Renting a car doesn't have to cost a fortune. With the right strategy, you can save hundreds – sometimes thousands – on your next car rental. In this guide, we share our best money-saving tips, from booking timing to smart choices at the counter.
📖 Contents
💰 #1 Book in advance – not last minute
This is the easiest way to save money. Rental car prices work like airline tickets – they rise the closer you get to the departure date.
Potential savings: 20-50%
Booking early gives you not only lower prices but also better selection of cars. During peak season (Christmas, Easter, summer), popular car classes can sell out completely.
📊 Example: Mallorca in July
Same car, same week – half the price!
💡 Pro tip
Book with free cancellation and keep monitoring the price. Find cheaper later? Cancel and rebook!
💰 #2 Compare prices – always
Prices vary enormously between different rental companies and brokers. The same car can cost twice as much at one company compared to another.
Potential savings: 30-70%
Use a comparison service (like ours!) to see prices from all major companies at once. It takes seconds and can save you hundreds.
Remember that cheapest isn't always best – also check what's included in the price (insurance, mileage, etc.) and read reviews about the rental company.
⚠️ Avoid
Never book directly at the airport without comparing first. Walk-in prices are almost always significantly higher than online prices.
💰 #3 Choose the right car size
Do you really need an SUV? A smaller car is cheaper to rent, uses less fuel, and is easier to park.
Potential savings: €20-50/day
Think about what you actually need the car for:
- 2 people + hand luggage: Economy class is plenty
- 2-3 people + suitcases: Compact or intermediate class
- 4 people + lots of luggage: Intermediate class or estate
- 5+ people or ski trip: Large car or minivan
💡 Tip
Check the trunk space in the car description. The number of suitcases that fit is often listed – count to avoid needing to upgrade on site.
💰 #4 Buy insurance smart
Insurance is where many waste money unnecessarily. Buy Full Coverage through your booking – not at the counter.
Potential savings: €10-30/day
At the rental counter, expensive insurance packages are often offered. Full Coverage that you buy in advance through us often costs a fraction – and provides the same or better protection.
📊 Example: 7-day rental in Spain
Same protection – €126 cheaper!
Read more in our complete insurance guide.
💰 #5 Avoid the fuel trap
Wrong fuel policy can cost you hundreds extra. "Full to Full" is always best.
Potential savings: €30-80
There are different fuel policies – and the difference in cost can be enormous:
- Full to Full (best): You get a full tank and return it full. You only pay for the fuel you use, at market price.
- Full to Empty: You pay for a full tank at pickup and don't need to refuel before return. Sounds convenient but is expensive – you pay for fuel you might not use.
- Same to Same: Return with the same level as at pickup. Hard to hit exactly and can lead to extra charges.
⚠️ Expensive mistake
If you return a "Full to Full" car without refueling, the company charges you for the fuel – often at double the market price plus a service fee.
💡 Tip
Find a gas station near the return location before returning the car. Stations right at the airport are often more expensive.
💰 #6 Skip unnecessary extras
GPS, child seat, additional driver – the extras can quickly become more expensive than the car itself. Think before you add!
Potential savings: €10-20/day
Common extras and how to save on them:
GPS (€5-15/day)
Use Google Maps or Apple Maps on your phone instead – it's free! Buy a car phone holder if you don't have one (costs under €10) and download offline maps for the area.
Additional driver (€5-10/day)
Do you really need two drivers? If it's a short trip, one driver might be enough. Some credit cards and rental companies include a free additional driver – check the terms.
Child seat (€5-10/day)
A week's rental of a child seat can cost as much as buying a cheap new one. Consider bringing your own, especially if you travel often.
WiFi hotspot (€10-15/day)
Use your phone's hotspot instead, or buy a local SIM card for a fraction of the price.
💰 #7 Book the right days and times
When you pick up and return the car affects the price more than you think.
Potential savings: 10-30%
Some smart booking tricks:
- Weekly rates: 7 days is often cheaper per day than 5-6 days. Sometimes a week costs the same as 4 days!
- Weekend discounts: In major cities, there are often weekend deals (Friday-Monday) aimed at private customers
- Avoid peak season: If possible, travel outside Christmas, Easter, school holidays, and summer peak
- Flexible times: Picking up/returning in the middle of the day can be cheaper than morning/evening
💡 Smart strategy
Try different date combinations when searching. Sometimes a day here or there can make a big difference in price.
Summary – your savings plan
Here are all seven tips in brief:
- Book early – At least 2-4 weeks before, even earlier in peak season
- Always compare – Use a comparison service to find the best price
- Right size – Don't rent a bigger car than you need
- Smart insurance – Buy Full Coverage online, not at the counter
- "Full to Full" – Choose the right fuel policy and refuel before return
- Skip extras – GPS on your phone, consider bringing your own child seats
- Flexible dates – Try different combinations for the best price
With these tips in your pocket, you can easily save €50-200 on a week's car rental. Good luck!
Have more questions? Check out our FAQ or contact us!
