Nothing beats hitting the open road, and even more so if it’s in a sporty new all-wheel-drive! 

Maybe it’s not often that you will rent a car, but you might be faced with some sticker shock when the time comes. 

If you’re looking to hit the road without going broke, you’re in the right place — I’ll show you all the ways you can save money (potentially hundreds!) on your next car rental. 

Use Your Clout! One of the easiest ways to save money on rental cars is to use a corporate code from your job or university. 

Now, you can find many codes online, but we never recommend using a code you’re not eligible for — frequently, rental car companies will ask for proof of employment or alumni status. Always ensure that you’re allowed to use these codes on personal rentals; some corporate codes are created solely for business travel, while others can be used on personal rentals.

Break Out The Plastic! Several travel credit cards offer rental car perks and discounts. Often these discounts can be applied to your rental by either booking through a specific portal or using a designated discount code. 

Additionally, damage waivers are a vital part of renting a car. You can buy these waivers from your rental company, but some credit cards include free coverage when you charge the rental cost to your credit card! If you incur any damage to your rental, the damage waiver will assume all liability, so you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket.

Dodge Rental’ Potholes’! There are endless fees associated with renting a car, but most are avoidable. Always have a plan for filling up gas in your rental before you return it. 

Generally, your best bet is to fill up your rental car’s gas tank shortly before you return – otherwise, you could be stuck with inflated fuel prices charged by the rental company. 

Another common fee you’ll run into when renting a vehicle is a convenience fee for using your rental car’s toll transponder to pay a toll. Be sure to pay cash at tolls or use your own toll transponder to save big.

Browse The Menu! The ultimate way to save on your rental cars is to shop around; not all rental companies have the same selection or prices. Try another rental company like Alamo if you’re looking to save with a compact car and Hertz doesn’t have what you need. And – shop around early and avoid last-minute bookings!). Pickup locations and dates can significantly affect the end price, so play around online with the criteria.

How about it? Are your bags packed? 

We hope these savings tips can keep a little extra in your pocket – treat yourself with the money saved! 

We want to help you hold on to more of your money. By giving us a call at 513-563-PLAN (7526) or reaching out online, we can set up a 15-minute checkup of your financial planning goals. We’ll have you on the right track so you can spend more time on the road!