From the vibrant, bustling streets of London to the idyllic countryside of Sussex, the UK promises much to see and explore. Car rental is a convenient way for visitors to explore the UK’s diverse cities and landscapes at their own pace. Hiring a car allows you to travel freely and comfortably. Unfortunately, car hire costs can quickly add up, eating into your budget, meant for other travel expenses. To avoid breaking the bank, follow these seven tips for saving on car rental in the UK.
1. Browse Around
One of the easiest ways to save money on car rental is to shop around before you decide to rent a car. Take the time to research different rental agencies and compare their prices. While it may seem like a bit of a hassle, comparing car hire prices can save you hundreds of pounds whether you rent a car online or offline. Several online platforms or apps today aggregate prices from various providers, offering a convenient way to compare car hire prices.
2. Car Hire in Advance
Last-minute bookings can be stressful and may cost more. Instead, try and book your car rental in advance to get a good deal. Many rental companies offer early bird discounts and promotional offers. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to receive a lower rate. What’s more, booking in advance allows you to shop around for a better deal since you are not pressed for time.
3. Be Flexible with Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
Incredible as it may sound, the pick-up and drop-off location you choose for your rental car can make a vast difference to the price. Airports and downtown areas, for instance, charge a premium for rental vehicles. Instead, consider venturing further out to standalone offices in outlying areas where prices may be lower. Explore different options to find what’s convenient as well as cost-effective.
4. Fuel Policies
Fuel policies typically differ among car rental companies. Some require you to refill the fuel tank before returning the car. Others may offer an option of purchasing a full tank of fuel when you rent the car and return it empty. This may not be required and may add up costs if you are not planning on driving far. It is better to opt for a cheap car rental offering a full-to-full fuel policy, so you only pay for the fuel you use and avoid additional charges.
5. Steer Clear of the Frills
Car rental companies commonly offer an array of paid extras, including GPS devices and additional insurance coverage. While these may be useful for some, you can save money by skipping any non-essential add-ons. You could bring your own GPS device or use a mobile app like Google Maps for directions. It may also be worth finding out if your credit card company’s primary insurance policy covers rental car damage or loss.
6. Join Loyalty Programmes
Many car rental companies offer loyalty programmes that can provide cost-saving benefits, such as exclusive discounted rates, upgrades, and other perks. Signing up for these loyalty programmes is free and allows you to reap the rewards of being a valued customer. So, do take advantage of loyalty memberships to save money on your rental expenses in the long run.
7. Travel During the Off-Season
The peak travel season in the UK is during the summer months, from June through August. Prices for car rentals during this time can be steep compared to other times of the year. If possible, plan your trip during the off-season as car rental rates tend to drop during periods of low demand. Likewise, weekdays usually see more affordable rates compared to weekends, so consider adjusting your rental dates accordingly.
One of the best low-cost car rental agencies to opt for is Dollar Car Rental in the UK. With conveniently located car rental offices scattered across the UK, a diverse fleet of cars – from automatic and manual models to electric and fuel cars – and some of the most competitive rental prices, Dollar Car Rental promises real value for your money.
So, choose and plan with care and book your next trip with Dollar Car Rental in the UK today!