Car rental is one of the most convenient and flexible ways to travel, whether you are on a business trip, a vacation, or a road trip. However, car rental can also be expensive, especially if you don't know how to find the best deals and avoid hidden fees. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to find cheap car rentals in 2023 and save money on your next trip.
Compare prices from different sources
The first step to finding cheap car rentals is to compare prices from different sources. You can use online tools such as [Discover Cars](^1^) or [Rentalcars](^2^) to search for car rental deals from hundreds of websites and companies. You can also check the websites of car rental companies directly, such as [Budget](^3^) or [Avis](^4^), to see if they have any special offers or discounts.
When comparing prices, make sure to check the following factors:
- The type and size of the car: Choose a car that suits your needs and preferences, but don't pay for more than you need. For example, if you are travelling alone or with a small group, you may not need a large SUV or a luxury car. A compact or economy car may be cheaper and more fuel-efficient.
- The location and time of pick-up and drop-off: Choose a location and time that are convenient for you, but also consider the availability and demand of cars. For example, if you are flying to your destination, you may want to pick up the car at the airport, but be aware that airport locations may charge higher fees than off-airport locations. Similarly, if you are travelling during peak seasons or holidays, you may want to book your car in advance, as prices may increase due to limited supply.
- The duration of the rental: Choose a duration that matches your itinerary, but also look for opportunities to save money. For example, if you need a car for 5 days, you may want to compare the price of renting it for 5 days versus renting it for a week, as some companies may offer lower rates for longer rentals. You may also want to avoid renting the car on weekends, as some companies may charge higher rates on weekends than on weekdays.
- The mileage limit and fuel policy: Choose a mileage limit and fuel policy that suit your travel plans, but also avoid paying extra fees. For example, if you are planning to drive a lot, you may want to opt for an unlimited mileage deal, which allows you to drive as much as you want without paying extra fees. However, if you are only driving short distances, you may want to opt for a limited mileage deal, which may be cheaper than an unlimited mileage deal. You should also choose a full-to-full fuel policy, which means that you pick up the car with a full tank of gas and return it with a full tank of gas. This way, you only pay for the gas that you use and avoid any refuelling fees.
Buy excess insurance from a third-party provider
The second step to finding cheap car rentals is to buy excess insurance from a third-party provider. Excess insurance is the amount that you have to pay in case of any damage or loss to the car or any third-party property or person. It is usually included in the basic insurance that comes with the car rental, but it may be very high (up to thousands of pounds).
When you pick up the car, the car rental company may try to sell you additional insurance products, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW), which reduce or eliminate your excess liability. However, these products are usually very expensive (up to £20 per day) and may not cover everything (such as tyres, windows, or undercarriage).
A better option is to buy excess insurance from a third-party provider before you pick up the car. You can use online tools such as [MoneyMaxim] or [Insurance4carhire] to compare and buy excess insurance policies from different providers. These policies are usually much cheaper (from £2 per day) and more comprehensive (covering everything that the car rental company's insurance does not).
By buying excess insurance from a third-party provider, you can save money and avoid the hard sell at the counter. However, be aware that if anything happens to the car during the rental period, you will still have to pay the excess amount to the car rental company first and then claim it back from your third-party provider later.
Check the reviews and ratings of different car rental companies
The third step to finding cheap car rentals is to check the reviews and ratings of different car rental companies. You want to choose a reputable and reliable company that can provide you with a high-quality service and customer satisfaction. You can use online tools such as [Trustpilot] or [Feefo] to read what other customers have to say about their experiences with different car rental companies. You can also check the ratings and awards of different car rental companies from independent organisations such as [Which?] or [Rentalcars.com].
When checking the reviews and ratings, look for the following aspects:
- Vehicle condition: How well-maintained and clean are the cars? How well do they perform and function?
- Customer service: How friendly, helpful, and professional are the staff? How easy and fast are they to contact and communicate with?
- Booking process: How simple and convenient is it to book a car online or by phone or email? How clear and accurate are the information and confirmation?
- Pick-up and drop-off process: How smooth and hassle-free is it to collect and return the car at the agreed location and time? How flexible and accommodating are they if there are any changes or delays?
- Value for money: How fair and competitive are the prices? How transparent and reasonable are the fees and charges?
Conclusion
Car rental can be a great way to travel, but it can also be a challenge to find cheap car rentals. By following these steps, you can find the best deals and avoid hidden fees. You can also enjoy more freedom, flexibility, and fun on your next trip. Happy renting!
Source: Conversation with Bing, 17/08/2023
(1) How to save on car hire – and avoid getting ripped off. https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/mar/28/how-to-save-on-car-hire-and-avoid-getting-ripped-off.
(2) How to Find a Cheap Car Rental - Nomadic Matt's Travel Site. https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/find-cheap-car-rental/.
(3) 30 Best Car Rental Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2023 - Feedspot. https://blog.feedspot.com/car_rental_blogs/.
(4) Cheapest Car Rental Company in August 2023 - NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/cheapest-car-rental-company.
