You’ve spent hours searching for the perfect rental only to find that your preferred rental car company is charging more than you expected. With time running out, this can be a major blow to your plans. Last-minute bookings can genuinely cost you an arm and a leg! Luckily, there are ways to find a good deal on a rental car.
Read along to see how you can find a great rental car and save.
Book Online
Even at the last minute, you can still find great car rental deals online. Booking in person by going to the rental company’s office is almost always more expensive. When you’re already in their office, they know you’ll be ready to accept any price they quote. On the other hand, when you browse online, many companies are competing for your business, which will help you find the best possible rate.
Prices will generally increase as your departure date approaches, so it’s a good idea to book as soon as you’ve found the best deal.
Use Third-Party Comparison Sites
Rather than looking up rental car prices on each company’s website individually, you can use a comparison site to compare multiple quotes. These sites can bring you deals from all the top car hire companies and find you the best possible options, no matter how last-minute your plans are.
Be Flexible
If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, think about what is most important to you and then consider any compromises that might be necessary. For example, you might want to rent an SUV. But since your plan is last-minute, you might only find economy car options in your budget. You could choose an economy car instead and save.
Modify Your Pick-Off and Drop-Off Locations
If you’re struggling to find a good deal with your chosen pick-up and drop-off locations, see if you can alter them slightly. For instance, it might be cheaper to pick up your rental car from the company’s office instead of picking it up from the airport. If you plan to drop off the vehicle at a different location from where it was collected, contact the car rental company first and find out whether they will charge extra for this service.
Minimize Additional Costs
Renting a car at the last minute will likely be more expensive than booking in advance, so try to limit other additional costs. For instance, you can reduce expenses by opting for the ‘Full to Full’ fuel policy: fill up the tank before you return the car, and you won’t be charged any additional re-fuelling fees. Avoid adding extras that you can do without, like extra drivers and GPS navigation. Instead, go old-school with a paper map or use your phone.
