Avoiding These Mistakes Could Save You Hundreds on Your Next Rental Car Booking

More travelers will be hitting the road this summer in search of flexibility, nostalgia, and a little more control over their vacation spending. While a road trip always has appeal, this year it’s particularly enticing with the cost of airfare still soaring due to the fuel crisis. Considering peak-season pricing and airport chaos in full swing, experts say a few strategic moves can make a major difference when it comes to saving both time and money when renting a car. 

Adnan Manzur, Senior Vice President, North America Customer Operations at Hertz, says rental car prices can fluctuate dramatically based on timing, pickup location, and even local events, with rates often surging around holiday weekends, concerts, and national park gateways. Travelers willing to stay flexible with pickup days, where to pick up, and booking earlier are often finding the best deals—especially during peak summer travel season.

One of the easiest ways to score a better rate? Start your trip on a quieter day. According to Manzur, Thursdays and Fridays tend to be the busiest days to rent a car from airports, meaning travelers who begin rentals earlier in the week—like Tuesday—often find better availability and lower prices. Booking farther in advance for summer weekends and national park trips can also help travelers lock in lower rates before prices spike closer to departure. The company also recommends adding your flight details directly to your reservation so your rental can be adjusted automatically in the event of delays or cancellations.

“Being a smart traveler isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about making a few thoughtful choices that save time and money upfront so you’re not paying a premium for it later,” a Hertz spokesperson said. “When the basics are taken care of like booking hotels, flights and car rentals first, planning the rest of your trip feels much easier.”

Thomas J. Story

Travelers skipping air travel altogether may also want to look beyond the airport. Neighborhood rental locations can sometimes be cheaper and more convenient for road trips, staycations, and long-weekend getaways. Experts also recommend comparing one-way rental pricing for regional road trips, checking mileage limits on lower-cost rentals, and reviewing whether your credit card already includes rental car insurance coverage before paying extra at the counter.

Other time-saving hacks include choosing the prepaid fuel option if you’re in a rush on return day, updating reservations directly through the Hertz app or website if plans change, and joining the free rewards programs at various rental car companies, like the Hertz Gold+ program, which allows travelers to skip the rental counter and head straight to their car. Travelers looking to save even more may want to refill gas themselves before returning the vehicle, since prepaid fuel or refill charges can sometimes cost more than local gas station prices.

With more Americans opting for road trips this summer, convenience and flexibility have become just as important as price. “Travelers today are looking for experiences that feel seamless and are a good value,” says Manzur. “A little foresight—whether it’s around timing, flexibility, or using loyalty benefits—can stretch a travel budget much further.”