Whether traveling for business or a holiday, renting a car can make things easier. By doing so, one does not have to depend on public transport or cab services, which can save time getting from one place to another. Many car rentals also offer deals and discounts to attract customers. That said, individuals must consider a few factors while looking for such affordable car rental options to get the most out of them.

1. Determine all the requirements
Before approaching a car rental company, individuals must spell out their requirements to find a service that best suits their needs. For example, if someone wants to travel alone to another town for business, a small car with good fuel economy would be an affordable option compared to a bigger car.

2. Compare multiple options
One of the top ways to find affordable car rentals is to check out several services and not rely on the first one available. Since different services will have different rates and contract terms, it is possible to compare them to find the one that best suits the budget.

3. Plan the trip during the off-season
It is always a good idea to plan trips during the off-season to get the most affordable deals for car rental services. The peak season is usually between October and March and during the summer months. During these periods, the demand for car rentals, specifically 4×4 vehicles and SUVs, is quite high since there is an increase in visitors and tourists for safaris and vacations. And as demand rises, car rental prices also increase, making it hard to find affordable rates. Having flexible trip dates during the off-season can be helpful if looking for low prices. Besides, with low demand, many services may agree to rent a car with no deposit.

4. Check online
Several car rental services have websites where customers can book a car. Booking online from these websites usually gives customers access to deals and offers, reducing the total cost of the rental and helping people save money on travel. That’s why one must book online and check whether any discounts or offers are available on the dates on which one is planning the trip. When booking online, one can also look for companies that do not require customers to make an upfront deposit.

5. Use prepaid cars
When booking a car rental, one must check the terms and conditions. Many providers only offer deals and discounts to those who use prepaid cards, so applying for it is a good idea. That said, the contract terms on these cars are not flexible. Generally, one may not be able to cancel the booking later or may have to pay a cancellation fee when doing so. But, if one is sure their trip is not going to be canceled, prepaid cars are a good option to consider to save some money.

6. Pick a car with unlimited mileage
Usually, rental agencies have a fixed limit on the miles a person can drive after renting the car. Customers must pay an additional fee for every extra mile if they cross the limit. This is an extra charge on top of the rental fees and taxes. So, individuals should look for rental cars with unlimited mileage to cut this extra cost.

7. Get glass and tire insurance
Before renting a car, one must ensure they have insurance plans, like collision damage waiver and third-party liability insurance, that cover any damage to the vehicle as well as damage to others. If the rental company does not provide these coverages, customers should insist on getting at least tire and glass insurance. These policies will ensure one does not end up paying exorbitant amounts out of pocket to fix a flat tire or broken glass.

8. Look for one-way drop-off services
After using a car rental, customers are sometimes required to return to the original location to drop off the vehicle, which increases the cost. So, one should look for car rental services that offer one-way drop-off services. These are usually available at major airports and across large cities in the country.

Top affordable car rental services
Several car rentals in the country are known for their affordable fares and rates. People looking to save can contact them to learn more about the price, terms of use, and other important details required to make an informed decision.

• Avis Car Hire
• Hertz Rent A Car
• Europcar South Africa
• First Car Rental