.
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Even after paying for a cab or rideshare to pick up your car, you may come out ahead.
It’s especially worthwhile for longer rentals where daily savings add up.
Be Flexible With Car Types
Compact cars are typically the cheapest, but not always.
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Popular small cars can be in high demand, leading to higher rates. Meanwhile, larger cars that aren’t as sought-after might be discounted.
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Check prices across different vehicle classes. Sometimes upgrading to a midsize or full-size car actually costs less.
Being open to a range of options helps you spot the best deal.
Skip Unnecessary Add-Ons
Car rental counters love to upsell add-ons that can dramatically inflate your final bill.
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GPS: Use your smartphone’s maps app.
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Satellite radio: Bring your own playlists.
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Roadside assistance: You may already have it through your credit card or auto insurance.
Politely decline extras you don’t need to keep your rental affordable.
Know Your Insurance Coverage Before You Go
Rental companies will push you to buy their insurance coverage, which can double your daily cost.
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Before your trip, check if your personal car insurance covers rentals. Many policies do.
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Also, many major credit cards include rental car insurance as a benefit when you pay for the rental with that card.
Knowing your coverage in advance means you can confidently decline expensive rental insurance.
Watch Out for Fuel Charges
Car rental companies often offer the option to prepay for a tank of gas. It sounds convenient, but it’s rarely a good deal.
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Prepaid fuel usually comes at a premium price per gallon, and you don’t get refunded for unused gas.
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Your best bet is to fill up yourself just before returning the car. Keep the receipt in case there’s any question.
Always return the car with a full tank to avoid being charged the rental company’s much higher refill rate.
Avoid Extra Drivers When Possible
Most car rental companies charge a daily fee for each additional driver. If one driver is enough, stick to it.
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Some memberships (like AAA) or certain rental companies waive these fees for spouses or domestic partners, so always check the rules.
If you do need multiple drivers, see if there are discount programs that offset the extra cost.
Check for Membership and Loyalty Discounts
You may qualify for discounts you didn’t even know about.
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Organizations like AAA, AARP, or even warehouse clubs like Costco often have partnerships with rental car companies offering substantial savings.
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Frequent traveler programs or your credit card company may also provide coupon codes or perks like free upgrades.
It only takes a few minutes to check, and it can lead to notable savings.
Book Longer—Sometimes It’s Cheaper
It sounds odd, but renting for a week can sometimes cost less than renting for five days, thanks to weekly rate deals.
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Before booking, try adjusting your dates slightly.
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If you have flexibility, adding a day might actually lower your total price.
Just be sure to return the car on time—late returns can result in hefty additional charges.
Read the Fine Print on Mileage and Restrictions
Most major rental agencies offer unlimited mileage, but some smaller local companies may not.
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Always check to see if there’s a daily mileage cap, especially if you plan a long road trip.
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Also, look for restrictions on crossing state or country lines, which can result in extra fees.
Understanding the contract prevents costly surprises.
Return on Time—and Save Receipts
Even being an hour late can trigger an extra day’s charge.
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Allow for plenty of time to return the car and refuel.
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Save all paperwork and gas receipts until your final bill is processed in case there are unexpected charges you need to dispute.
Renting a car doesn’t have to be an expensive headache. By booking early, comparing multiple sites, being flexible with pickup locations and car types, and politely declining unnecessary extras, you can keep costs down and still have a hassle-free trip.
A little planning goes a long way. Knowing your insurance coverage, topping off the gas yourself, and leveraging memberships for discounts means more of your travel budget stays with you—so you can spend it on the experiences that really matter.
