Renting a car can be a great way to get around, especially if you’re traveling to an unfamiliar place. But it can also be expensive, especially if you don’t book in advance or compare prices from different companies.
That’s where car rental websites come in. These websites allow you to compare prices and features from different car rental companies in one place, so you can find the best deal for your needs.
In this article, we’ll list the 15 best websites to book cheap car rentals. We’ve included a variety of websites, so you can find the one that’s right for you, whether you’re looking for the cheapest price, the best selection of cars, or the most convenient pick-up and drop-off locations.
See the list below for The 15 Best Websites to Book Cheap Car Rentals
1. Kayak
Kayak is a popular travel search engine that allows you to compare prices for flights, hotels, and car rentals. It’s a great place to start your search for a cheap car rental, as it shows you prices from a variety of different companies.
To use Kayak, simply enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, dates, and times. Kayak will then show you a list of car rental companies and their prices. You can then filter the results by car type, price, and other criteria.
2. Expedia
Expedia is another popular travel search engine that allows you to compare prices for flights, hotels, and car rentals. It’s similar to Kayak, but it also offers a variety of other travel products, such as vacation packages and cruises.
To use Expedia, simply enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, dates, and times. Expedia will then show you a list of car rental companies and their prices. You can then filter the results by car type, price, and other criteria.
3. Priceline
Priceline is a travel website that allows you to bid on flights, hotels, and car rentals. It’s a great way to save money if you’re flexible with your travel dates and times.
To use Priceline, simply enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, dates, and times. You can then set a maximum price that you’re willing to pay. Priceline will then show you a list of car rental companies and their prices. If your bid is accepted, you’ll be able to book the car rental at the price you bid.
4. Autoslash
Autoslash is a car rental website that helps you find the cheapest price on a car rental. It works by monitoring the prices of different car rental companies and sending you an email when the price of your rental drops.
To use Autoslash, simply enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, dates, and times. Autoslash will then monitor the prices of different car rental companies and send you an email when the price of your rental drops.
5. Costco Travel
Costco Travel is a travel website that offers exclusive discounts to Costco members. If you’re a Costco member, be sure to check out Costco Travel for car rental deals.
To use Costco Travel, simply go to the Costco Travel website and log in with your Costco membership number. You can then search for car rentals in your destination. Costco Travel will show you a list of car rental companies and their prices, as well as any exclusive discounts that you’re eligible for.
6. Rentalcars.com
Rentalcars.com is a car rental website that allows you to compare prices from over 1,600 car rental companies in over 160 countries. It’s a great place to find a cheap car rental, especially if you’re traveling to a popular tourist destination.
To use Rentalcars.com, simply enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, dates, and times. Rentalcars.com will then show you a list of car rental companies and their prices. You can then filter the results by car type, price, and other criteria.
7. Hotwire
Hotwire is a travel website that allows you to book deep-discounted hotel rooms and car rentals. You don’t know the name of the hotel or car rental company until you book, but you can save a lot of money if you’re willing to be flexible.
To use Hotwire, simply enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, dates, and times. Hotwire will then show you a list of car rental companies and their prices, but the names of the companies will be hidden. You can then filter the results by car type, price, and other criteria.
8. Turo
Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental marketplace. This means that you can rent a car directly from another individual, rather than from a traditional car rental company. Turo offers a wide variety of cars to choose from, including economy cars, luxury cars, and SUVs.
To use Turo, simply enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, dates, and times. Turo will then show you a list of cars available in your area. You can filter the results by car type, price, and other criteria. Once you’ve found a car that you like, you can request to book it. The owner of the car will then review your request and either approve or deny it.
If your request is approved, you’ll be able to book the car and pay for it through Turo. Turo also offers insurance for car rentals, so you can be protected in case of damage or theft.
9. Zipcar
Zipcar is a car sharing service that allows you to rent cars on an hourly or daily basis. Zipcar is a great option if you need a car for a short period of time or if you live in a city with good public transportation.
To use Zipcar, you’ll need to create an account and sign up for a membership. Once you’re a member, you can reserve cars online or through the Zipcar app. Zipcars are located in designated parking spots throughout the city. When you’re ready to use a Zipcar, simply unlock it with your membership card.
10. Enterprise
Enterprise is one of the largest car rental companies in the world. Enterprise offers a wide variety of cars to choose from, including economy cars, luxury cars, and SUVs. Enterprise also has a large network of locations, so you can easily find a car to rent, no matter where you are.
To rent a car from Enterprise, simply visit their website or call their customer service line. You can also rent a car at one of Enterprise’s many locations. Enterprise offers a variety of rental options, including daily, weekly, and monthly rentals.
11. Alamo
Alamo is another popular car rental company. Alamo offers a wide variety of cars to choose from, including economy cars, luxury cars, and SUVs. Alamo also has a large network of locations, so you can easily find a car to rent, no matter where you are.
To rent a car from Alamo, simply visit their website or call their customer service line. You can also rent a car at one of Alamo’s many locations. Alamo offers a variety of rental options, including daily, weekly, and monthly rentals.
12. Budget
Budget is a budget-friendly car rental company. Budget offers a wide variety of cars to choose from, including economy cars, luxury cars, and SUVs. Budget also has a large network of locations, so you can easily find a car to rent, no matter where you are.
To rent a car from Budget, simply visit their website or call their customer service line. You can also rent a car at one of Budget’s many locations. Budget offers a variety of rental options, including daily, weekly, and monthly rentals.
13. Hertz
Hertz is one of the oldest and most well-known car rental companies in the world. Hertz offers a wide variety of cars to choose from, including economy cars, luxury cars, and SUVs. Hertz also has a large network of locations, so you can easily find a car to rent, no matter where you are.
To rent a car from Hertz, simply visit their website or call their customer service line. You can also rent a car at one of Hertz’s many locations. Hertz offers a variety of rental options, including daily, weekly, and monthly rentals.
14. Avis
Avis is another popular car rental company. Avis offers a wide variety of cars to choose from, including economy cars, luxury cars, and SUVs. Avis also has a large network of locations, so you can easily find a car to rent, no matter where you are.
To rent a car from Avis, simply visit their website or call their customer service line. You can also rent a car at one of Avis’s many locations. Avis offers a variety of rental options, including daily, weekly, and monthly rentals.
15. Thrifty
Thrifty is a budget-friendly car rental company. Thrifty offers a wide variety of cars to choose from, including economy cars, luxury cars, and SUVs. Thrifty also has a large network of locations, so you can easily find a car to rent, no matter where you are.
To rent a car from Thrifty, simply visit their website or call their customer service line. You can also rent a car at one of Thrifty’s many locations. Thrifty offers a variety of rental options, including daily, weekly, and monthly rentals.
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Tips for Booking a Cheap Car Rental
- Compare prices from different companies. Don’t just book with the first company you see. Take the time to compare prices from different companies before you book. You can use a car rental search engine like Kayak or Expedia to compare prices from multiple companies at once.
- Book in advance. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a good deal. Car rental companies often raise their prices closer to the rental date.
- Be flexible with your dates and times. If you’re flexible with your travel dates and times, you’re more likely to find a cheap car rental. Car rental companies often offer discounts for rentals during the off-season or at less popular times of day.
- Consider renting from a smaller company. Smaller car rental companies often offer lower prices than larger companies. However, it’s important to do your research before you rent from a smaller company to make sure that they are reputable.
- Look for discounts and promotions. Many car rental companies offer discounts and promotions throughout the year. Be sure to check for discounts before you book. You can often find discounts on the car rental company’s website or on social media.
Additional Tips for Families
- Choose the right size car. When renting a car for a family, it’s important to choose the right size car. Make sure that the car has enough seats and cargo space for your family and all of your luggage.
- Consider renting a minivan. Minivans are a great option for families with young children. Minivans offer plenty of seating and cargo space, and they usually have features like child safety seats and entertainment systems.
- Ask about child safety seats. If you’re renting a car in the United States, you’re required to provide child safety seats for your children. Many car rental companies offer child safety seats for rent. Be sure to ask about child safety seats when you’re booking your car rental.
- Be aware of the age restrictions. Most car rental companies have age restrictions for drivers. Drivers are typically required to be at least 21 years old to rent a car. However, some car rental companies have higher age restrictions for certain types of cars, such as minivans and SUVs.
- Purchase insurance. It’s important to purchase insurance when you’re renting a car. Insurance will protect you in case of damage or theft. You can purchase insurance from the car rental company or from a third-party insurance provider.
Conclusion
Booking a cheap car rental can be easy if you follow the tips above. Be sure to compare prices from different companies, book in advance, and be flexible with your dates and times. You can also save money by considering renting from a smaller company or looking for discounts and promotions.
Here are the 10 most asked FAQs about car rentals:
- What is the minimum age to rent a car?
The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21 years old. However, some car rental companies have higher age restrictions for certain types of cars, such as minivans and SUVs.
- What do I need to rent a car?
To rent a car, you will need a valid driver’s license, a credit card, and proof of insurance.
- What types of cars are available to rent?
Car rental companies offer a wide variety of cars to rent, including economy cars, luxury cars, minivans, and SUVs.
- How much does it cost to rent a car?
The cost of renting a car varies depending on the type of car you rent, the rental period, and the location. However, you can expect to pay at least $50 per day for a basic economy car.
- What are the different types of car insurance?
There are three main types of car insurance: liability insurance, collision damage waiver (CDW), and loss damage waiver (LDW). Liability insurance protects you if you are in an accident and injure someone else or damage their property. CDW protects you from the cost of repairing damage to the rental car if you are in an accident. LDW protects you from the cost of replacing the rental car if it is stolen or totaled.
- What is the fuel policy for rental cars?
Most car rental companies have a full-to-full fuel policy. This means that you must return the car with the same amount of fuel in the tank as when you picked it up. If you do not return the car with a full tank of fuel, you will be charged for the difference.
- What are the drop-off fees for rental cars?
Some car rental companies charge drop-off fees if you return the car to a different location than where you picked it up. Drop-off fees vary depending on the car rental company and the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations.
- What happens if I damage the rental car?
If you damage the rental car, you will be responsible for the cost of repairs. However, if you purchased CDW, you will be covered for the cost of repairs, minus a deductible.
- What happens if I have an accident in the rental car?
If you have an accident in the rental car, you should immediately contact the car rental company. The car rental company will provide you with instructions on how to proceed. If you purchased liability insurance, you will be protected from the cost of injuries to others or damage to their property.
- What happens if I return the rental car late?
If you return the rental car late, you will be charged a late fee. Late fees vary depending on the car rental company.
I hope these FAQs help you with your car rental needs.
