Are you curious about the cheapest way to rent a car for a month?
It’s probably not as expensive as you might think – and there are plenty of ways to score deals on a set of wheels to get you where you need to go.
Whether you are planning a road trip or just need a rental car for a short period of time, keep reading to find out the best way to rent a car for a month.
Know the Ins and Outs of Car Rentals
Trying to find a good deal on a car rental can be tricky- there are so many companies out there and it’s hard to know who to trust.
Renting a car for less than a month can be a great option for a variety of reasons.
Whether you’re taking an extended road trip or simply need a car for a short period of time, renting can be more cost-effective than buying, especially with saving money on car repairs.
In addition, renting gives you the opportunity to drive a variety of different cars to find the one that best suits your needs.
And if you’re only going to need the car for a few days, many rental companies offer daily or weekly rates.
Trend on the Rise
When renting a car for a month or less, many people are finding that they can avoid additional fees by listing only one driver and declining extras such as GPS and satellite radio. By doing so, they are able to save money while still enjoying the convenience of having a rental car.
Check with the Big Companies First
Many people assume that the cheapest way to rent a car for a road trip is to go through smaller companies and rental organizations.
However, if you need to rent a car for a month or less, it’s definitely worth checking with the big companies first, before you do anything else.
Just like getting coupons from the mail, sometimes the biggest chains offer the best deals.
Companies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise usually have very competitive rates, especially if you book in advance. In addition, they often have promotions running that can save you even more money.
So if you’re looking for a good deal on a car rental, be sure to check with the big companies first – you might be surprised at how much you can save.
Some of these rental car companies offer better deals if you’re able to rent a car for longer than one month, but most provide discounts on 30 days, too.
These are some of the best options:
- Enterprise Month or More – Commit to 30 days, and you can get unlimited miles, discounts, and more.
- Avis Flex Program – Avis offers multiple incentives for long term car rentals.
- Hertz Multi Month – You can get up to 50% off for long-term rentals with Hertz.
- Budget By the Month – You can get discounts of up to 10% with Budget.
Tactic for Success
If you’re planning to rent a car while on vacation, you may be tempted to simply pick one up at the airport – but don’t. Many rental companies charge surcharges for airport rentals. There are fewer choices and higher prices at the airport. Skip the airport and go off site instead.
Shop Around Online
When looking for the cheapest way to rent a car, it’s important to shop around online.
The internet is one of the best options for shopping, whether renting a car or selling a motorcycle, the options seem unlimited.
There are a number of websites that specialize in comparing car rental rates, and using one of these can help you save money.
Kayak is a popular option, and it offers a variety of features that can be helpful when renting a car. Priceline is another popular website, and it offers a wide selection of cars to choose from.
CheapCarRental is another good option, and it offers some fantastic deals.
By taking the time to compare rates on these websites, you can ensure that you get the best possible deal on your rental car.
If you want to buy a car but don’t have the money, consider car wrap advertising for money to offset the costs of car ownership.
Trend on the Rise
Although you might be tempted to upgrade to a larger or more luxurious car, an economy car will usually save you money in the long run. Fuel costs are usually lower with smaller cars, and you’ll also save on rental fees and insurance premiums. Rental cars are still in short supply but economy models are usually easy to find.
Consider a Lease
When you need a rental for a month or less, leasing a vehicle instead of renting one can be a more cost-effective option.
Because leases are typically long-term agreements, car rental companies offer significant discounts on monthly rates.
In addition, many leases include maintenance and roadside assistance in the monthly payment, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected repairs or being stranded on the side of the road.
And if you’re not sure how long you’ll need the vehicle, most leases include the option to extend the term at the same rate.
So when you’re considering a short-term rental, be sure to ask about leasing options. You may be surprised at how much you can save.
Don’t want to head to the dealer to get a lease? There are websites that specialize in this unique method of car renting instead.
Here are some of the best options:
- Lease Trader – It’s like Match.com for cars – you can search all available options.
- Swap a Lease – You can search for leases based on zip code, model, and make of car.
- Avis Rentals – This popular car rental company also offers the option to lease instead of rent.
Tactic for Success
When you’re renting a car, it’s important to be prepared and know what kind of coverage you have. Most insurance companies will only cover you for one month or sometimes don’t cover rentals at all. As an alternative, many credit cards include basic insurance coverage if you use the card to pay for your rental.
Try Car Sharing
Car sharing is a great way to find rental cars, especially if you’re on a budget.
Basically, car sharing works like this: you join a car-sharing club, and then you can rent cars from the club at a fraction of the cost of traditional rental car companies.
There are a few different ways to join a car-sharing club. You can sign up online, or you can call the club and speak to a representative.
Once you’re a member, you’ll have access to the club’s fleet of cars, and you can make reservations for the dates and times that you need a car.
Car sharing is convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly, so it’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a rental car.
Leverage Your Memberships
Renting a car can be a great way to save money on transportation costs, but it can also be a hassle.
There are a few things you can do to make the process easier, though. One way is to leverage your memberships and book your rental car in advance.
If you’re getting a rental car with a membership, always read the fine print. Be sure to understand the terms and conditions of your rental agreement before you sign anything.
By following these simple tips, you can make renting a car a breeze.
Costco
One of the best ways to get discounts on rental cars is through Costco. Costco is a membership-only warehouse club that offers a wide variety of products, including rental cars.
To get the discount, you must be a member of Costco and have a valid driver’s license.
The discount is typically around 10-15%, but it can vary depending on the location and type of car.
In addition to getting a discount on the base rate, you may also be able to get additional discounts on things like insurance and fuel.
AAA
Looking to save money on your next rental car? AAA members can enjoy discounts of up to 20% from major rental companies. Whether you’re renting for business or pleasure, AAA has you covered.
In addition to discounts, AAA also offers a wide range of other benefits, including 24/7 roadside assistance, exclusive member-only offers, and trip planning resources.
So if you’re looking to save money and enjoy peace of mind on your next road trip, be sure to take advantage of your AAA membership.
AARP
AARP offers members a number of benefits, including discounts on rental cars. To get the discount, simply show your AARP membership card when you pick up your car.
You can also apply the discount when booking online by entering your AARP membership number.
The discount is usually around 10%, but can vary depending on the rental company and location.
So whether you’re planning a road trip or just need a car for a weekend getaway, be sure to check with AARP for discounts on rental cars.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for a way to save on your next car rental, consider using one of the methods we’ve outlined in this post.
By planning ahead and taking advantage of deals and discounts, you can rent a car for less than you might think.
Rebekah is a writer who covers all things education, business, agriculture, and finance. She owns a small farm business in upstate New York. Her educational credentials include a bachelor's degree in English from St. Lawrence University and a master's in special education from SUNY Plattsburgh.
