How to Save Money on Car Rentals

Renting a car in a foreign country gives you a lot of freedom; you can travel where you like, when you like, and however you like. It’s a much better option than taking a cab or relying on public transport, especially if you are in the mood for some exploration. However, a common misconception that most people have about renting a car is that they think that it’s going to be much more expensive than relying on public transport. While the costs are slightly higher, the difference certainly isn’t as big as you might expect. In fact, if you are a bit careful and take your time before making the rental, you could easily save a great deal of money. Here are some simple tips on how to save money on car rentals.

Choose a Relocation Package

Many car rental companies have branches in different cities and often have to move cars from one branch to another. This is called hire car relocation and is extremely common throughout Australia. If you are planning a road trip to another city or simply wish to go to another city and return by another means of transport, you can ask if any car relocation is needed. These are usually considered special offers and the company will charge an extremely low fee for renting the car. All you have to do is leave the car at the other branch when you arrive in the city. Car relocation packages can knock down the rental price by a considerable margin, making it easy for you to travel with a very low budget. However, keep in mind that relocation packages aren’t available throughout the year; they are only offered at specific times when the company has to move some of its cars between different branches.

Remove Any Unnecessary Add-ons

There are a bunch of different add-ons that are added on top of the base rental fee and significantly inflate the fee that you have to pay. Remove all unnecessary add-ons that are levied on top of the base rental fee and go for the barebones package to save as much money as possible. In some cases, even the insurance cover is transferable so you can get an insurance policy through another company if they are offering a cheaper rate. Always look at the invoice and ask which add-ons can be removed to get a better idea of how you can save money.

Avoid the Tourist Rush

As the tourist season approaches, the car rental rates go up considerably. Companies usually increase or decrease the prices based on demand; if there are more people looking to rent vehicles, the prices will obviously go up due to increased demand. If you don’t have to travel during the tourist seasons, it’s best to wait it out. Usually, prices are high during the summer and spring months so it’s best to sit out these months if you can. Instead, plan your trip during a lull to take advantage of the best prices.