Car rental pricing is like airline pricing – if you travel at off-peak times (when there is not a lot of travelling going on)or make a reservation seven or more days in advanceyou often can get a cheaper car rental rate. Last minute rentals and travelling at peak times (like holidays) will generally cost you more.

Like airfare pricing – car rental prices change depending on car availability, the popularity of the location and other factors. Car rental companies adjust their pricing on a sometimes minute-by-minute basis to remain competitive with other companies. Unless it’s an advertised special, there generally isn’t one set rate for a particular kind of vehicle, but rather a range of prices depending on the length and dates of your reservation, the type of vehicle you rent and the location you rent from. Even with special offers, the advertised rate usually applies to a limited supply of cars or limited locations.


Rental car companies rent the largest portion of their car fleet during Monday-through- Friday business travel. Car prices will be higher then. So, generally speaking, the cheap car rental rates on cars are found on weekends when the demand for some types of cars isn’t as high. This works in reverse for the larger vehicles or specialty vehicles. For example, you can usually get a cheaper car rental rate on Minivans, SUV's and convertibles if you are renting Monday through Friday. These types of vehicles get more expensive on the weekends, when they are more in demand.

For rental cars, you are charged per day. Check to see if the company you want to rent from charges by a calendar day or a 24 hour day. This can definitely affect your rate.

Calendar day pricing is a per day charge for each day, regardless of pick up and drop off time. For example: pick up Oct 5th at 9am and returning Oct 10th at 9am would be charged as a 6 day rental. You could return anytime on the 10th for the same fee.

24 hour day pricing for this example would only be charged as a 5 day rental. But, if you returned later than 9am on the 10th, you would be charged for the 6th day. Keep this in mind when setting up your pickup and return time. Keep them the same, for the best rate possible.


Alway try to use some form of discount to get a cheap car rental rate. You would be surprised at how many organizations,companies and associations have discounts with many, if not all, rental car companies.

Often rental reservation agents are impowered to give you a generic discount if you have none of your own. Often you must ask! Check to see if there is a "special rate" or any "specials" that they can give you.


When you see a great rate for the vehicle you want - RESERVE IT RIGHT AWAY – it may not be available later! Unless the vehicle has cancellation or no show policy, you can cancel at any time, without penalty.

For more tips on car rental discounts, coupons, policies and more, visit my site at http://www.best-car-rental-tips.com