Rental car companies love to sneak in extra charges, but knowing a few simple tricks can save you hundreds.
Booking a rental car should be straightforward, but hidden fees, overpriced insurance, and tricky upsells can quickly turn a good deal into an expensive mistake. Many travelers unknowingly pay far more than they should, either by missing out on discounts or falling for unnecessary add-ons. The difference between an overpriced rental and a budget-friendly one often comes down to knowing how the system works.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to avoid getting overcharged. Whether it’s booking at the right time, skipping unnecessary fees, or leveraging credit card perks, a little planning can make a huge difference in what you pay. Rental car companies won’t tell you their secrets, but we will.
Use these proven tips to keep more money in your pocket the next time you rent a car.
Book early, then recheck prices for better deals.
Rental car prices fluctuate constantly, and what looks like a great deal today might be overpriced tomorrow, according to Rental Value Car. The best strategy is to book early to secure a vehicle, then keep checking rates in the weeks leading up to your trip.
Many rental companies allow you to modify or cancel your reservation without a fee, so if prices drop, you can rebook at the lower rate. Setting a price alert through travel sites or using a free cancellation option ensures you always get the best deal without locking yourself into a bad price.
Avoid renting a car at the airport to skip inflated fees.
It’s convenient to grab a rental car right after stepping off a flight, but airport rentals come with hefty surcharges that can add 10-30% to your bill, as stated by Investopedia. These extra costs often go unnoticed until checkout, making an already expensive rental even pricier.
Instead, consider renting from an off-airport location. Many companies offer free or cheap shuttles to nearby rental offices, and the savings can be well worth the slight inconvenience. Checking multiple locations in the same city can also uncover dramatically different rates.
Decline expensive rental car insurance if your credit card covers it.
Rental companies push hard for you to buy their insurance, but you might already have coverage through your credit card or personal auto policy, as reported by Nerd Wallet. Many major credit cards include rental car insurance as a benefit, often providing collision damage coverage at no extra cost.
Before your trip, check with your credit card provider to see if you’re covered. If you are, you can confidently decline the rental company’s overpriced insurance and save anywhere from $10 to $30 per day. Just make sure to pay for the rental with the card that offers the coverage.
Always refuel the car yourself to avoid sky-high gas charges.
Returning a rental car with an empty tank might seem convenient, but choosing the rental company’s prepaid fuel option is almost always a bad deal. Their per-gallon rates are significantly higher than local gas stations, and if you don’t return the car completely empty, you lose money on any unused fuel.
The best move? Fill up the tank yourself before returning the car. Plan ahead by checking for nearby gas stations so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Keeping your receipt can also help in case the rental company tries to claim you didn’t refuel.
Say no to unnecessary add-ons like GPS and toll packages.
Rental companies love to tack on extras like GPS systems, toll passes, and satellite radio, but these add-ons come with steep markups. A daily GPS fee can easily add $10 or more to your bill, even though your smartphone can do the same job for free.
Instead, use Google Maps or a navigation app on your phone. If you’re traveling in an area with toll roads, research whether it’s cheaper to pay tolls individually rather than opting for the rental company’s prepaid package, which often includes hidden fees.
Compare prices across multiple rental sites before booking.
Never assume the first price you see is the best one. Different rental companies offer different rates for the same car, and even within the same company, prices can vary depending on which website you use to book.
Use comparison tools like Kayak, Expedia, or AutoSlash to find the lowest prices. Checking the rental company’s direct website afterward can sometimes reveal even better deals or discounts. A few extra minutes of research can result in major savings.
Consider a car-sharing service instead of a traditional rental.
If you don’t need a car for your entire trip, renting through a car-sharing service like Turo or Getaround might be a cheaper and more flexible option. These platforms let you rent vehicles directly from owners, often at lower rates than big rental companies.
Car-sharing services also tend to have fewer hidden fees and can be a great alternative in cities where traditional rental prices are sky-high. If you only need a car for a day or two, this could be a far better deal than a full-length rental.
Be aware of mileage limits to avoid surprise charges.
Most rental cars come with unlimited mileage, but some budget options impose daily limits. If you exceed these limits, you could be hit with costly per-mile fees that quickly add up.
Always check the mileage policy before booking. If your trip involves long drives, make sure you choose a rental with unlimited mileage. Paying a slightly higher base rate for unlimited miles is often cheaper than getting stuck with expensive overage fees later.
Use loyalty programs and memberships for automatic discounts.
If you rent cars even semi-regularly, joining a rental company’s loyalty program can lead to big savings. Many programs offer free upgrades, discounts, and even priority service, helping you avoid long lines at the counter.
Additionally, memberships like AAA, Costco, and AARP often come with rental car discounts. Even if you don’t rent often, signing up for a free rewards program or using an existing membership can instantly lower your rate.
Double-check the final bill for hidden fees before you leave.
Rental companies are notorious for sneaky charges that appear when you return the car. Fees for extra drivers, late returns, or refueling can sometimes be added incorrectly, and if you don’t catch them, you’ll end up overpaying.
Before leaving the rental office, carefully review your receipt to ensure there are no unexpected charges. If you spot any discrepancies, address them on the spot—it’s much harder to get a refund once you’ve left.
A little effort goes a long way in saving money on rental cars.
Rental companies count on customers not paying attention, but armed with the right knowledge, you can avoid unnecessary charges and lock in the best deal. Whether it’s booking at the right time, skipping overpriced extras, or leveraging loyalty perks, small steps can lead to major savings.
Next time you rent a car, use these hacks to keep more money in your wallet. Traveling should be about the experience—not about overpaying for a vehicle you barely use.