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How to Save Money When Renting a Car – A Complete Guide for Rent a Car
Using a rental car can be extremely beneficial, be it for business purposes, a holiday trip, or when you need a temporary vehicle. Nevertheless, apart from the rental cost as such, there may be other hidden fees, there can be insurance add-ons involved, and there may be unexpected charges. The good news? With the most appropriate guidance and advice, it becomes more secure to go on a car rental at a much lower price while also keeping your nerves.
This guide provides you with plenty of practical ways to save money when renting a car. Insider tips, the rental companies’ comparisons, the safety and convenience factors, and customer’s real experiences are the topics that you will be presented with. The ultimate guide to renting the best car is the option to go for rather than settling for a subpar quality if you are in the car rental market.
1. Book in Advance for the Best Rates
Saving money on car rentals, one of the simplest means, is to reserve your car at the beginning of your journey. The prices of car rental companies go up and down according to the demand, and when you wait for a last moment deal, they are usually higher. If you book at least a few weeks in advance, you can be sure that you will get the most affordable prices and a bigger range of vehicles.
Pro Tip: You should try out the price comparison websites mumbai cab, Expedia, or AutoSlash to find out the best deals among rental companies.
Personal Experience:
On my last visit to Mumbai last, after the flight, I rented with a famous car hire firm located right at the airport. However, I decided to go with an off-airport car hire that was much cheaper than the airport one and, therefore, I saved ₹3,000 for renting a 4-day trip. Always do your research before booking your trip!
2. Avoid Airport Rental Locations
Although renting a car directly from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the most convenient way to pick up a car, it often has airport surcharge and higher daily rates as extras. Instead, you should rent from an off-airport location and take a short taxi or metro ride to get your car.
Savings Example:
At Mumbai Airport, the daily price of renting a sedan from Zoomcar is about ₹3,500. Nonetheless, this car was priced at ₹2,800 a day when I rented it from a Zoomcar location in Andheri. It was a 20% savings.
3. Watch Out for Hidden Fees
Renting car businesses usually include other costs than the usual ones such as:
- Early Return Fees: A few companies would ask for the early return of the car and then obtain a fee from the customer. Some companies charge a fee if you return the car earlier than scheduled.
- Additional Driver Fees: If there are multiple people who will drive, find out if there is an extra cost or not. If multiple people will be driving, check if there’s an extra cost.
- Fuel Charges: Always refill the gas tank yourself in order to avoid being slapped an overcharge for refueling. Always refill the gas tank yourself to avoid overpriced refueling fees.
- Toll Fees: Rental cars of some companies are given toll transponders, which in turn force the driver to pay high convenience fees. Some rental cars come with toll transponders that charge high convenience fees.
4. Use Discounts and Promo Codes
There are different discounts for car rental available, which are discounted through the use of memberships, credit cards, and promotion codes.
Some of the most common ways to save include:
🎯 Bank Card Discounts (HDFC, ICICI, SBI offer car rentals frequently)
🎯 Wallet Offers (Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe have cashback offers for rental cars)
🎯 Travel Membership Discounts (Mostly the ones MakeMyTrip, Goibibo coupons)
🎯 Promo Codes from websites such as RetailMeNot or CouponDunia
5. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs
Many are not mindful that there are situations when bigger cars are not better options for renting. Generally, compact cars are not only considered a budget rental option but also offer better fuel economy in comparison to the new trend of SUVs or luxury cars. Before using a car, ensure it fits your purpose.
Best Budget-Friendly Car Types in India:
🚗 Hatchback (e.g., Swift, Hyundai i10) – Best for solo travelers or couples.
🚙 Sedan (e.g., Honda City, Hyundai Verna) – Good for small families and business trips.
🚐 SUV (e.g., Mahindra XUV500, Toyota Innova) – Ideal for road trips and large families.
6. Check Customer Reviews Before Booking
Do compare and check customer reviews on Google, Yelp, or Trustpilot before signing the rental agreement. A few rental companies could seem to have a very low-priced service, yet they can have some hidden charges or even poor customer service.
Cars Available
FAQ: About Renting a Car and Saving Money
Q.1 How far in advance should I book a rental car?
A. For the best prices, book at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Q.2 Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week instead of a few days?
A. Yes! Weekly rates are often lower than daily rates. If you need a car for 3-4 days, check if a weekly rental offers a better deal.
Q.3 Can I negotiate car rental prices?
A. Yes! If you’re renting in person, ask for discounts, especially for long-term rentals.
Q.4 Should I prepay for my rental car?
A. Prepaying can sometimes offer a discount, but it also limits flexibility if your plans change.
Q.5 What’s the best way to avoid hidden fees?
A.Read the rental agreement carefully and clarify all costs before signing.