Find the Cheapest Car Rental Company in Orange County, CA
Road trips are back in trend, as people are avoiding public transport as much as possible after the COVID pandemic. The pandemic might have ended, but it has scared people to the point that they are willing to book expensive car rentals, but public transport is a big NO.
Car rentals do not have to be as expensive as you see in advertisements. In fact, they are an affordable way to plan your journey—whether you are traveling solo or with your family. Sadly, some companies charge a steep price for rental services.
Finding the cheapest car rental in Orange County isn’t difficult, but it takes some research and patience to get a deal that’s affordable and convenient. Below we have shared a few tips for getting the best price for car rentals. Let’s take a look.
Don’t Book at the Airport
Airport taxis look like the most convenient option when you are flying into a new city. But are they affordable? You will probably end up paying double the standard rates if you book a taxi at the airport. That’s because airport surcharges are also applied. You are charged a fixed dollar price, which can be several dollars a day (sometimes, a three-figure rate), depending on the length of your journey.
If you book car rentals in the city, you will find a comparatively more affordable deal than booking a taxi at the airport. You also get to select a car of your choice. Booking a car rental away from the airport is a viable option if you have a strict travel budget.
Check and Compare Weekday/Weekend Car Rental Rates
There’s no fixed duration or season for which the car rentals are the cheapest. It depends on the demand, availability of the car, and the services you need. Sometimes, your best bet is to book the car for the number of days you need them. Sometimes, booking car rentals for the entire week is cheaper, even if you need them for 2-3 days only. Always compare weekday and weekend car rental prices before booking. Make sure you check if the rental company charges a penalty for returning the car early.
Also, remember that most rental cars are booked by business travelers. Since business meetings are conducted over weekdays, car rentals are cheaper during weekends. If you don’t have a strict schedule, consider moving your trip to the weekend. This will save you a few dollars on car rental booking.
Use One Driver
Adding an extra driver will charge you an additional fee every day till you return the car. You don’t necessarily need a second driver unless it’s absolutely important. The fee can range between $10 and $40, but it can be higher for certain locations. Some companies waive the fee for spouses or family members, but most of them charge extra if you book two drivers. Also, note that an additional fee is applicable if your driver is below 25 years. Check the terms and conditions for driver fees before selecting a car rental company.
Don’t Buy Additional Car Insurance
When booking car rentals, you have the option to buy insurance to secure your trip. If you own a car, you will most likely have insurance that covers all your car trips, irrespective of whether you are driving your car or a rental vehicle. Your credit card might also offer car insurance if you use that for booking a rental car. So, before you check the “buy car insurance” box, check if your credit card or existing car insurance cover all your road trips. If yes, there’s no need for additional insurance.
Pay Upfront
Some car rental companies in Orange County are willing to offer a discount to people paying the rental fee upfront and in full. Even if you could save a third of the total price, it’ll be worth it. Check if the company offers a special discount for making payments through credit cards, banks, or mobile wallets. Car rental companies offer a small discount for paying upfront through certain apps or cards.
Drop the Extras
When booking a car, you will be tempted to sign up for the add-ons. While those may look pretty exciting, they will cost you extra. Besides, for most of these features, there are cheaper alternatives you can try.
For example, GPS is available on your phone. Use Google Maps for smooth navigation instead of buying GPS service as an add-on. For a seamless experience, bring a mounting device for your phone and a charger. If you are traveling overseas and want to avoid hefty internet bills, you can always use paper maps.
Likewise, a child’s seat is required when you are traveling with a toddler, but that’s also avoidable. You can ask your friend to bring an extra seat for your little one or rent a toddler seat at reasonable rates. It will save you up to $10 a day.
Consider Small and Economy Cars
Car rental companies have all varieties of cars—ranging from SUVs to compact taxis. Rental cars are priced based on the number of passengers and total luggage they can accommodate. The smaller, economy cars are the cheapest. Although they are mostly pre-booked, you can find a compact car that fits 2-3 passengers and is available at a comparatively lower price than a 5-seater or a luxurious limo.
Sometimes, the smaller vehicles aren’t available when you arrive at the car rentals to pick up your vehicle. If that’s the case, you will get an upgrade for free.
Finding the best rental car deals in Orange County can get tricky. It’s best to book early or when there’s a discount on car rentals. Do your homework before finalizing a rental vehicle. You can always find cars of the same brand and seating capacity at cheaper rates if you take some time to research. If price is your main concern, check out available cars at SNA Auto Rental and book a vehicle that’s affordable and fits your needs.
