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Top Tips for Saving Money with Budget Car Hire

Budget Car Hire

By Budget GainerPublished about a year ago 7 min read
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Car Hire

Budget car hire is a great way to get around. But, like any other purchase, it can come with hidden costs.

The following top tips will help you save money when renting a car with Budget.

Start by asking about discounts - at the counter or over the phone. They may be running promotions, and sales or have standard discounts for senior citizens, first responders, military personnel, and more.

Don’t Pay for Extras

When it comes to budget car hire, don’t be fooled by companies that advertise low daily rates but then insist on you paying for extras at the counter. This can include everything from navigation systems to child and infant car seats – even things like cleaning agents, which are unnecessary, as you can use your products instead.

If you want to avoid paying for these extras, look for sites that aggregate prices from a wide range of rental car companies. This will ensure that you get the best possible rate. You can also use sites like Kayak and Priceline to see which offers are available to you at the time of booking and apply any coupon codes that you may be eligible for.

Another thing to look out for is late return fees and adding an extra day on to your rental rate if you drop the car off later than your scheduled pick-up date or time. These costs are surprisingly high and can add up to a significant amount of money, so make sure you stick to your original pickup and drop-off times.

As an extra, one of the most important things is to be respectful to other actors and production staff. Don’t disrupt scenes by chatting to the camera or reacting if you don’t need to, and don’t take any shortcuts to save time. Always thank extras for their efforts, and if they’re likely to be needed again in the future, get them to commit to a specific date. This will make them less likely to pull out last minute. This will also help you maintain continuity. You’ll save time, effort, and money in the long run.

Don’t Prepay

One of the best ways to save a few bucks on a car rental is to avoid prepaying for your hire. A prepaid rental may seem like the most cost-effective option, but the benefits are often offset by hidden fees and other snafus. For example, if you don’t pay with the same card as you booked the car, the rental company may not be able to verify your credit or even see the charge on your bill. Also, the rental company might charge you for using their toll-free number, which can eat into your savings.

Alternatively, you could opt for a 'pay later' service, which can often offer you a much better deal. The big caveat is that you will likely be tied into a car hire contract for longer than you would like. This can be a real pain if you have a tight schedule and need to be out of town for an extended period.

Don’t Pay for Tolls

One of the best ways to save money with the Budget Car Hire Discount Code is by avoiding paying for tolls. It may sound simple, but many people are unaware that they could be paying hefty fees for driving on toll roads.

Tolls are an increasingly common issue for travelers. It is estimated that about half of the US’s highways and roads require a small fee to travel on.

While this might seem like a great way to save money, there are some major drawbacks. First of all, toll charges can vary greatly from state to state and they can also change depending on the time of day you drive.

Next, some toll booths don’t accept credit cards and you have to pay with exact change. This can be a hassle, so it’s better to avoid them altogether.

Another option is to use an auto pass system, which usually comes in a lead-lined box that opens and closes. This makes it difficult for toll booth workers to see the device and read your signals.

Alternatively, you can opt for an electronic toll pass that is mounted in the rental car. However, if you do choose this option, remember to disable it before you leave the rental car.

Finally, you can use a third-party toll service. Fortunately, there are many of these available. Just make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully before using them. Some of them are surprisingly expensive and can be tricky to figure out.

Don’t Rent at the Airport

Airports have become the go-to location for car hire, but this isn’t always the best choice. Many companies tack on fees to the rental rate and they don’t give you much leeway.

The best way to save money is by booking your car online ahead of time. That way, you know exactly what you’re getting and there won’t be any surprises at the rental counter.

It’s also cheaper to rent a car for longer than you think. Some Budget Voucher Code providers offer weekly rates, which can be a great deal if you’re traveling for 3 or 4 days.

One big drawback is that you’ll have to pay airport-imposed surcharges when picking up and returning your car at the airport. These charges are usually intended to cover the costs of airport-fronted services, including shuttles and security.

You’ll also have to pay extra for gas, which can be more expensive than local gas prices. Some rental car companies will even charge you if you fail to fill up the tank before you return the vehicle.

If you’re renting a car for just a few days, consider picking it up at a downtown location instead of the airport. This can save you the hassle of going to the airport or hailing a cab.

It’s also worth looking into the loyalty programs for rental car companies, which can sometimes eliminate the cost of an extra driver. For example, Dollar, Hertz, Sixt, and Thrifty all offer rewards and perks for members.

Don’t Rent a Car at the Last Minute

If you are planning a trip with a tight budget and you want to save money on your car hire, you should avoid renting a car at the last minute. This is especially true if you are traveling during peak season.

According to a study published by NerdWallet, booking your car ahead of time can often get you the best rates. This makes sense because car rental companies have a shortage of inventory and demand is high.

Another reason why it is best to book your car ahead of time is that you will be able to lock in the rates you pay. This will mean you won’t have to worry about the prices going up if you need to change your travel plans later on. Save money with Travel Coupon Code.

When you are booking a car, be sure to check that the rate includes insurance and other extras you may need for your trip. These fees can add up quickly, so be sure to ask about them before you book your car.

The price you pay will also depend on your pick-up and drop-off locations. You should also check if you can return the car earlier than your original reservation.

You should also be aware that most car rentals have a minimum rental period of four days, so it is best to book your car for at least this length.

Last Word

Finally, you should always be prepared to negotiate with the rental agent. They will be trained to sell you insurance and other extras, so be ready to negotiate.

It is also a good idea to find a car that you will be comfortable driving. This will help you to feel more confident on the road and avoid costly breakdowns.

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About the Creator

Budget Gainer

Save huge money with coupon codes, vouchers, and Exclusive Deals from Budget Gainer.

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