How I saved a further £100 on already cheap car hire by booking early and rechecking prices

When planning a holiday, sorting out cost effective transportation can be challenging. I always aim to find great deals, especially for car hire. My technique is to book my rental car well in advance and recheck prices periodically. Last night I applied the technique and saved a further £100+ off what I had accepted as already a good deal. Here’s the actual detail from my real world example.

TL;DR

I've a car booked with stressfreecarrental.com for 7 days in September, to be collected from and returned to Brindisi airport. I booked in February after shopping around for a few hours and got the car that I wanted - knowing that if I wanted to, I could easily cancel. The cost was £11.48 deposit online, with a further 199.74 Euros to pay on collection.

Last night, as part of my regular checks of the 3 car rentals I've currently got booked, I checked current pricing for an equivalent booking - via skyscanner.com and found a similar car with a different supplier GotRentalCars.com - but for just £83. I booked it and cancelled the original booking. That's a £100+ saving for just 10mins work.

I won't get cheaper than £13/day - so will take this particular booking off my regular checks.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Booking my vehicle several months before my travel date was the first step to getting a great deal. Car hire prices can fluctuate dramatically. It’s not uncommon for rates to increase as the departure date approaches, particularly during peak travel seasons. However they can also fall.

I researched online and found a reputable car hire service that offered free cancellations and flexible bookings.

Having the ability to cancel my booking without any penalty gave me peace of mind. I felt secure in my choice while also keeping the door open to better offers.

Car parked on a scenic open road

Keeping an Eye on Price Fluctuations

I've made it a habit to check car hire prices, along with hotels, experiences and car parking every few weeks. Once you've benefited from this approach the habit naturally beds in.

Thanks to the cancellable option, I canceled my original reservation and easily secured the new deal.

The Best Part: Low-Risk, High-Reward

This strategy combines low risk with high reward. By booking early, my transportation was already set. I could keep looking for better prices without the fear of getting stranded. Found this on the internet - A 2023 study found nearly 40% of frequent travelers use this same tactic, highlighting its effectiveness.

Passengers often discuss finding value during their trips, and this approach exemplifies that. The option to cancel and rebook was key in getting the most for my money. I've learned that smart planning can lead to substantial savings, and more that it can be applied to hotel, car parking and experience bookings.

The Emotional Satisfaction of a Great Deal

Saving money on car hire is not just about the pounds saved; it’s about the satisfaction of making smart decisions. Each time I manage to secure a lower rate, I feel a sense of achievement - a travel superhero, overcoming the challenges of pricing to secure a great deal.

It's not just a savings game; it’s about the pride that comes from being strategic and informed.

Scenic road leading into the horizon

What Makes a Great Cancellable Option?

If this approach appeals to you, look for these key features in a cancellable car hire:

1. Flexibility

   Choose a service that allows free cancellations and modifications. This way, you can adjust your booking if better deals arise.

   
   

2. Check Pricing Regularly

   I do this manually as part of my other regular checks.

   I'd looked at services that do this for you - but didn't like the way that they would take-over your booking.

   
   

3. Transparent Pricing

   Always check for hidden fees, different terms. Clear pricing helps you confidently make the decision to cancel and rebook.

   
   

In Conclusion

Getting a good deal doesn't have to be stressful. By booking my car hire early and keeping track of prices, its a simple process.

If you are preparing for your next holiday, consider using this method for your car hire. It's effective and allows you to appreciate the value of your expenditure. Enjoy your travels!