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The Official Car Rental Blog
29 June, 2012 - Peta Daniels Peta Daniels

Ways To Save On Your Car Hire

Car hire can be a daunting task with so many things to consider before you decide which car is right for your travel requirements.

One of the key goals is to get a great car hire deal that offers what you need for your rental requirements at an affordable price. We have compiled a list of some ways you can save money on your next car hire.





Consider The Car Size


Do you really need the larger car size? An economical sized, yet spacious, vehicle can still provide you with all the room you need at a better price than the larger sized cars. They are great for city driving and will also help you save on fuel costs. In addition, the insurance aspects tied in with your rental package may be less than those of the larger sized cars.

Be On Time


Make sure you arrive on time for your booking - both pick up and drop off. If you are going to be delayed in meeting the scheduled time, contact the supplier to advise them of your situation. If you are arriving by plane, make sure you provide your flight number when you book. If your flight is delayed, the car hire supplier can be easily advised of why you have not arrived at the scheduled time.

Age Of Driver


If you are hiring a car and have two or more capable and licenced drivers make sure the nominated lead driver is aged 25 or over. Many car hire suppliers impose an age surcharge for drivers aged between 21 and 24 years old. These fees can range from a minimal ($8.00 per day) to a significant ($32.00 per day) charge.

Know Your Rental Fuel Policy


Be aware of the fuel policy for your rental vehicle. Many will have a 'pick up full, drop off full' policy. If you fail to return the vehicle full, you will incur additional charges.

View Different Locations


When obtaining quotes, also view your options for other locations that you can easily access. Location can influence the pricing suppliers place on their rental packages. You may find a cheaper rental package for a location that is in close proximity to your original location of choice.

Compare Suppliers


Take the opportunity to compare the major and independent car hire suppliers to view the deals available. A key tip is to not just compare pricing, but also compare what is included in the price. Consider your actual car hire requirements. For example, will you be travelling a significant amount of kilometres? If so, view and compare the car hire deals that offer 'Unlimited Kilometres'. This will be a great way to save money.

Book In The Off Season


Car hire is very similar to flights - peak season means higher prices. If you have the flexibility to rearrange your travel dates, try to plan for the off season. You will find better car hire deals during non-peak periods.

Book In Advance


While you can find many great last minute deals for car hire, you are in a better position to get great pricing and a greater car hire selection if you book in advance. If you know your plans, take the time to shop around to ensure you get the right car for your travel needs. A great tip is to try and book more than seven days in advance.

Drive Safe


Taking care while driving will also be a great way to save money on your car hire! If you are travelling to an unfamiliar location, take the time to know the local road rules. This will help you to better navigate your way around.

We hope our tips have been helpful and remember to stay safe on our roads and have a great travel experience.