October 25, 2017 by Snupit
Renting a car to use during your travels can rack up a rather large bill. Fortunately, there are a few wonderful, sneaky tricks to getting lower prices on your car rentals, and we have the honour of sharing them with you. Thanks to the seasoned travellers who picked up these great tips.
Avoid big brands
Trying the lesser known car rental agencies can save you a large amount of money. Looking for a small, privately owned company can save you between 15 and 30% on car hire rates. Typically, their rates are lower because they are not part of a large chain company, like Avis and Hertz. It will take a bit more digging on the internet, but if you find a good online directory like Snupit, you may just find a great rental company. Supporting a smaller company also means you are supporting locals!
Book it for longer than you need it
Booking your rental car longer than you need it is a strategic game which can also end up saving you money if it is done correctly. As with any industry, the car rental industry has peak times which are charged at higher rates. Getting this trick right means hunting for special prices. If you need the car for Thursday and Friday, but lower rates kick in on Saturday, book the car from Thursday to Saturday. This should cover the whole trip at the lower rate. You can then simply return the car “early”. This trick is especially effective in the USA where weekends tend to target leisure travellers, and the car rental companies drop their prices.
Pay in advance
Paying in advance is sometimes a requirement to book your car, but some companies offer a discount for an upfront payment. Hunt for the companies that offer a discount as an incentive for paying upfront. Not only does it mean you know you have paid, but it can save you a good bit of money. If you are travelling abroad as a South African, every saving you get translates into a large sum of money, given the exchange rate. Book ahead, but only pay ahead just before your trip is due to commence, in case something happens and you then have the hassle of trying to arrange a refund.
Plan ahead
Book far in advance, and know your dates. This is also your time to shop around and get the best quotes possible. Also, consider the type of car best suited to the trip you are planning. If there will be rough terrain, budget accordingly so you can have a vehicle that is capable of handling it. Also, plan your car insurance in advance. It is not compulsory in South Africa to have vehicle insurance, but for the purposes of renting a car, it is highly advisable, as you will be held liable for anything that happens regardless of whose fault it was.
Find a car rental agency located close to you. Look on Snupit for the best listings!