The cost of renting a car has risen steadily over the last few years, driven by inventory shortages, high seasonal demand, and dynamic pricing algorithms. But 2025 also brings more tools, smarter apps, and better deal-hunting strategies than ever before.
Whether you're a frequent traveler, a family vacationer, or a digital nomad renting cars multiple times a year, this guide distills 10 expert-level tips—combined from the best industry strategies—to help you consistently secure the lowest prices.
Key Takeaway
In 2025, the combination of smart planning, flexible booking, price monitoring, and strategic discount stacking is the key to securing the best rental car deals.
- Book early
- Compare widely
- Use promo codes
- Leverage credit card insurance
- Re-check prices and rebook if necessary
1. Book Early — But Stay Flexible
Rental car rates rise sharply as supply tightens, especially during holidays, summer vacations, and major events. Booking early locks in a lower baseline price.
Yet flexibility is equally important:
- Choose Free Cancellation when possible.
- Set reminders to re-check the price weekly.
- Watch for mid-week drops (Tue–Thu often sees adjustments).
Pro Tip: Many travelers save $100+ on a single rental by rebooking after a price drop. Keep your reservation flexible until a week before pickup.
2. Compare Prices Across Multiple Platforms
No single site will always give you the cheapest rate. Agencies adjust prices independently, and aggregator platforms negotiate differently with suppliers.
Compare at least these sources:
- Direct agency websites (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise)
- Major OTAs (Expedia, Priceline, Kayak)
- Carla Car Rental — an app that aggregates multiple suppliers, offers AI-optimized deal recommendations, and alerts you to price drops
Carla often finds rates that are significantly cheaper than large OTAs because it pulls inventory from both big brands and smaller local agencies.
Before booking through Carla or any other platform, check mgcoupon.com for current promo codes—Carla Car Rental deals are updated frequently and can stack with already low prices.
3. Use Promo Codes, Coupons & Discount Programs Wisely
Most renters never take advantage of promo codes, even though major rental companies run limited-time discounts year-round.
Look for:
- Seasonal promotions (e.g., winter sales, weekend offers)
- Membership discounts (AAA, AARP, Costco, USAA)
- Airline & hotel partner codes
- Corporate discount codes (legitimate use only; some require ID)
Example Savings:
A 20–35% discount code applied to a weekly rental can instantly reduce a $420 invoice to around $300.
4. Stack Credit Card Benefits to Reduce or Eliminate Insurance Costs
Insurance is one of the biggest sources of unnecessary upcharges.
Many premium and even mid-tier credit cards offer built-in rental car insurance (Collision Damage Waiver) when you use the card to pay for the rental.
Top cards for car rentals:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred / Reserve
- American Express Platinum & Gold
- Visa Signature cards (coverage varies by issuer)
Using credit card insurance can save you:
- $10–$30/day on Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
- Extra fees for theft protection
- Charges for roadside assistance (depending on card)
Note: Always decline the agency’s insurance only if you’re certain your credit card fully covers the region you're visiting.
5. Choose the Right Pickup Location & Timing
Airport rentals are convenient—but expensive.
On average, airport concession fees add 10–25% to your total bill.
Savings strategies:
- Rent from a neighborhood location and take a quick Uber/taxi there
- Compare pickup times; prices sometimes drop for late-morning or mid-afternoon pickups
- Weekday pickups (Tue–Thu) often cost less than weekend ones
Example:
Renting off-airport in Orlando can save travelers $60–$120 on a 5-day booking.
6. Skip the Extras (Bring Your Own Accessories)
Extras are a major profit center for rental agencies.
Avoid renting:
- GPS (use Google Maps or offline maps)
- Car seats (airlines allow them for free)
- WiFi hotspots (your phone tethering is enough)
These add-ons can transform a $35/day rental into a $50/day one—without improving the experience.
7. Consider Prepaid Rates When Prices Are High
Prepayment is a double-edged sword.
Best when:
- You’re traveling during peak season
- You’re certain about your travel dates
- You find a prepaid deal that’s 15–30% cheaper
Avoid prepaying if:
- Plans might change
- You want the freedom to rebook if prices drop
Pro Tip:
Check Carla Car Rental’s prepaid options, but always compare them against their pay-later prices—sometimes pay-later is cheaper when discount codes apply.
8. Use Loyalty Programs for Instant & Long-Term Savings
Joining loyalty programs is free and often includes immediate perks.
Best programs:
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
- National Emerald Club
- Avis Preferred
Benefits include:
- Skip-the-counter pickup
- Free upgrades
- Earn points for free days
- Lower young-driver or additional-driver fees (sometimes waived)
Example:
Emerald Club members often book a midsize car but drive off in a premium SUV from the “Emerald Aisle” at no extra cost.
9. Avoid Common Rental Mistakes That Add Hidden Costs
Most “surprise fees” come from preventable errors.
Avoid these:
- Not photographing the car before leaving the lot
- Returning the car without refueling
- Ignoring mileage limits
- Using toll roads without a plan (agencies charge hefty admin fees)
- Buying redundant insurance coverage
Take a full 360° video of the car during pickup—it protects you from false damage claims.
10. Rebook If Prices Drop (The Insider Strategy Most People Ignore)
This is one of the most powerful money-saving tactics.
Here’s how it works:
- Book a rental with free cancellation
- Re-check prices weekly (or use apps like Carla for alerts)
- Cancel and rebook when the price drops
Price drops commonly occur:
- 2–3 weeks before the trip
- During weekday adjustments
- After agencies update the inventory
Many travelers save $50–$200 with this simple method—especially on weeklong rentals.
Carla Car Rental: A Smart Way to Unlock Better Deals
Carla is one of the fastest-growing rental comparison tools because it:
- Pulls prices from dozens of suppliers
- Uses AI to recommend the cheapest options
- Sends alerts when rates drop
- Includes local agencies that OTAs often overlook
This makes it especially powerful for:
- Last-minute rentals
- High-demand destinations
- Travelers seeking the absolute lowest price
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cheapest way to rent a car in 2025?
The cheapest method is to book early, compare rates across multiple platforms (including Carla Car Rental), use verified promo codes from mgcoupon.com, and re-check prices before your trip. Free cancellation lets you rebook if the rate drops.
2. Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or away from it?
Renting away from the airport is usually cheaper because airport locations add concession fees, facility charges, and taxes. Off-airport rentals can save 10–25% on the total bill, depending on the location.
3. How can credit cards help reduce rental car costs?
Many credit cards include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance, allowing you to decline the agency’s insurance and save $10–$30/day. Premium cards like Chase Sapphire and Amex Platinum offer strong coverage for domestic and international rentals.
4. Is Carla Car Rental legit for finding cheaper deals?
Yes. Carla Car Rental is a legitimate price-comparison app that aggregates deals from dozens of suppliers. Its AI-driven price alerts can help detect sudden drops. Pairing Carla’s low prices with promo codes from mgcoupon.com often yields the best deal available.
5. What should I check before I pick up a rental car?
Inspect the vehicle for damage (take photos/video), confirm fuel type, verify mileage limits, and ensure insurance coverage is correct. Also, check that optional extras were not added without your consent.
