Renting a car makes your holiday travel much more convenient, and it does not always have to be expensive. Check out these 7 easy ways to help reduce costs when renting a car.

1. Book Early
The easiest way to get the best deal on a rental car is to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, such as summer vacations. While booking early may not guarantee you get the specific car you want, failing to book in advance may leave you with whatever options are left at the rental company. This might not be suitable for a family of four if only two-seater cars remain.

2. Choose the Right Day and Time
Rental companies usually charge by every 24-hour period and may also impose fees for late returns. Therefore, make sure to return the car on time to avoid additional charges. Typically, rental companies calculate the rental period in 24-hour increments. So, if you pick up the car at noon, try to return it by or before noon. If you choose to return the car later, you will be charged for an additional full day, even if you are only an hour late.

3. Choose the Car Size Smartly
Consider practical use and prioritize functionality over appearance. A convertible sports car might look great, but is it worth the extra cost? Think about the size and specifications you need in a rental car, and do not forget to factor in fuel costs. If you need to do a lot of driving, choose a fuel-efficient vehicle. For more information on car types, see “What Class or Group of Car Should I Rent for My Trip?”

4. Choose the Driver
If you are going on a major road trip, it is advisable to share driving duties with others. However, adding additional drivers can significantly increase the rental cost, particularly if the additional driver is under 25 years old. Consider whether you can manage with a single driver for the entire trip, as this might save you a considerable amount of money. If you do need to share driving, look for special offers such as “free additional driver,” which can help reduce the overall cost significantly.

5. Bring Your Own GPS and Child Seat
If you need a child seat, consider bringing one from home to avoid paying additional rental fees to the car rental company. Rental fees are typically charged daily and can quickly add up. Most airlines allow you to bring baby equipment at no extra charge. If you do not have your own GPS, you can download free offline maps on your phone for use during your trip.

6. Find the best insurance coverage
Purchasing additional insurance while trying to save money may not seem reasonable, but it is worth considering. Find a balance that works for you: assess the potential costs you could face in case of an unforeseen event, and decide what you are willing to pay upfront for protection.
Most offers come with basic coverage (which helps limit your liability), but if your rental car is stolen or damaged, the rental company may charge you an excess fee, which can be as high as 118,000 baht. Typically, basic coverage only protects the body of the car, so you could end up paying thousands if other parts are damaged.
There are several types of insurance available: you can buy additional insurance when you book your car or at the counter, purchase excess coverage separately online, or choose to self-insure. If you do decide to buy additional coverage, you will have more options if you buy it online before your rental date, rather than waiting until you get to the counter.

7. Check Fuel Policy
Each car rental company has different fuel policies. The most common policy is “Full to Full,” which means you will receive the rental car with a full tank of gas and must return it with a full tank. This policy is usually the cheapest, as you only pay for the fuel you use. Some rental companies may offer a “Full to Empty” policy, which means you will not need to refuel after your rental. However, this option can be more expensive, as the rental company may charge additional fees beyond the cost of the fuel, and you might have to choose between returning the car with some fuel left or risking running out of gas during your last drive back to the airport.

With these steps, you will be ready to hit the road, with more money left in your pocket to enjoy your trip. Have a safe journey!