For some of us who wants to save money for gas on a long trip, we prefer renting a car because they come with free gas. What are the reasons you have why you rent a car? Have you ever thought of the possible expenses that you might spend? There are a lot of pros and cons when renting a car. It is a bit scary because we do not own it. But if you are a defensive and you know the road too well then go rent a car but make sure you drive safely. Enough with the prep talk! Let us now focus on our topic for today and that is to give you ideas on how to get a Rent a Car for a very low price. Can you believe it? Even in renting a car there is a way to get it super cheap and that is what we are going to find out.
- Be the Boss – Have you ever heard about the Corporate Rate? Being the boss has all the privileges that the company can offer. Discounts and sometimes freebies are given to them. Are you close to your boss? Well if not, you better start making friends with them! I mean, it is not like we are using them in a bad way! That is so totally wrong. My point is that you can always ask your boss if he or she can rent a car in your behalf to avail the corporate rate and get a win-win situation because you are going to get a discount from the company and treat your boss a latte too.
- Costco Membership – To all the Costco members here please pay attention to this second idea. Costco has one of the best and cheapest car rental rates in the United States and in Canada. It is up to you if you want to have your own driver or you can always drive it yourself. Every time you rent a car from them, you will earn a 2% reward on Costco travel purchases. How amazing is that? So if you are looking for a cheap car rental, you know where to go!
- Turo App – The number 1 car rental app in the United States! Choose from the different makers of cars and travel unlimited miles at ease. You can also ask them to pick you and up in the airport and vice versa. What I love about this app is that they always have promo that can help you save up to 70% off the actual price. Isn’t it wonderful? For as low as $14 per day, you get to drive your ultimate dream car. Make if fancy too with their luxury cars that are up for rent for a very, very low price.
- Weekend Getaway – This is a fan fact guys, if you rent a car during weekend, you get to pay lower price than their usual regular days. So if you are planning to rent a car, make sure you book it starting this Friday! I am talking about in general guys! All the car rental companies do this because every weekend is peak days for them.
- Monthly Rental – This is applicable if you are on a 1 month vacation in different state and city. Monthly rental is the cheapest rate that you will pay. It is like paying a car for like $14 per day. But if you only drive 3 to 4 times a week then it is like you are paying $50 per day to the car. Monthly rental may sound expensive but if you do the math, you will be surprised.
- Ditch Airport Pick-up – Did you guys know that picking you up in the airport when you rent a car is more expensive than picking you up in the middle of the road? Well, now you have an idea! Always remember that they charge you from point A going to point B so airport pick-up location is really not a good idea.
- Borrow from a Friend – Do you know someone who will lend you a helping hand when it comes to car? You see a simple talk to them and compensation will touch their heart! Ask for a friendly price and tell them with all honesty why you want to borrow a car. We all know that some people don’t want to lend their car unless it is for emergency purposes. But guys, there is no harm in trying!
- Loyalty Rewards Program – It is very easy and it is for free! Do not be afraid to take check out small-business benefit programs as they always offer 25% or much more off every rental. You have to make sure that you will register yourself as a sole proprietorship to avail!
- Look for Coupons – Yes! You read it right. There are coupons for car rentals too. Just check it out online for printable coupons and deals. One good thing about car rental coupons is that you can combine and use 2 coupons at once to double down the price and on your savings. Whether you book it online or over the phone, it does not matter as long as you give them the promo code that you have in your hand right now.
- Avoid Signing dotted lines for insurance – It is optional in some other states and when you sign it, an additional fee of $20 up to $40 per day on your rental fee and that is way too much and out of the your budget range! If you really want to sign it, make sure to read the and check it with your existing policy and including your credit card companies to see if they provide additional fee on rental car coverage.
- Reserve longer than you already planned – The system will discount your rate especially if you can and they are hopeful that you will extend your reservation to Fridays or Saturdays to utilize the weekend rates. Some of the car rental companies will refund you if you return the vehicle earlier than they expected. Make sure you ask the car rental company if they refund you for returning the vehicle early as some of the company will charge you for returning it early!
- Watch out for sneaky fees – Always top off the gas tank before returning it to them because some of the car rental companies will charge you three times the price of a full tank. Double check the car for any damage and dings and just to make sure, take a photo of the car before you drive it. It will be your evidence if they will charge you when you return the car. Check for fees that are tied to the GPS and car seats. If you own a GPS then it is much better because it will save you a lot of money that might add up quickly.
- Plan your trip – Before booking a car rental, make a list of what you will be using the car for and consider its utilities too. How many of you are going to ride on the car? Does it have a chair for your kids? Always pick the car that suits your needs. By knowing exactly what you really want, you will be able to choose your car and decline any of the agent’s spell for you to get rent a car to them.
We find ourselves smack in the middle of summer and at the height of vacation and searching for great deals on any travel accommodations will be tougher as days of summer approaches. Aspects of travel planning, the means and rental cars by which you secure them will and can dig deeply into your pocket if you are not careful and if you are not planned. If you are going to utilize these ideas then it is a way towards putting more money into your pocket than unwittingly travelers surrender when renting a car if you don’t have any. Did we miss something? Please let us know with your comments below!
