Renting a car allows you to enjoy your holiday or business trip freely. When renting for the first few times, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and not know how to compare the different options available. Especially if you’re looking for an affordable car rental, it’s essential to know some tips for renting a car at low cost.
Curious to know what they are? Keep reading!
Low-Cost Car Rental: Here’s How!
One common misconception when planning a trip is thinking that renting a car is expensive, unnecessary, or something you can do without. Its usefulness depends on the type of trip you are planning. For example, if you choose to spend your holiday in Sardinia in just one location, a car might not be essential. Things change if you want to explore the whole region, visit the coast and the inland areas, and reach less touristy and more secluded destinations… in that case, public transport won’t allow you to see much and will take much longer.
When it comes to costs, there are several ways to save on car rental.
Here are some tips for low-cost car rentals.
Book in Advance
The first tip is to rent your vehicle in advance. This rule applies to most travel services, from ferry or flight tickets to hotel bookings. Planning ahead allows you to take advantage of special offers and carefully compare company proposals to find the one that best fits your needs.
If you’re wondering when to rent a car for your holiday, the answer is: don’t wait until the last minute. To have enough time to find the best deal and compare options, start searching about six months before your trip.
Search Online and Request a Quote
Just as you do for all other travel services, renting a car online gives you access to better rates. First, identify a company to request a quote from. This allows you to evaluate all conditions and know the cost before arrival. Booking online and in advance also often grants discounted prices compared to last-minute airport rentals. Planning ahead is also the best way to ensure the vehicle is available when you arrive.
Choosing Extras and the Vehicle Model
To save on car rental, keep an eye on the extras you really need and the vehicle model. For example, renting a convertible is more expensive than a compact car, and if you want to save, you might give up the thrill of the wind in your hair. On the other hand, if you’re traveling with others, you’ll need a spacious car to accommodate passengers and luggage.
Extras like a GPS or child car seat can be added but come with an additional daily cost.
Insurance Coverage and Deductible
It’s always recommended to subscribe to full insurance that covers the deductible in case of damage or theft. Each rental company has specific policies regarding coverage, but in general, with a small additional cost, you can enjoy your trip more peacefully. Otherwise, you can stick with the standard insurance, and the zero-deductible rental included in the daily rental rate. We recommend reading the terms carefully so you know exactly what is included.
Car Pickup and Drop-Off
To save even more, pay attention to the pickup and drop-off times and conditions. Rental companies charge extra if you pick up the vehicle outside office hours. Regarding drop-off, some agencies allow it without an attendant and without additional costs.
If your rental company charges extra for these services, it’s best to respect the schedule to ensure a hassle-free drop-off.
Fuel Policy
Another important aspect if you want to save on your rental is the fuel policy. The best option is full-to-full: the company delivers the car with a full tank, and you return it full. This is the easiest and cheapest option because you can refuel at your chosen price without paying the company to fill it up for you.
A small tip: refuel within a 10 km radius of the drop-off location and keep the receipt to avoid extra charges.
Ready to rent a car for your next trip? Don’t wait—book online in advance to take advantage of discounted rates: discover the Ellepirental car fleet!
