Five money-saving tricks when renting a car

Road trips are all the rage at the moment. In fact, car rental searches have increased since the beginning of 2022 compared to the same period pre-pandemic, according to Cheapflights.

The only downside? It can be costly, if you go about it the wrong way.

Check out these insider money-saving tips on what to do to reduce any potential extra costs to stretch your holiday budget that much further. Take notes:

1. Unless you need the freedom of one-way car hire, it is ideal to pick up and drop off in the same place…and it is always less expensive than opting for different locations.
2. Crossing national borders on your trip? Make sure your car is allowed to cross over and check the fees involved, as these depend on the countries involved.
3. Book with only one driver, as additional drivers mean additional costs on the rental agreement. Some rental companies offer a free second driver option, but check the T&Cs to be sure.
4. In most cases, it pays off to drop off the car at the same time as you collected it. Why? It helps you avoid getting charged for an entire additional day in the event the car is returned after the 24-hour cutoff time.
5. Be savvy about when you book that rental car. Prices are determined by various factors including the season, a particular holiday, the car category, the rental company and timing. If you have to travel during the busy season, book as far in advance as possible, especially if you are looking at renting a minibus or large van.