Find the Best Car Rental Deals
Compare car rental prices from top providers before your next trip. Whether you need a compact for a weekend getaway or an SUV for a family vacation, we help you find the best rates so you can hit the road without overpaying.
The lowest advertised price isn't always the least expensive rental once taxes, fees, insurance, fuel, and extras are added. I like to compare the total price and make sure the vehicle actually works for the trip before booking.
Popular Car Rental Categories
Economy Cars
Economy and compact cars are usually a good place to start if keeping the rental price down is your priority. They're especially practical for solo travelers, couples, weekend getaways, and destinations where you'll be doing a lot of city driving.
Smaller cars can also use less gas and may be easier to park. Before automatically choosing the cheapest compact, though, think about your luggage. Saving a few dollars isn't worth much if your suitcases don't fit comfortably.
Compare several sizes before booking because sometimes moving up one category costs very little.
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SUVs & Minivans
An SUV or minivan can make much more sense when you're traveling with children, several adults, car seats, strollers, or a lot of luggage.
I would look beyond the daily rental price and think about how everyone and everything will actually fit. A slightly more expensive SUV may be worth it if it means you're comfortable for the entire vacation.
Compare SUV sizes carefully too. A small crossover and a large three-row SUV may both appear under an SUV search but offer very different amounts of passenger and luggage space.
If you're taking a long road trip, also consider fuel costs when deciding how large a vehicle you really need.
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Luxury Cars
A luxury or premium rental can be fun for a special vacation, business trip, anniversary, or anytime you simply want something nicer to drive.
Before booking, look carefully at the deposit requirements and insurance options. Higher-value vehicles may have different rules or requirements than standard rentals.
This is also a good time to check your Best Travel Credit Cards benefits. Some credit cards provide rental-car coverage when you pay for the rental with the card and follow the card's requirements. Coverage varies, so don't assume you're protected without checking first.
If you already have coverage through your personal auto policy or credit card, understanding it before you reach the counter can help you decide whether you need the rental company's optional protection.
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Convertibles
There are some trips where the car can be part of the experience.
A convertible or sporty car can be a fun choice for scenic coastal drives, warm-weather destinations, couples' trips, and road trips where you plan to spend a lot of time exploring.
Just remember that sporty cars and convertibles may have limited luggage space. Check what you're bringing before you book.
Prices can also vary considerably by location and season. If having a convertible isn't essential, compare its price with a standard or premium car before deciding whether the upgrade is worth it.
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Airport Rentals
Picking up your rental car at the airport is hard to beat for convenience. You land, collect your luggage, pick up the car, and start your trip.
But convenience can come at a price.
Airport rental locations may include additional airport-related fees and surcharges. Before booking, compare the airport rate with rental locations nearby.
Don't look at price alone, though. If saving $40 means paying for rides to and from an off-airport rental location and spending an extra hour getting there, I may choose the airport anyway.
Also check your return location carefully. Returning a vehicle somewhere other than where you picked it up can sometimes result in a one-way or drop fee.
Check RatesHow to Save Money on a Car Rental
Start by comparing rates instead of automatically booking with the first rental company you recognize.
Rental prices can change, and the least expensive company on one trip may not be the least expensive on another.
If you're a member of AAA, check whether your AAA Membership offers rental-car discounts or other travel benefits. Other memberships and loyalty programs may also provide discounts, upgrades, or benefits, so check what you already have before paying full price.
Joining a rental company's free loyalty program may be worthwhile if you rent cars regularly. Besides earning rewards, some programs can make pickup easier or provide member rates.
I also compare prepaid rates with reservations that allow payment later. A prepaid rate may be cheaper, but I don't want to save a small amount if it means giving up flexibility I might need.
Fuel is another place where costs can sneak up on you. Compare the rental company's prepaid fuel option with simply returning the vehicle with the required amount of gas. I usually want to know exactly how the fuel policy works before I drive away.
And don't forget to add the rental car to your Trip Cost Calculator. The daily rate is only part of what you'll spend. Fuel, parking, tolls, and hotel parking fees can make a big difference in your total transportation budget.
What to Check Before You Book
Read the rental terms before you pay.
Check whether the vehicle has unlimited mileage or a mileage restriction, particularly if you're planning a road trip.
Age requirements can also vary. Younger drivers may have additional fees, and some vehicle categories can have different age restrictions.
If you're planning to drive into another state, country, or across an international border, make sure the rental agreement allows it. Don't assume you can take a rental vehicle anywhere you want.
Also look at the cancellation policy, security deposit, additional-driver fees, toll policies, and what you'll need when you pick up the vehicle.
If you're considering Travel Insurance for your trip, check what the policy does and doesn't cover when it comes to rental vehicles. Travel insurance, personal auto insurance, credit-card rental benefits, and the rental company's coverage aren't necessarily the same thing.
A few minutes checking these details before booking can prevent an unpleasant surprise at the rental counter.
Choose the Right Car Rental for Your Trip
The best car-rental deal isn't necessarily the vehicle with the lowest daily rate.
Think about how many people are traveling, how much luggage you're bringing, how far you'll drive, where you'll park, and what the total rental will cost after fees and extras.
Sometimes the economy car is exactly what you need. Other times, paying a little more for the SUV that comfortably fits everyone is money well spent.
Compare your options, check what's included, and choose the rental that gives you the best value for your trip.
Once you've found your car, compare Hotel and Vacation deals and keep planning the rest of your trip.
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