Renting a car doesn’t have to wreck your budget.
Needing a rental car can feel like an unexpected financial hit, but it doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Whether your own car is in the shop, you’re traveling, or you just need a vehicle for a short period, plenty of budget-friendly options exist.
The key is knowing where to look, which fees to avoid, and how to maximize discounts that most people overlook.
Car rental companies are notorious for hidden charges, but with a little planning, you can keep costs low and still get where you need to go. From alternative rental services to overlooked discounts, smart strategies can help you find a deal without sacrificing convenience. Instead of paying full price and regretting it later, check out these 11 ways to rent a car without blowing your budget.
1. Booking through discount travel sites that slash rental prices.
Major travel websites like Expedia, Kayak, and Priceline negotiate lower rates with rental companies, offering deals you won’t find by booking directly. These sites let you compare multiple options at once, making it easy to spot the best price, as reported by Christopher Elliot of Travel and Leisure.
Some even offer “opaque” deals, where you lock in a lower rate without knowing the exact rental company until after booking. If you’re not picky about the brand, this can mean big savings. Just be sure to double-check cancellation policies before committing.
2. Peer-to-peer car rentals offer cheaper alternatives.
Turo and Getaround operate like Airbnb for cars, letting people rent vehicles directly from private owners, as stated by Gil Farkash of Car Insurent. Since there’s no big rental company involved, prices are often much lower, especially for short-term rentals.
The selection varies by location, but you can often find everything from economy cars to luxury rides at a fraction of the usual rental price. Some owners even offer delivery, saving you a trip to a rental counter. Just make sure to read reviews and check insurance coverage before booking.
3. Using a credit card with rental insurance avoids extra fees.
Rental companies love upselling insurance, but if you have the right credit card, you might not need it, according to Gregory Karp of Nerd Wallet. Many travel and rewards credit cards automatically include rental car insurance as a perk, covering damage and theft at no extra cost.
Before declining the rental company’s insurance, check your card’s policy to confirm what’s covered. You’ll usually need to pay for the rental with that card for the coverage to apply, but it can save you a hefty fee at the counter.
4. Skipping airport rentals can cut costs in half.
Renting a car directly from the airport might seem convenient, but it often comes with steep markups. Airport rental locations tack on extra fees and higher daily rates compared to off-site locations just a few miles away.
Taking a quick rideshare or shuttle to an off-airport rental branch can significantly lower your total cost. Many companies even offer free pickup services, making it an easy way to avoid inflated airport pricing.
5. Renting through membership programs unlocks exclusive discounts.
If you have a Costco, AAA, or AARP membership, you already have access to discounted rental rates. These organizations negotiate deals with major rental companies, often including perks like waived fees, free additional drivers, or lower deposits.
Even if you don’t currently have a membership, signing up for one could pay for itself in rental savings alone. Costco Travel, in particular, offers some of the best rental car discounts with no hidden fees.
6. Weekly rentals can be cheaper than paying per day.
It sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes renting a car for a full week costs less than renting for just four or five days. Many rental companies offer lower weekly rates that end up being more budget-friendly than shorter, high-daily-rate rentals.
If you only need a car for five days, check the cost of a weekly rental—it might actually be cheaper. You can always return the car early if needed, but locking in a lower weekly rate upfront can mean major savings.
7. Using your own insurance policy avoids unnecessary add-ons.
Car rental companies love selling insurance packages, but many personal auto insurance policies already cover rental cars. If you have full coverage on your own vehicle, your policy may extend to rentals, saving you from buying expensive extra protection.
Call your insurance provider to confirm what’s covered before your trip. If you’re already paying for coverage, there’s no reason to spend extra on something you don’t need.
8. Signing up for rental company loyalty programs brings hidden perks.
Most major rental car companies have free loyalty programs that offer benefits like discounted rates, priority service, and free upgrades. Programs like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Emerald Club let members skip the counter, making the rental process faster and sometimes even cheaper.
Even if you don’t rent cars often, signing up takes just a few minutes and can unlock exclusive deals. Some loyalty programs even waive extra driver fees, which can add up quickly if you’re sharing the car.
9. Avoiding prepaying for gas saves money at the pump.
Rental companies offer the option to prepay for gas, claiming it’s more convenient—but it’s rarely a good deal. You’re charged for a full tank, even if you return the car half full.
Instead, fill up at a local gas station before returning the car. It takes a few extra minutes but can save you from inflated fuel prices and unnecessary fees.
10. Checking local rental agencies can reveal better deals.
While big-name rental companies dominate the market, smaller local agencies sometimes offer better prices. Independent rental companies often have lower overhead costs, allowing them to undercut the big brands.
Checking Google reviews and calling local agencies directly can uncover deals that aren’t listed on major booking sites. If a smaller company has good ratings and clear rental terms, it might be a budget-friendly alternative to the usual chains.
11. Leveraging corporate or university discounts reduces rates.
If you’re a student, employee, or member of an organization, you might qualify for rental car discounts without realizing it. Many universities, large companies, and even professional organizations have agreements with rental companies for lower rates.
Checking with your employer, school, or alumni network can unlock discounts that aren’t advertised to the general public. Even small savings can add up, making this an easy way to reduce rental costs without extra effort.
Renting a car doesn’t have to mean overpaying or getting hit with surprise fees. With the right strategies, you can keep costs low and still get where you need to go.