The Ultimate Guide to Scoring the Best Deals on Car Rentals in 2023!

Travelling can be an exciting, but it can also be expensive, especially when it comes to multi day car hire! However, with a bit of research and preparation, you can get the best deal possible and save some money. Here are some tips to help you get the cheapest car hire rates when travelling:

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1. Book in 24-hour increments: Car hire companies work on a 24-hour rental system, so it’s best to book your car in 24-hour increments to avoid extra fees. Even adding 30 minutes over a 24-hour booking could incur additional charges, and in some cases, result in a full day’s extra charge.
2. Understand your routes and factor in fuel costs: Be sure to consider the total cost of fuel when renting a car, especially if you’re going on a long road trip. Electric cars like Tesla may end up being the cheapest option when you factor in fuel costs.
3. Building on the previous point, opting for an electric car could turn out to be the most cost-effective choice once fuel expenses are factored in. During our recent trip to Melbourne’s Great Ocean Road, we discovered a fantastic deal on Tesla rentals through SIXT. What sets this deal apart is that charging is included in the price of the rental, which allowed us to save significantly on fuel costs. In fact, the cost of renting a Tesla was comparable to that of other sedans but worked out to be the cheapest by far when considering the fuel savings! Moreover, the Tesla charging network is extensive and rapid, so we were able to recharge in just 20 minutes, making it a hassle-free experience. However, when considering electric, it is crucial to evaluate your route and the charging options available en route, as saving on petrol expenses might not be worth it if charging options are not practical.
4. Check parking costs: Remember that parking is also an essential factor to consider when hiring a car. Check for free parking options at your accommodation or nearby parking lots for cheaper options.
5. Compare car rental companies with private rentals: Traditional car rental companies are not the only option these days. Turo, Evee and Uber Car Share offer many options to secure the best prices, depending on your needs.
6. Use comparison websites: Utilize comparison websites to compare prices from multiple companies at once. Remember, it’s typically cheaper to book directly with the company.
7. Check for credit card coverage: Some credit cards may offer rental car insurance coverage, saving you some money.
8. Look for cash rewards: Check to see if you can get cashback when making your purchase. Cash Rewards often offer up to 5-10% cashback on certain sites!
9. Look for discounts and promo codes: Check if your car insurance or credit card offers discounts for car hire. Additionally, Entertainment Book offers a selection of discounts on almost everything, including car hire with common sites often 10-15% off!
10. Utilize special corporate rates: Many universities and corporate workplaces offer special industry rates that can save you significant amounts of money. Double-check if your organisation offers any discounts. It’s common for these discounts to be a huge 25-50% off!
11. Book in advance: Booking in advance is the easiest way to save money on car hire. Choosing a non-refundable rate could increase the discount even more but comes with added risk.

By following these tips, you can save money and enjoy your travels with peace of mind knowing you got the best deal possible on your car hire.