Key takeaways
- Plenty of preliminary research is required to get good value on your rental vehicle. Carefully compare providers and pick-up locations, and see if you're eligible for any discounts.
- It's important to get car rental insurance right. Weigh up your rental company's cover against third party providers like RentalCover to see which option is best for you.
- Once you've rented your vehicle, make sure you understand all of the policies that could impact you. These range from refuelling costs, toll payments and relocation fees.
- Make sure to record all of the damage currently present on your rental vehicle. Film a 360° video for maximum protection.
21 car rental tips to know before you travel
1. Shop around
Shopping around online is the best way to find cheap deals and save money. Comparison sites like Booking.com and Rentalcars.com are a convenient way to explore the entire car rental market.
Remember to look beyond simple pricing. Choose a car rental company that's reliable, reputable and meets your needs.
2. Look for discounts
Any good online shopper knows to check for all available discounts before completing a purchase. Look for any discounts or promotional codes you can find.
You should also look for any discounts that apply to memberships you hold.
3. Choose the right vehicle
Choosing the right vehicle ensures you have a more affordable and safe trip. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:
- Keep it simple: It might be tempting to hire a shiny new BMW or Mercedes convertible, but these cars can add headaches to your trip. You'll have higher costs to cover if things go wrong on your trip, and these cars can carry greater risks of theft. It's best to stick with a more sensible ride.
- Choose the right size: If you're travelling with your whole family, you probably need a larger vehicle. However, smaller cars can be more suitable for areas with tight, narrow roads. They're also generally cheaper to rent.
- Consider your engine: While a compact or economy car can present a better deal, smaller engines can struggle on sharp inclines. Keep this in mind if you're visiting steep or mountainous areas.
4. Book in advance
As soon as you’ve confirmed flights, it’s worth arranging a rental car. The earlier you book, the cheaper the deals. If there are plenty of rental cars available for a certain date, the price will be lower, in line with demand.
5. Choose the right location
Exactly where you pick your car up from can affect the price you pay. Airport pick-ups are typically more expensive, so it's worth considering a city depot instead.
However, you also need to factor in the costs of actually getting to the pick-up location. Look at public transportation options and calculate the best option for you.
6. Consider your rental car insurance options
When booking in your rental vehicle, you might choose a level of insurance cover from your rental company and never think twice about it. This approach won't help you get the best value.
Instead, look at external providers such as RentalCover. We offer protection that's more comprehensive than the rental companies while also being 50% cheaper.† Plus, there's nothing for you to pay in the event of a claim.
The most important thing is to do your research and find a provider that's right for you. Set some time aside for this well before you set off on your travels. You should also consider any cover your personal auto insurance may provide.
The most important thing is to do your research and find a provider that's right for you. Set some time aside for this well before you set off on your travels. You should also consider any cover your personal auto insurance may provide.
7. Avoid upsells at the rental desk
If you don't have your rental car insurance organised before you get to the rental desk, you may face significant pressure when picking up your vehicle. Rental companies may pressure you into buying insurance that offers poor value or that you simply don't need.
If you have a policy offering damage and theft protection from RentalCover, you can confidently decline any overlapping insurance offered to you at the rental desk. Make sure you have a digital copy of your RentalCover policy to demonstrate your cover to your rental company.
8. Watch out for the car insurance excess
You might think your car rental insurance has you covered for surprise costs when things go wrong on your holiday. However, you can still face a significant expense when you make a claim: Your excess.
This is the amount you must contribute when you make a claim, on top of the payment made by your car rental company or insurer. Insurance offered by car rental companies often has very significant excess you'll need to pay in the event of a claim.
If you have a policy with RentalCover, there's nothing for you to pay in the event of a claim. You can travel with true peace of mind, knowing you're protected against the unexpected.
9. Understand minimum age requirements
Your age can impact the car rental process in a number of ways. You might not be able to rent a vehicle in a certain jurisdiction due to your age.
If you're within a few years of the minimum rental age, you'll often face specific fees for renting a vehicle as a younger driver. Keep this in mind as you shop around for your vehicle.
10. Check the cancellation policy
Travel can be unpredictable, so make sure you understand how things will play out if you have to cancel your rental. Can you get a full refund? How much notice do you need to provide?
Make sure to read the fine print so you aren't caught unawares.
11. Mind the fuel policy
Refuelling policies are a common pitfall for many renters. Review your rental agreement and confirm the policy at the front desk if you're unsure.
Many rental companies have "full-to-full" policies. This means the car will have a full tank when you pick up, and you must also return it with a full tank.
You might also be able to pay a fee for pre-paid fuel, meaning you don't need to worry about refuelling before returning the vehicle. Consider your options and weigh up cost vs convenience to make your decision.
12. Avoid multiple drivers
Many hire companies charge you per day for additional drivers. Unless you’re planning on taking a long road trip where you’ll need to take turns, it’s best to stick to one driver.
13. Research the fees
Rental agreements are often packed with hidden fees. When added up, they can make a significant dent in your wallet. Here are some more common fees to look out for:
- Additional mileage: Some rental car companies set a cap on how many kilometres you can travel per day, charging you more if you exceed it.
- Credit card surcharges: Check your credit card statement a few days after you make the payment. Make sure no extra surcharges have come out and all excess charges, including fuel, have been returned to you.
- Late pick-up: Always enter your flight details when you rent a car. This means staff know if your flight is delayed and shouldn’t rent your car to another customer. If you're not collecting from an airport, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the depot and always inform them of any delays.
- Late return: When returning the car, many companies give you a “grace period”. However, many companies start charging an hourly rate after 29 minutes. Figure out how your rental company operates and plan accordingly.
- One-way/relocation fees: Some rental car companies waive these fees for certain one-way trips that align with fleet needs.
14. Prepare for international driving
Driving in another country can be a stressful prospect. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you're fully prepared:
- International Driving Permit (IDP): If your licence is in a language that is not a primary language in your destination, you'll generally need an IDP. Ask your rental company if you're not sure. Make sure that you secure an IDP with plenty of time to spare before your trip.
- Road rules: Your destination may have very different road rules and customs to your home country. Do plenty of research to ensure you're prepared before you hit the road.
- Rental insurance coverage: Rules around rental insurance are also very different around the globe. For example, outside the United States, there's typically much more cover built into the price of your vehicle. For more information, check out our complete guide to worldwide car rentals.
15. Consider paying upfront
Some car rental companies offer discounts if you pay for your entire rental upfront. Consider if this is an appropriate option for you.
16. Keep privacy in mind
Think twice before connecting your smartphone to your vehicle. While this can be a convenient way to navigate unfamiliar territory while listening to your favorite music, infotainment systems like Apple CarPlay can retain your information long after you return your vehicle.
If you do want to integrate your smartphone, speak with your rental company about the correct ways to disconnect it after you return your car.
17. Prepare your debit or credit card
When picking up your rental vehicle, you'll usually have to put down a security deposit. Make sure you have enough money accessible on your credit card or debit card to cover the cost.
Ensure that your bank will allow a large payment to go through without causing headaches. This could be particularly difficult to navigate when you're overseas.
18. Bring your own accessories
Accessories like GPS and child car seats can be surprisingly costly when hired from your rental company. If possible, consider supplying your own accessories. Just remember to ask your car rental company what their policies allow.
19. Record all damage
Before taking off in your rental vehicle, make sure you comprehensively record all of the damage that exists on the vehicle. Take photos and a full 360° video of the car so you're protected when it comes time to return it.
20. Ask about tolls
In many places around the world, toll roads are a necessity of convenient travel. Speak with your car rental company about how you can pay for tolls.
Many rental companies offer toll passes for a set fee at the beginning of your journey. Alternatively, you can offer to take care of toll payment yourself.
Consider how convenient a toll pass will be for you and what value you'll get out of pre-paying with your rental company. If you'll only take a toll road once or twice on your trip, it may not be worth it for you.
21. Return the car on time
Rental companies typically don't offer much leeway when it comes to returning your vehicle. Even returning your vehicle one or two hours late can mean facing expensive late return fees and/or being charged for a whole additional day of usage.
Plan carefully to ensure you can return your car on time. If you expect any delays, inform your rental company as soon as possible.
Enjoy a seamless car rental journey with RentalCover
One of the most important steps you can take when hiring a car is ensuring you have the right insurance. RentalCover offers protection that's more comprehensive than the rental companies while also being 50% cheaper.†
We cover common exclusions of rental company coverage including windscreens, towing costs and underbody damage. Plus, there’s nothing for you to pay in the event of the claim. Get the peace of mind you need to truly enjoy your next holiday in a rental vehicle.