Hiring a car on a budget: 8 money-saving tips
Hiring a car doesn't have to cost the earth. Follow these 8 tips to get a rental agreement that works for you.
Whether you're going on holiday or taking a business trip, hiring a car can be a cost-effective and flexible solution. Not only that, but you also get to try out models that might otherwise be beyond your price range.
We're not going to beat about the bush: nine times out of 10, if you don't own a car, rental is the way to go.
But that doesn't change the fact you'll have to spend a little bit of money to get your hands on the keys. That's why it's worth shopping around to find the best price locally.
Shopping around, however, isn't the only thing you can do to hire a car on a budget. Follow these tips and there's no reason why you shouldn't have a rental car for your trip – no matter your finances.
So, without further ado, here are eight money-saving tips for car hire in the UK.
1. Shop around for dealers
When it comes to car rental, online comparison tools are your friend. Without comparing prices, you may as well put the names of car dealerships into a hat, throw the hat in the Tyne and then go with the first one you found regardless.
As well as using these online aggregators, it's worth picking up the phone and talking to local dealerships. You could even visit them in person.
Whichever method you choose, don't go for the first dealership you find. Shop around and find the vehicle that meets your requirements
and
your budget.
2. Shop around for insurance
There's no one way to solve the problem of insurance. It's a complicated market with plenty of moving parts.
Most car rental companies will include basic insurance in your hire agreement. However, you'll still have to pay excess in the event of a crash or damage to the vehicle. Depending on the policy, this could be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pounds.
It can be worth investigating excess policies from standalone providers rather than having one bundled into your provider's deal.
It all depends on the dealership, though. Sometimes, it's more convenient – and more cost-effective – to get your top-up insurance from the same place you get your car.
3. Book early
In many areas of life, this is a rule to live by. Buy on the day and you'll be paying through the nose. Book ahead and you stand to make a saving not to be sniffed at.
It's not just advisable as a way to save money, either. It also means you get to choose from a wider selection of vehicles than if you book at the last minute.
Life has a way of happening, of course, and in the run-up to a holiday or trip, many people find car rental falling to the bottom of the to-do list. Something will turn up, right?
It's an entirely understandable occurrence. But believe us: if you book ahead, you stand a much better chance of driving away from the dealership with a smile.
We should say that this applies in the UK and many other parts of the world. However, some firms, in Malaga and elsewhere, have started offering cheap last-minute car rentals. Wherever you're heading and for whatever purpose, it pays to do your research.
4. Go off-site
Booking a car from the airport? More often than not, it's cheaper to book with an off-site provider rather than
hire a car at the airport.
As with all these tips, make sure you check the full range of opportunities before taking your pick.
5. Check your rates
What does your rental agreement include? If you don't know the answer, you may be paying more than necessary.
Most dealerships are honest and above board. But some have a sneaky habit of squirrelling unwelcome conditions and extra costs in the depths of the contract.
Make sure to read the small print carefully. You might find that you're looking at a rental agreement that's far less attractive than it initially seems.
6. Keep up your end of the bargain
The quickest and easiest way to lose money when renting a car is to fail to uphold your end of the bargain.
Your agreement will, for instance, include a date of return. If you return the vehicle late, you'll have to pay a fine. The same goes for fuel use and cleaning fees under some policies.
Oh, and definitely don't let anyone else drive the car unless they're on the rental agreement. This invalidates the insurance and could put you in a big financial pickle.
7. Choose the right size
If you're looking to make savings, don't go overboard with the size of your car. You may like the look of that estate car – but could you go with something more compact?
It's not just that a smaller car will typically cost less to rent. It's also that they tend to be more fuel efficient. Win-win.
8. Pick your fuel policy with care
Different car rental firms have different fuel policies. These can have an impact on your overall budget and the cost-effectiveness of your rental experience.
The key question is, "Full-to-full or full-to-empty?"
Allow us to explain.
Under a full-to-full fuel policy, the dealership gives you a full tank and you have to return it with a full tank. By contrast, full-to-empty means you get the car with a full tank, which you have to pay for when you collect the car. You then return the car with an empty tank – or as empty as possible.
At MVH Rental, we have a full-to-full fuel policy. In our book, this is the most transparent policy. It means you pay for what you use and get your fuel at the market price – not the dealership's inflated price.
Whichever you go for, we wish you a happy and money-saving trip.
Are you looking for
cheap car rentals in Newcastle? Affordability and great service are our specialities. Call MVH rental on (0191) 4888 700 or
get in touch online for a quick, competitive quote.
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