How To Get The Best Deals On Car Rentals While Traveling On Budget

By Abby Waechter June 4, 2014

Traveling on budget needs plenty of planning right from shopping for best deals, to booking air tickets and hotel rooms. Among the few things that travelers do not pay much attention to, but can save a lot on, are the car rentals. This is because most people think that the rates on the car rentals are mostly the same everywhere. But this is not so. Here are a few tips on how you can save on your rentals.

Know about the Rental

If you use online booking, you need to know the terms and conditions before you confirm your reservation. The restrictions present like penalty for not showing up or being late due to heavy traffic and any other additional fees should be cleared well before you sign up for the rental. Inter-state travel facility and location of offices on all the cities you plan to travel are some of the points you should check on. Extra charges, for instance, in case of a drop off should be known beforehand as some companies charge a huge amount.

Choosing a Rental

While you book for a rental, you should not restrict your choices to the popular companies only. Lesser known companies will have more to offer and the chances of getting a better deal are higher with them due to the stiff competition present. But the support service may not be that extensive and you should consider this in case you intend to drive for long distances.

Combo deals like booking for your stay and the car rental with the same company will save you more money and you are likely to get a better service too.

Research online on the various discounts, coupons, and codes that the rental companies offer. There are also frequent flier discounts, credit card discounts, etc., which can save you more money on the autorent.

The car rental companies also have loyalty program that can provide you extra privileges like prompt reservation, vehicle for pick up, upgrades, discounts, etc.

There are also car share services available now that is very useful, if you rent frequently or reside near major cities or towns.

Booking in Advance

You can get the best deals, if you reserve early. Since the rates tend to fluctuate, you need to check constantly for knowing about the best deals. There are services that will give you regular updates on the deals offered, so you can choose the best option.

Distance from Airport

You can save on the rental by choosing a rental company that is some distance away from the airport than the one nearby. You lower the cost by 50% in this way. You can just take a shuttle or a taxi to get to the rental from the airport. Most companies also offer free shuttles from the main airports.

Insurance Cover

The travel insurance requirement depends on the length of your trip. Mostly the auto insurance cover you have will take care of this, but you need to check with your agent or credit card Company to verify this.

Some companies try to add in hidden costs in the form of taxes, surcharges, insurance, drop off, etc. You need to check for the hidden costs thoroughly, before you book for the rental.

By Abby Waechter

Abby Waechter is an accomplished journalist, editorial strategist, and digital publishing professional with over six years of hands-on experience in the media industry. As the Editor-in-Chief of 8Blogs.com, she leads the editorial vision of one of the web's most ambitious business and industry publications — a platform dedicated to delivering sharp, credible, and actionable content for professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders across the globe. Abby's journey into the world of professional writing and editing began long before her byline appeared on any publication. Growing up with a natural curiosity for how businesses work, how economies shift, and how leadership shapes organizations, she found herself drawn to the intersection of journalism and business from an early age. That passion led her to Ohio University — one of the United States' most respected public research universities, located in Athens, Ohio — where she pursued a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications. Ohio University's School of Media Arts and Studies gave Abby a rigorous academic foundation in editorial ethics, news writing, investigative reporting, audience analysis, and multimedia storytelling. It was here that she developed the disciplined writing habits and critical thinking skills that would define her professional career. She graduated with a deep understanding of what separates good content from truly great content — and a firm commitment to always delivering the latter. Before stepping into a full editorial role, Abby gained invaluable real-world experience through internships at newspapers, regional magazines, and online publishing companies. These early career placements were formative. Working in fast-paced newsrooms taught her how to research under pressure, verify facts rigorously, and write with clarity and precision on tight deadlines. Her internship experiences also gave her a front-row seat to the rapid transformation of media — from print-first thinking to digital-first strategy — a shift she embraced fully and has championed ever since. Over the following six to seven years, Abby built a diverse and impressive portfolio spanning writing, reporting, editorial assistance, and content strategy. She has covered topics ranging from startup ecosystems and venture capital trends to leadership philosophy, workplace culture, global trade, and emerging technologies. Her work is consistently praised for being well-researched, reader-friendly, and genuinely insightful — never sacrificing depth for the sake of brevity, nor clarity for the sake of complexity. At 8Blogs.com, Abby oversees a broad editorial mandate that spans twelve content categories including Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Technology, HR, Sustainability, and Global Business. She sets the tone, maintains editorial standards, and ensures that every article published reflects the publication's core values — integrity, depth, and practical intelligence. When she is not editing or writing, Abby stays close to the business world through industry events, professional reading, and mentoring emerging writers who are just beginning their own editorial journeys.

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