Earlier, you’d have to wander from agency to agency in order to find the best rental deal. Now you can do it all online. Use these six steps to always get the best deal.
Know the Type of Car You Need
Start by calculating how many people will be traveling and how much luggage they’ll be carrying. Check if you need more than two doors to accommodate car seats or anyone with special needs. Also, see if you will be driving over rough terrain. Finally, check whether you’re okay with a basic model or if you prefer something luxurious. Use this to narrow down the vehicles you’re okay renting and check the prices.
Start with AutoSlash
This rental site can save you a lot of money. It’s a car rental marketplace that uses discount codes and membership perks to find the cheapest rates. You tell them what you want, and they’ll email you with the best price they can find for the vehicle you want as per your given dates and location. They’ll also let you know if the price drops and let you re-book at that lower rate.
Check Other Sites
After finding the AutoSlash rate, check other sites like Expedia, Hotwire, Kayak, Orbitz, Priceline, Travelocity to compare your rates. One of them may beat AutoSlash.
Ask the Rental Company for A Better Deal
Now check directly with the company website and see if they offer a better deal. Sometimes they do, and often they don’t. If you want, call and ask them too but get everything in writing.
Book
Once you’re sure that you have the best deal go ahead and book your rental car. You’re just reserving it and not paying for it. So you can’t be penalized if you cancel or change your reservation later.
Check again
A week before you travel, repeat the process to see if you can rent at a cheaper rate. More often than not, you can find a cheaper rental car at the last minute. It’s not a foolproof method, but there’s no harm in checking. If it goes according to plan, you’ll be saving a lot of money. If not, you’re already getting the best price.
