Not owning a car does not mean you cannot drive one. There are many car hire companies that can help you have a car on days you need one. What’s great is that you do not have to spend a lot. Many companies offer a rental car for a low price just to beat the competition. Earning a few bucks is better than getting nothing at all. Below are some tips to help you save when renting a car for hire.
Ask for Recommendations
Your friends and colleagues may be able to recommend a company that offers cheap car for rent. Ask the people who have travelled abroad or to other states before. If you do not know anyone to ask, reviews of travelers and people who go to vacation occasionally may help. There are plenty of websites that you can visit to search for people who are happy with the car rental agency to which they went on their last vacation.
Search the Web for Cheap Deals
The Internet is now the most widely used advertising medium. Various car hire companies now post their rates (or at least their contact details) on the Web. Take time to know the rates of several companies. Avoid getting a car from the first agency you find. It is better if you choose after seeing rates from several companies. There are many advertised websites that offer cars for rent. You can also go to travel agencies or travel websites.
In addition, small companies must also be considered. They may not appear in comparison websites but they may have lower rates because they won’t have to pay for listings.
Do Not Look for Expensive Cars
Be realistic. You do not get to rent expensive cars for low rates. The owners will surely charge a lot because of the expensive maintenance and repairs that the car needs. If you want cheap car hire, settle on old model cars that drive well. They may not offer the best things but they can still take you to your destination.
Consider Memberships
If you think you will be hiring cars often, you may want to consider signing up for memberships in car rental related organizations. They may make you pay a membership fee but it is surely worth it in the long run because you can get discounted rates every time you hire a car. Some memberships may also make you earn miles or points.
Search for Discount Codes
Some car rental agencies are willing to lower the rates in exchange of more new customers (who may become returning and regular customers). Most of them even go to marketers or referrers. They give them codes to identify which customers they have sent. With such a deal, all parties benefit. The car owner gets new customers. The agency or marketer gets a profit. Finally, you get discounts through the codes.
Pay on a Cash Basis
If you are looking for a car for hire for an overseas trip then you may want to consider paying cash. You will need to pay service charge or transaction fee if you choose to pay using your credit card.