Discounts on car rentals are currently difficult to come by. Because almost no one was going anywhere in 2020, automobile rental companies were in trouble. And while taxpayers have bailed out airlines many times, they haven't bailed out car rental companies. So, how did these rental companies stay in business? They dumped many automobiles to save money until tourism picked up again. There are currently significantly fewer cars available through rental agencies. (It's made worse because it's taking longer for local agencies to find new automobiles to replenish existing fleets due to the lack of semiconductor chips.) Higher rental costs directly resulting from the shortfall, especially in high-traffic areas.

Top 7 Tips for How to Save Money on Car Rentals

Utilize a Rental Vehicle Aggregator Website

Start with the content aggregator that best suits your needs. To compare many automobile rental agencies simultaneously, use this method. Search engines, including Kayak, Hopper, and Priceline, let you narrow your results to only show car rental agencies that enable you to return the vehicle to a different nation from where you picked it up. Individuals younger than 25 can use a separate filter to find automobile rental agencies willing to work with you; however, be aware that many of these agencies charge an "underage driving fee" for the privilege.

Verify That You Are Getting the Best Deal by Booking Directly

Once you've got an impression of your possibilities on either an aggregator site, it's important to check the prices shown there with the prices listed on the rental vehicle company's site before making a final decision. A unique promotion or discount may only be found on the main website.

Get the Best Deals on Automobile Rentals

If you're a member of Costco, you might want to check out Costco Travel, as they provide some of the best deals. Since there is no additional fee for a second driver, shopping at Costco is great for those who carpool.

Don't Switch Drivers

There is typically a daily charge from rental car providers if you want to include an additional driver. Enterprise and National charge $12 per day, while Budget and Avis charge $13 per day (although these rates vary by location). However, there seem to be ways to avoid paying this cost. If you and your spouse and domestic partner share the same address and driver's licenses, some rental car agencies, like Enterprise, will waive the occasional driver price for you. Some organizations, like National, cover the cost of membership for anybody living in the same household as the member at no extra cost.

Compute the Cost of Prepaid Petrol

To determine if the prepaid pricing offered by rental car businesses is a good deal, use a site to research nearby gas stations, including current fuel prices. The likelihood of returning to an almost empty tank should be considered. For a short journey lasting a day or a weekend, you may only need to fill the tank before handing over the rental car. For longer journeys, driving on fumes could be an option that helps you save money.

Take a Ride, or Take a Stroll

While following these guidelines will help you save money on your rental automobile, there is another tried and true method. The central business districts of most large cities are walkable, and public transit options such as subways, buses, and light rails are plentiful. If you can afford it, getting a weekend metro pass is the best option for avoiding traffic and the high expense of parking.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Most of Your Rental Car

If you need a car while on vacation or are planning a road trip, it's smart to shop around and see what kind of deals and discounts are available. Perhaps the money you save on the rental car might be used to treat yourself to a more elaborate meal or luxurious lodging during your vacation. Sky scanner's flexible booking filter allows it to see deals that provide free cancellation while searching for rental vehicles.

Conclusion

Traveling is difficult at the moment. With the globe set to resume in 2021, we hope to keep you daydreaming about your next trip, whether a local excursion or a trip across the globe. Here is the most up-to-date information and tips for your COVID-19 trip. Finding a cheap car rental amid all the options might be daunting if you need one for a trip. If you don't budget carefully, a standard rental could cost twice as much as it would otherwise. Lucky for you, we understand a few tricks that will get you a low rate on a car rental.