10 Tips and Tricks Inside: What’s the Cheapest Way to Rent a Car?

Renting a car is a brilliant and convenient way to get around when traveling, but it can also be expensive if you don’t use some proven tricks and strategies to bring the price you pay down to the lowest level.

All it takes is a little bit of planning, and a bit of know-how when it comes to securing the best deal. Booking early, for instance, is a great way of securing a decent price. If you search using a term like car rental Houston you can find some great deals that you can lock in some time before you actually travel.

Here are 10 tips and tricks to help you find the cheapest way to rent a car.

Book Early

It pays to remember that rental prices tend to spike in line with demand as the pickup date approaches, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking your car weeks or

Compare Prices Online

It often pays to shop around. Compare prices online and then check the car rental company’s website directly after finding a deal, as they sometimes offer exclusive discounts not listed on third-party sites.

Call to Negotiate

Sometimes, going old-school can save you money. You can find rental deals with a few clicks online, but it can sometimes be rewarding to ring the rental company and try to negotiate better terms with the sales clerk.

Economy Cars Often Deliver Great Value

Economy cars are typically the cheapest option available and offer better fuel efficiency, saving you money during your trip. Unless you need extra space or specific features, stick with a smaller vehicle to minimize costs.

You can often find that some rental companies may upgrade you to a larger car for free if they run out of economy models, so it’s a win-win.

Take Advantage of Discounts and Memberships

If you can get something like 10% off your rental price just for signing up with an email, why wouldn’t you?

Signing up for promo codes and loyalty discounts is a quick and easy way to get a worthwhile discount.

Decline Extras You Don’t Need

Some rental companies are notorious for trying to upsell extras like GPS, roadside assistance, or insurance that you might not need.

If you already have GPS on your smartphone or insurance coverage through your personal policy or credit card, decline these add-ons to save money.

Skip the Prepaid Gas Option

Prepaid fuel plans may seem convenient, but they’re often more expensive than refueling on your own. Return the car with a full tank to avoid inflated charges.

Rent for Longer Periods to Save Money

Some companies offer lower daily rates for weekly rentals compared to short-term bookings. If your rental period is close to a week, check if extending it saves money.

Always Check for Hidden Fees

Things like taxes, surcharges, and under-25 fees can add up quickly. Before confirming your reservation, read the fine print to understand the total cost and avoid surprises at the counter.

Try to be Flexible with Pickup and Drop-Off Times

Rental prices can vary depending on the time and day of your reservation. Booking during weekdays or outside of peak travel hours often results in cheaper rates.

A good trick would be to use flexible date search tools on rental websites to compare prices across multiple time frames.

By using these money-saving tips and tricks, you can find the cheapest way to rent a car without compromising on your travel needs. These strategies can help you stay within budget while enjoying the convenience of a rental car. An added incentive is that the savings you make could give you more money to spend on vacation.