Comparing car rental rates is the only way to make sure that you're getting the best rental car rates available.
I don't believe that there is one cheapest car rental company or one best car rental company. I think the best company is the one that gives you the type of vehicle that you want at a great price.
Best rental car rates depend on the particulars of your rental:
Locations, Dates & Times, Car Size
The company that gave you the best car rental rate for your trip last year, may not necessarily be the cheapest car rental company for that trip you've planned next month. You need to compare rental cars and rates to make sure that you always get the best deals on rental cars!
I believe that doing some research and booking in advance will give you the best possible car rental rate.
An easy way of comparing car rental rates is to use a booking site to check different company's rates. Then try the specific company's website to see if you can get the rental car rate even cheaper by using a discount code. There are hundreds of membership programs and professional associations that offer discount codes to their members.
Always compare bottom line prices including taxes.. and remember, although I didn't check any optional purchases here, if you're going to be looking at insurance, car seats, additional drivers, etc. those prices vary ... include them in your bottom line when you compare rental cars and companies!
I checked on a major booking site for a midsize car at Newark, New Jersey Airport (EWR) for a 7 day rental in early December. Comparing car rental rates between 6 national car rental companies, I found the following:
Enterprise had the best car rental rate, with a total of $329.93 including taxes.
Dollar was next, at $339.56, followed by Avis at $524.02, National at $559.31, Budget at $584.05 and finally, Hertz at $592.53
Let's say I have a membership with Allstate Motor Club. I went back to each car rental company's website and checked the rates using a car rental discount code for Allstate Motor Club members with Enterprise, Avis, National, Budget and Hertz. The savings were:
The Enterprise rate went down to $315.19 (a savings of about 4%)
The Avis rate went down to $475.99 (a savings of about 9%).
The National rate remained unchanged.
The Budget rate went down to $520.43 (a savings of about 10.9%)
The Hertz rate went down to $432.47 (a savings of about 27%)
In this case, the cheapest rate is still with Enterprise, booked on their own website, using a car rental discount code. The big savings with Hertz jumped them to second place.
It just goes to show, that a little research and comparing car rental rates, can add up to big savings on your next car rental. Always try to use a discount code if you have one, and book in advance to take advantage of the best car rental rates and offers.
