How to Save on Car Rental: Tips for Choosing the Right Rental Company

? Car Rental: How to Save Money — Tips for Choosing the Right Rental Company

Renting a car is a convenient solution for travel, business trips, and getting around unfamiliar cities. But how do you find the best deal without overpaying? Here are proven tips to help you save money and choose a reliable rental company.

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? 1. Compare Prices on Multiple Platforms

Don’t settle for the first website you see. Use aggregators like Rentalcars, EconomyBookings, or AutoEurope to compare deals from different providers. Pay attention to:

• Whether taxes and insurance are included

• Fuel return policy

• Additional fees and charges

? Sometimes it’s cheaper to book directly on the rental company’s website, but always compare terms through aggregators first.

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? 2. Book in Advance

The closer to your travel date, the higher the price — especially during holidays or peak tourist seasons.
Best time to book: 2–4 weeks in advance.

? Last-minute bookings (especially on the same day) are almost always the most expensive.

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? 3. Choose Less Popular Car Classes

Economy cars or manual transmission vehicles are usually cheaper. Also consider:

• Local brands — they often cost 1.5–2 times less than international brands like Hertz or Avis

• Simple models — reduce the risk of paying for damage or incurring extra fees

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? 4. Skip Unnecessary Extras

Be careful — rental companies often profit from add-ons:

• GPS? Use Google Maps or your smartphone

• Child seat? If possible, bring your own

• Additional driver? Don’t pay unless you truly need one

❗ Before signing the contract, double-check the list of paid services.

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? 5. Read the Contract Carefully

Key things to check:

• Mileage limits

• Deposit amount and refund conditions

• Insurance coverage (deductibles, theft, windshield and tire protection, etc.)

? Always take photos of the car from all angles when picking it up and returning it — this protects you from false damage claims.

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⛽ 6. Fuel Policy: Choose “Full to Full”

The fairest option is: you receive the car with a full tank and return it full.
Avoid “fuel included” offers — they often charge above market fuel prices.

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? 7. Location Matters

Renting directly at the airport is usually more expensive.
If possible, rent from an off-site location and take public transport or a taxi to get there.

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? 8. Check Insurance Options in Advance

You can often save money by buying separate excess insurance from:

• Aggregator platforms

• Independent insurance providers

? This can cover the deductible and help you avoid hefty charges later.

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? 9. Read Reviews and Check the Company’s Reputation

Before booking, look up:

• Google or TripAdvisor reviews

• Real customer experiences with deposit refunds

• Ratings for service and transparency

? A low rental price can turn into an expensive experience if hidden fees appear later.

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✈️ 10. Loyalty Programs & Cashback

Some companies offer discounts for returning customers or special rates when booking with certain cards (e.g., Tinkoff, Revolut).
Use cashback platforms or promo codes for extra savings.

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✅ Summary: How to Save on Car Rental