When it comes to booking a rental car, there are many websites to choose from. If you don't want to book directly with one of the major national chains like Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz or Alamo, you may be able to save even more money by using one of the options below.
Whether you have Elite car rental status or not, there are several ways to compare rental companies and find the best prices for your next rental.
We always recommend that you list your rent directly on a national network website to get an idea of the current rate before going to aggregator sites that compare multiple quotes.
Costco Travel Company
This is obvious to Costco members. Costco negotiates prices on everything from vacation packages and cruises to car rentals for its members. The site allows you to compare prices at participating Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise locations and display a network of available car types and prices from those companies so you can make the best decision.
Below is the selected airport for pricing, but once you've entered your desired city, you can select different locations within that city on the map and compare prices.
There are a few rules for renting with Costco: the primary renter must be a Costco member, but additional drivers are not, and drivers must be 25 or older.
Once you've selected your car and are ready to book, you'll need to enter your Costco membership number. One of the benefits of Costco Travel is that you can make a reservation without worrying about paying until you pick up your rental car.
Car dealer
AutoSlash is a rental car aggregator, meaning it collects information from many different rental companies so you can compare prices. One of the interesting features is that it allows you to join any membership, credit card or loyalty program you belong to and it will search for the corresponding discounts.
TPG's Katie Genter wrotea comprehensive guide to using AutoSlashcar hire purchase.
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After you enter all the relevant information, AutoSlash will send you an email with a link to view the offers. Then you can book now and pay now or pay later.
One of the interesting features of AutoSlash is the ability to track car rental prices. After making your free cancellation reservation, return to the AutoSlash website and fill out the formstay informed about rent reductions. To fill out the form, you need information about your current reservation.
You can then check the boxes for each car rental company you want to follow and choose to receive email notifications only when the price drops below the currently booked price. This can potentially save you money and allow you to book again at a lower price.
Education
Often referred to as the "Airbnb of car rental places", Turo has certainly gained popularity in cities across the US and even in some provinces in Canada and the UK. In short, Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental website that can also be accessed and managed via an app.
Many TPG employees have used Turo and shared positive experiences with itTPG rental guide from Turo. Some of the benefits of using this service include a lower fee for drivers under the age of 25, delivery service is sometimes available, and renting from a local vehicle can be more convenient than going through a car rental company.
Related:Rent a car in Hawaii with Tura
The only downside is that you usually have to return the car to the same place you picked it up, so if you're looking for a one-way rental, a traditional car rental company may work better in this situation.
A few quick test searches showed that the rental prices are equal to or lower than the prices of traditional car rental companies. The handy map shows you the locations of all available accommodation in your area for the selected dates.
While Turo doesn't have airline partners like the big car rental companies, they still doopportunities to earn points and miles for rentals. Since Turo codes in the travel category, make sure you use the credit card that will earn you the most points for your trip.
Related:Is Turo car rental covered by credit card insurance?
Expedia.nl
You may have only searched for hotels or flights on Expedia, but they also offer car rentals and the ability to book all of your travel items in one go if you want. When searching for hotels, you can check the box to add flight and car.
The Expedia car rental interface is quite simple and convenient. You can use filters to search for options such as refunded rent and cashier payment options. It's also a transparent booking site, meaning you see the company you're renting from before you decide to book.
w 2022 r.Expedia Group has announced a new rewards program called One Keywhich would combine rewards for the entire family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com, Orbitz and the Vrbo accommodation rental portal. There is still no official launch date for this new program in 2023.
AAA
If you're a AAA member, give it a tryAAA-sitenear you to see if there are car rental offers. The AAA website searches many car rental locations to find the best deals. If you are not yet an AAA member, read onTPG's guide to AAA membershipto learn more about the benefits and determine whether it's worth joining.
Some of the exclusive benefits for rent-a-car members include up to 20% off the base rate in the US and Canada, up to 10% off the base rate for international rentals, free use of one child seat and free for up to four additional drivers. which have a rating of AAA. are members.
There are additional exclusive offersused through AAA's partnership with Hertz, for example 10% discount on the fuel tank when buying gasoline at local prices, and you can return the vehicle with any amount of fuel. The Young Tenant Fee is also waived for members aged 20-24.
To begin the search process, I had to enter my Hertz membership number and was then asked to confirm my name and zip code to verify that I was a AAA member. The search feature offers payment and billing options, as well as AAA member rates and standard rates. You can even filter by car company, and at the top of the search screen you can see what discounts are available at each company.
Related:The Complete Guide to Elite Car Rental Status Deals
Conclusion
There are many search options available online to find car rental discounts. Each location has its pros and cons, so we recommend that you find a location that works best for you and takes advantage of your Elite status or membership you may already have.
And no matter what, make sure you have car insurancethrough your credit cardor an insurance company or buy through a car rental company.
Related reading:
- 9 Best Credit Cards With Travel Insurance
- 9 Car Rewards Programs You Should Know About
- The best premium credit cards: a head-to-head comparison
- Credit cards that offer elite car rental status
Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, not of any bank, card company, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
FAQs
The Best Car Rental Sites to Book Your Next Trip - The Points Guy? ›
Turo adds a trip fee at checkout that goes to Turo (not the owner). Fees vary, but in the U.S., trip fees range from 2.5% to 100% of the overall price. Turo young driver fee. Folks under 24 owe a young driver fee (a minimum of $50 per day if under 21 or $30 per day if under 25 in the U.S.).
What is the downside of using Turo? ›Turo adds a trip fee at checkout that goes to Turo (not the owner). Fees vary, but in the U.S., trip fees range from 2.5% to 100% of the overall price. Turo young driver fee. Folks under 24 owe a young driver fee (a minimum of $50 per day if under 21 or $30 per day if under 25 in the U.S.).
What is the point of Turo? ›Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing company. Formerly known as RelayRides, Turo allows car owners to make extra cash by renting out their vehicles while providing a convenient and quick way to rent a car to those needing transportation.
How do you beat the high price car rental? ›- Know What You Need. ...
- Book Early, Especially During Peak Travel Times. ...
- Take Advantage of Discounts. ...
- Join a Loyalty Program. ...
- Compare Prices. ...
- Check Smaller Car Rental Companies. ...
- Look for Coupon Codes. ...
- Read the Fine Print.
Who is the easiest car rental company? Enterprise and Hertz offer the easiest and fastest way to rent a car. With exceptional customer service, special pick-up and drop-off lanes for members, as well as dedicated phone lines, the two companies have streamlined the rental process for customers.
Is Turo good or bad? ›Ultimately, Turo is a safe and legitimate way to rent a car from a local host. Since 2010, Turo has grown into a popular service with more than 332K total app ratings and an “Excellent” ranking on Trustpilot from consumers.
How much of a cut does Turo take? ›What percentage does Turo take from owners? Turo's cut of the rental of a vehicle is between 15 – 40 percent which covers the rental, insurance, and advertising on the site that will bring customers to those renting out their car.
What city uses Turo the most? ›Los Angeles keeps the crown. As Turo's largest market four years and counting, Los Angeles still reigns supreme as the hottest place to cash in on your car.
Is there good money in Turo? ›Yes, renting on Turo can be profitable. The key is using strategies that help you get more bookings and earn consistent income. There are many, but a big one is to acquire one of the best cars on Turo, and optimize for popularity and utility.
Does Turo include fuel? ›Fuel-powered vehicles: host can charge you for the cost of refueling, plus a $10* convenience fee. Electric vehicles: host can charge you for low battery level according to these guidelines: 0%–20% charge = $50*
How do I haggle with enterprise? ›
How Do You Negotiate A Car Price? Enterprise Car Sales offers no-haggle pricing on all vehicles for sale, which make it easy to compare car prices. Our transparent pricing, combined with excellent customer service, puts the customer first and has been the cornerstone of our business for more than 50 years.
Can you negotiate buying a rental car? ›Most rental car sales lots offer no-haggle pricing, which makes shopping less stressful. However, if you have an appetite for negotiating and want to go back and forth for a few hours at a used-car lot, you might save more money at a traditional dealership, Brauer suggests.
How can I spend less on my car? ›- Keep your vehicle as long as possible.
- Buy cars that are modest or used.
- Buy fuel efficient vehicles.
- Buy reliable cars.
- Buy cars that are less expensive to repair.
- Take good care of your vehicles.
- Drive less.
- Drive conservatively.
- Enterprise, Budget, Hertz and Dollar tend to be the cheapest brands.
- Browse prices across brands and rental locations at your destination to find the best deal.
In the early sixties, Avis launched the slogan "We try harder", positioning ourselves as the world's number two car rental company.
What is the top age to rent a car? ›While there is no maximum age to rent a car in the US, it can be a different story when you travel elsewhere. Age limits vary between rental agencies and from country to country, but often fall between age 70 and 80.
Why did Turo deny me? ›Requirements with regard to age, license, identification, and communication differ by region. If you don't meet the eligibility requirements in your area, you'll be unable to book a car. Check the age requirements for the car you're trying to book. You must meet established age requirements to book certain vehicles.
How do I protect myself when renting on Turo? ›Turo offers protection plans for all guest trips. You don't need personal insurance coverage if you choose a protection plan made available via Turo. If you do have insurance, our liability provider* will supplement your personal coverage.
What happens if you damage a Turo car? ›If the damage is eligible for reimbursement to the host, Turo will: charge you a damage deposit in line with the extent of damage and the protection plan you chose. Get an assessment of the damage to determine the repair/replacement cost. Add related costs and fees under your chosen protection plan, if any.
How many miles is too much for Turo? ›Does Turo Have Mileage Limits? Although the car owner you're renting from can set their mileage limits, Turo typically places a maximum of 200 miles per day on their vehicles in order to ensure that you're using the car for the intended purpose.
How often do cars get rented on Turo? ›
If you're able to obtain a vehicle and rent for that amount, chances are your car will be rented around 22+ days a month. People will also frequent your rental more often and you'll get a bunch of repeat renters. It's also pretty hard to undercut the market when you can't get a good deal on a car.
Who is Turo biggest competitor? ›- Flexcar.
- HyreCar.
- Getaround.
- BlaBlaCar.
- Karshare.
- Uber.
- Lyft.
- Tamyca.
- Be responsive. Respond to trip requests and changes as soon as you can. ...
- Accept trips. Make guests feel welcome by accepting trips whenever you're available.
- Avoid cancellations. Refrain from canceling trips. ...
- Clean and refuel your car. ...
- Maintain good ratings.
Upgrading to Turo Go lets busy hosts like you cash in on extra demand — guests can check in self-service-style while hosts can essentially be on call during trips.
Is Turo passive income? ›Turo?” Both are rental platforms that let you share your space or vehicle for a profit, allowing you to generate good passive income. They've been making millionaires out of their owners, and it's high time you started looking at them seriously.
Is Turo income taxable? ›Do you pay taxes on Turo income? Yes. If you're a Turo host, the IRS will expect you to file self-employment taxes, as long as you “materially participated” in your own car rental business.
Do you need insurance to list a car on Turo? ›You must meet the following requirements to be eligible to list your vehicle: Have valid car insurance. Meet legal and insurance standards and requirements for your region.
Does Turo take debit or credit? ›To book a car on Turo, you must have a current, eligible payment card listed on your account. We accept credit and debit cards but don't accept prepaids cards, except for Revolut. When you request to book a trip, we send your payment card information to your bank.
Do you have to return a Turo car with gas? ›Fuel replacement inconvenience fee – If you don't refuel before returning a vehicle, your host can charge you a $10* convenience fee in addition to their cost to replace the gas.
How much does the average Turo host make? ›The average Turo hosts make around $500 to $1,000 per month, according to our research. However, earnings vary based on location, vehicle type, and other factors. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about how much you can make on Turo.