Renting a car can be very expensive. First, there is the cost of renting the car. Then, there is the cost of any additional items that were added to the rental contract. There is also the cost of refueling the vehicle to consider. Fortunately, there are a number of tips you can use to save money when renting a car. Here are some of the easiest tips to use.
Make Your Reservation As Early As Possible
You will be able to get a lower price on your car rental if you book your reservation more than a month in advance. Car rental companies love to reserve their vehicles in advance and are willing to give renters a break on the price if they commit to renting one of the company’s cars. Booking as far in advance as possible is also very important if you are traveling to an area during its peak tourist times. People that wait until the last minute to secure a rental car may find their selection very limited.
Choose Locations Other Than Airport Locations
Because of the volume of people renting cars from car rental locations at airports, the prices are often higher and the selection more limited. However, there are usually many other locations located within ten miles of the airport that will have a better selection and cheaper rates. Do not worry about how to get to the location to pick up the car. Many of these car rental companies will bring the car to you or will pick you up and transport you to their location. If the company you choose does not offer these services, it will not cost you much to hire a cab to take you to pick up the car.
Fill Up The Car Before Returning It
Many people make the mistake of returning the rental car to the company with less than a full tank of gas. If the company has to refuel the car after it is returned by you, the company will charge you a premium price for the amount of gas it takes to fill up the car. This could add $100 or more to the cost of the rental. Instead of allowing the company to charge you almost double for the gas needed to refuel the car, take a few minutes on the way to return the car to stop at a close gas station and fill up the tank.
Read More:
Costco Gas Station Hacks: Secrets for Saving Money and Fuel