In today's fiercely competitive market, securing a genuinely affordable car rental can feel like a daunting task. With rising inflation and increasing gas prices, finding a good deal requires a bit of strategy. This article provides practical tips to help you save money on car rentals, even when external factors seem to be driving prices up.
One of the most effective ways to secure a budget-friendly car rental is by booking through online platforms rather than at the counter. Many websites offer exclusive internet-only discounts that can significantly reduce your rental costs. According to a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), booking online can save you up to 15% compared to walk-in rates (source).
To get the most out of your rental, always return the car with a full tank of gas. Rental companies often charge inflated rates for refueling. By filling up the tank yourself with the cheapest available gas, you can avoid these extra charges. According to GasBuddy, the average markup for rental car refueling is around 50% (source).
Sticking to one rental company can pay off in the long run. Many companies offer loyalty programs that provide discounts, coupons, and even free rental days for frequent customers. For instance, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members can earn points that can be redeemed for free rentals (source).
If you have frequent flyer miles that are about to expire, consider converting them into car rental miles. This can be a great way to get a cheap car rental without letting your miles go to waste. Companies like Avis and Budget offer such conversion options (source).
Booking your rental car as early as possible can also lead to significant savings. Many rental companies offer discounts for early reservations. According to a report by NerdWallet, booking a rental car at least three weeks in advance can save you up to 20% (source).
Picking up your rental car early in the morning can sometimes result in a free or discounted upgrade. Rental locations often have a limited number of economy cars, and if they run out, they may offer you a better car at no extra cost.
Look for package deals that include airfare, hotel stays, and car rentals. These packages often offer substantial discounts on all three components. Websites like Expedia and Travelocity frequently offer such bundled deals (source).
Websites that allow you to name your own price can also be a good option for finding cheap car rentals. However, be cautious and review the company's history before committing, as these deals are usually non-refundable. Priceline is a well-known platform that offers this service (source).
If you plan to rent a car for more than five days, look for weekly rates. Many rental companies offer discounted rates for longer rentals, often providing the sixth and seventh days at a reduced price or even for free.
Picking up your rental car at the airport can incur additional surcharges. Instead, opt to pick up your car at a nearby rental location to avoid these extra fees. According to Consumer Reports, airport surcharges can add up to 10% to your rental cost (source).
By following these tips and staying informed, you can navigate the complexities of the car rental market and secure a deal that won't break the bank.
Real Estate: Tips On Selling Your Home
Planning to sell your house? Or planning to move to a new house and selling the old one? There are some home selling tips to make your home selling attracts a buyer. You should pay attention to some aspects if you would sell your home. The price almost becomes a general of all. And then, the qualities of your house can be guarantee. The qualities include beauty, functionality, coziness, etc.
Real Estate: Home Selling Tips
Home selling tips are everywhere – some suggesting things you might never thought of, some are general ones you’re likely to find everywhere. But just because they’re common doesn’t mean we should stop making them.
Real Estate: Home selling processes
So many tips are being given on home selling. If only you knew where to begin with! Some homeowners get confused because they don’t have a big picture of what exactly will happen during the home selling process. While it may differ from various areas, some general steps sellers should expect are the same. The first thing to do is some preliminary planning. Though you may not feel like it, this is the step that kick-start the whole home selling process. Your house needs to be fully prepared to accept a new owner. If you plan to sell your house and buy another one, always know for a fact that you’re qualified to buy a new one before selling your old home.
