Rental cars can get expensive. Unfortunately, they are usually necessary for long-distance travel. There is no way to get around paying for gas. There are travel hacks for saving money on your rental car.
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Best 5 Ways to Save Money on Rental Car
Here are five of the best ways to save money on a car during your next trip.
1) An Electric Car
Actually, there is a way to get around gas prices! Electric cars are bigger and better than ever before. Re-charging stations used to be hard, but that is no longer the case. Re-charging an electric car is no longer difficult. If you are traveling long distances, search for charging stations ahead of time.
Here are some of the many advantages to using an electric car from Driving Electric:
- Many companies offer discounts on rental cars. Some states even offer tax breaks.
- You will also be saving lots of money on gas.
- Many insurance companies offer discounts for electric car drivers.
- The best thing about driving an electric car is you will be helping the environment while saving money.
2) Carpooling
There is no reason for everyone to drive his or her own car in-group travel. Driving by yourself is not good for the environment, either. Carpooling reduces your carbon footprint. It also helps you save a lot on gas money. Ask the people you are riding with to pitch in on gas money. No one person should have to pay for the bulk of the trip.
If you are up for it, look into posting your ride on a carpooling website. Maybe there is someone who needs a ride and wants to tag along. Carsharing services are also a good alternative to traditional rental services. Carsharing ensures that cars are used more efficiently.
3) Booking in Advance
Don’t book a car as soon as you get to the airport. Book your car as soon as you start planning your trip. This keeps the price from rising. The longer you wait, the more expensive your rental will be. The only thing you can’t book ahead of time is gas costs. Keep in mind that gas prices fluctuate frequently.
Gas prices vary greatly from country to country. Some states have significantly higher gas prices than others, even within the US. Plan conservatively by booking a fuel-efficient car. A car with better gas mileage might not look as cool as a sports car, but it will be better for your budget.
Some booking services will let you book your car, hotel, and flight all in one package. Rental services can run out of cars. Booking ahead of time prevents that from happening.
4) Efficient Mileage Policy
Most businesses have a mileage policy. If you are traveling for work, be familiar with your company’s mileage policy.
Here is a good overview from Hotel Engine of how mileage policies work:
- You don’t want to rent a car and drive it for work only to find out your expenses are not covered.
- If you are planning your company’s travel policy, come up with a fair mileage policy.
- Your mileage policy should be re-evaluated frequently to adjust for changing gas prices.
- You don’t want your employees worrying about gas prices while traveling.
- During a work trip, workers should be focused on work.
- Communicate the policy before they leave.
5) Loyalty Programs
If you are a frequent traveler, you need to join a loyalty program. Loyalty programs might cost a bit to join. They will save you money in the long run. If you travel internationally, choose a larger company. Rental loyalty programs sometimes incorporate deals in other areas of travel. These deals can give you huge discounts on airfare, hotels, and excursions.
It is best to stick to the same rental company as much as possible. Companies appreciate return customers. They are more likely to give you deals when you come back to them. Loyalty customers also receive better customer service.
Most rental companies offer deals for businesses. Set up a corporate loyalty account if you have employees frequently traveling for work. Loyalty programs often get you better deals on other aspects of travel. It is the easiest way to save money in the end.
Conclusion:
With gas prices constantly on the rise, you need to find ways to save money on rental car costs. Following this advice will help you do that.
