We recently needed a rental car while our car was in the shop. I checked the online deals and they were all very high, perhaps because it is summer or perhaps our locale. I remembered that U-Haul advertises $29.95/day rentals. This does not include mileage, so be sure you will not be driving many miles.
Your best choices are a large van or a large pickup truck. They are not the easiest to drive, but our total was way less than the bargain car rentals. Also you do not need a large credit card deposit, only the estimate of the actual cost.
By Katherine C. from Reno, NV
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
How do I minimize car rental charges and fees?
Johnp from Naples, Florida
Make sure to check your credit cards. Be sure to use a card that has free rental car insurance so you don't have to pay for their expensive coverage.
Always book ahead of time. Stopping at the counter at the airport, and they will gouge you. I just came back from a two week trip. Our car was about $300, someone next to me paid $1,200 asking for a similar car at the airport.
Also, use a comparison tool like kayak to compare all of the different rental agencies. Do online searches for coupon codes.
Sign up for the rental car clubs before you rent, sometimes you get added bonuses. :)
I have worked for a car rental agency for 7 years and we are always
willing to help customers, especially this time of year when traveling slows
down drastically. Be sure you ask how much their taxes are, what mileage
is included, if it's okay to travel out of state(if applicable) and if they offer
discounts ie: AAA, AARP, weekly, weekend, etc. Shop around, look for smaller
independent places, take a smaller car if you can and don't be afraid to
Sign up with your favorite car rental company and join their loyalty schemes. Nearly all car rental companies have them and you get really good savings.
