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Rental car prices can swing wildly from one week to the next, and the price you see first is rarely the price you pay at the counter. Fees, insurance and fuel can add a lot. These 12 tips will help you get the best deal and avoid surprises.
1. Compare many rental companies at once
Prices for the same car class can differ a lot between Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Alamo and smaller local companies. A comparison site such as DiscoverCars searches hundreds of companies in one go. On Gotoesy, each city page (for example car rental in Orlando) opens several comparison sites with your city and dates already filled in.
2. Book early, with free cancellation
Rental cars can sell out in peak season and on islands like Hawaii, and prices usually climb as the date gets closer. Book as soon as you know your dates, but choose a deal with free cancellation. Then check again a week or two before your trip: if the price has dropped, book the cheaper one and cancel the first.
3. Try picking up away from the airport
Airport locations add airport fees and taxes to every rental. A downtown or neighborhood branch can be noticeably cheaper, even after a rideshare to get there. Compare both before you decide.
4. Look at a longer rental
Weekly rates are often cheaper per day than daily rates, and sometimes a 7-day rental costs about the same as 5 days. Try a few different lengths.
5. Choose the smallest car you need
Economy and compact cars are the cheapest to rent and to fuel. Rental companies sometimes run out of small cars and give you a free upgrade anyway.
6. Understand insurance before you get to the counter
Insurance is where rental costs balloon. Before you travel, check:
- Your own car insurance. Many US personal auto policies extend some coverage to rental cars within the US.
- Your credit card. Many cards include rental car damage coverage if you pay with that card and decline the rental company's collision damage waiver. Read the terms: some coverage is secondary, and many exclude certain countries or vehicle types.
- Full coverage from the comparison site. Sites like DiscoverCars sell their own coverage, often for less than the rental counter.
Abroad, the rules are different. In Mexico, for example, local third-party liability insurance is required by law and may not be included in the online price. Read what is and is not included.
7. Fill the tank yourself
"Full to full" fuel policies are usually the cheapest: you pick up a full tank and return it full. Prepaid fuel options rarely save money unless you return the car nearly empty. Fill up at a station near the airport, not the one right next to the rental lot.
8. Skip the extras you don't need
GPS units (use your phone), satellite radio and roadside assistance upgrades all add up. If you need a child seat, compare the daily fee with bringing your own, as most US airlines check car seats for free.
9. Watch out for toll programs
Many US cities and states use cashless tolls. Rental companies offer toll passes, often with a daily fee on top of the tolls. If you will only use a few toll roads, look for a "pay by plate" option or bring your own transponder where allowed.
10. Check the young driver and extra driver fees
Drivers under 25 usually pay a daily young driver surcharge. Additional drivers can cost extra too, though some companies and memberships waive the fee for a spouse or partner. Factor this into your comparison.
11. Inspect and photograph the car
Before you drive off, walk around the car and take photos and a short video of every scratch and dent, plus the fuel gauge and mileage. Do the same when you return it. It takes two minutes and can save you from a damage dispute.
12. Consider whether you need a car at all
In cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco or London, public transport is easier and parking is expensive. You may only need a car for a day trip. In places like Orlando, Hawaii, Las Vegas (for day trips) or the Southwest, a car usually is the cheapest way to get around.
Local rentals abroad
For trips abroad, local rental agencies can offer good prices and simpler deposits. Localrent lists cars from local companies in many popular destinations, often with full insurance included. If you would rather not drive at all, a fixed-price airport transfer is a simple alternative.
Compare car rental prices
Start with our city pages, which compare DiscoverCars, Kayak and Expedia in one place:
- Orlando · Miami · Las Vegas · Los Angeles
- Denver · Phoenix · Honolulu · Maui
- Cancun · Lisbon · Dublin · San Juan
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to book a rental car?
- As soon as you know your dates, with free cancellation. Check again closer to the trip and rebook if the price has dropped.
- Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport?
- Usually not. Airport locations add extra fees and taxes. A city or neighborhood branch is often cheaper, even after the ride to get there.
- Do I need the rental company's insurance?
- Not always. Your own car insurance or credit card may already cover rental cars, especially in the US. Check the terms before your trip. Abroad, some countries such as Mexico require local liability insurance.