Whether for business, family trips, or vacations abroad, rental cars can be expensive. But it’s possible to slash those rates with the proper coupon codes.
Many car rental companies make their coupons publicly available. These can include money-off offers, free days of hire, or a free upgrade.
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Read the Fine Print
Some coupons are not valid on certain days or during certain seasons, while others can only be used for specific car types. Read the fine print to ensure you know what restrictions you will face and can use the coupon correctly. It’s also important to check the car rental company’s website and social media for any other promotions, special rates or deals not available through online booking.
Another industry secret (that most people don’t learn until too late) is that the initial price advertised for a car rental is often grossly inflated due to taxes and fees excluded from the advertised rate. In addition, the company may try to upsell you on insurance coverage or other unnecessary upgrades that can quickly add up in cost.
One easy way to save is by signing up for a loyalty program if you still need to become a member. These programs vary by car rental company, but many provide benefits like priority customer service, free upgrades, and extra mileage discounts.
If you’re a frequent renter, consider using hotels.com coupons that automatically seek out and apply discounts. It’s also worth considering prepaying your rental to avoid some of the hassles at the counter and get on the road faster.
Extend Your Trip
Keep your trip as flexible as possible when traveling for business or pleasure. That may mean changing your return date or returning the car early if you can do so, which can cost you extra money when renting with certain companies. Fortunately, you can avoid paying more when you extend your rental.
Take Advantage of Membership Perks
Many organizations and wholesale clubs, like AAA and AARP, offer exclusive car rental discounts to their members. Also, check with your credit card company to see if you have travel-related benefits that can be applied to your rental.
Another trick is to book your rental early. As your trip gets closer, the make and model options become more limited, and the daily rates get more expensive. You can avoid this by booking well before your trip and using an app that combs the internet for deals and price drops.
Also, try to avoid one-way rentals. These are more expensive than round-trip rentals and less convenient for road-tripping. If you need to rent a one-way vehicle, try reserving during special promotions when these fees are waived.
Pay at the Counter
Car rental companies are often incentivized to “upsell” you when you get to the counter. That’s because they earn financial rewards for doing so. Please don’t fall for it! You can save money by refusing the upgrade and staying with your reservation.
Check with the car rental company directly to see what coupons they offer. Many make these codes easily visible on their websites, whereas others may require you to do some digging. Some rental companies also offer specialized discounts for specific age groups.
Review your credit card benefits and insurance coverage before renting a car. Your existing auto insurance may already provide collision damage waivers and personal accident coverage that can save you the hassle of going through the rental car company’s insurance options.
You can prepay or pay at the counter when booking a rental through online services. Pay at the counter to keep your options open for the best deals. It’s essential to do this because, as with airfare and hotels, rental cars can be subject to quick changes in price. If you book now and then wait to pay later, the prices have dropped significantly. Also, if you book through a site, you cannot input your loyalty information (or receive any loyalty perks) at checkout.
Check Your Credit Card Statement
Many credit cards offer rental car coverage, and knowing the exact terms is essential before going to the rental counter. For example, some cards may cover collision damage waivers without the need to decline the rental agency’s insurance, and some card benefits, such as elite status in loyalty programs, can save you time and money at the counter by skipping the line.
In addition, a credit card’s terms may include the option to prepay for a car rental, which can often be less expensive than paying at the counter. However, some credit cards require that all charges be paid by credit card to receive credit card coverage, so it’s always a good idea to check with your card issuer before you rent.
It’s also a good idea to look for coupons directly on the car rental company’s website and in frequent-flyer program newsletters. These can offer various discounts, from money-off coupons to free-day coupons that designate a weekday or weekend day at the standard rate. Plus, bundling your car rental with other travel perks, such as airfare or hotels, can help you save even more. Lastly, periodically checking your credit card statement for any unfamiliar or suspicious activity is always a good idea. That way, you can quickly spot and dispute any unauthorized charges and protect yourself against fraud before it’s too late.
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