Rent a Car Cheap: The Booking Tricks That Actually Reduce Your Price

Unlike flights or hotels, last-minute car rental deals are rare, especially during holidays and peak travel periods.

This happens because rental prices work on availability: The fewer cars left, the higher the rates.

Booking early gives you better chances for:

• Lower prices
• More vehicle options
• Better insurance packages.

But what “booking early” really means? Usually, it means 4-8 weeks prior to your departure, but for touristic spots and peak seasons, you may need to book the car even 3-6 months before your trip.

It is tempting to book a bigger car, such as a family or luxury car, to enjoy the true comfort you want during your trip. But unless you truly need the extra space, it is not a value-for money option for couples or small groups of travelers. 

So, we recommend you rent an economy compact car, which is

• Cheaper per day
• More fuel-efficient
• Easier to park
• More possible to find even last-minute.

For couples, solo travelers, or city breaks, a small car is almost always the most cost-effective choice.

A deal may be advertised as an ultra-low daily rate, but you should then add:

• High excess/deductible
• Expensive insurance
• Extra driver fees
• Large deposits
• Hidden charges.

Thus, with all these surprise fees, you end up paying more at the desk, without being able at this moment to change the rental package.

So, the most valuable tip is to check the final cost, compare full packages and prefer all-inclusive packages with no extra charges, such as those offered by Abbycar.

Insurance is almost always cheaper online than at the rental desk.

Booking your insurance in advance helps you choose smarter and find better rates, especially if you buy it together with the rental fee in a full and transparent package.

Read: Do you need insurance to rent a car?

Airport rentals are convenient, but they are usually more expensive due to taxes and location charges.

If your schedule allows it, check nearby city or downtown locations for pick-up and drop-off to see the rental fee significantly lowering.

Especially for long-term rentals, this small detail can make a huge difference.

Daily rates often drop when you rent a car for more days.

For example:

• 3 days might cost almost the same as 5.
• Weekly rates are often cheaper than 6 individual days.

Last but not least, check our user-friendly platform to find great deals with the most modern vehicles and travel the world with Abbycar on a budget!