Cheap Car Rental
Save up to 50%
Discover all our tips for renting a car at the best price: comparisons, advice, and traps to avoid.
Economy Vehicle Rates
Our best rates for city cars and compacts. All-inclusive price: basic insurance, unlimited mileage, 24/7 assistance.
| Category | 1 Day | 3 Days (-10%) | 1 Week (-20%) | 1 Month (-40%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mini City Car Twingo, Aygo, Up! | 25€ | 23€ (69€) | 20€ (140€) | 15€ (450€) |
City Car Clio, 208, Corsa | 30€ | 27€ (81€) | 24€ (168€) | 18€ (540€) |
Compact Golf, Focus, Megane | 35€ | 32€ (96€) | 28€ (196€) | 21€ (630€) |
Compact Plus Octavia, i30, Leon | 40€ | 36€ (108€) | 32€ (224€) | 24€ (720€) |
Everything Included in These Rates:
- ✓ CDW/LDW insurance (collision/theft)
- ✓ UNLIMITED mileage
- ✓ 24/7 breakdown assistance
- ✓ Main driver
- ✓ Taxes and admin fees
10 Tips to Rent Cheaper
Follow these expert tips to save up to 50% on your rental
Book in Advance
2-4 weeks ahead = 30-40% saving vs last minute. The earlier you book, the lower the price. Rates rise as availability drops.
Avoid Airports
City-centre pick-up = -15 to -30% vs airport (no airport taxes of €20-50). Unless you are heading straight on a road trip, prefer urban agencies.
Choose the Low Season
Nov-March outside school holidays = -40 to -50% vs July-August. Avoid Christmas, Easter, May bank holidays. Tuesdays-Thursdays are cheaper than weekends (-10-20%).
Go for the Smaller Model
City car vs saloon = 30-40% saving (€15-20 vs €25-35/day). If you are 1-2 people with little luggage, a city car is more than enough.
Refuse Unnecessary Options
GPS (€50/week → use Google Maps), Super CDW if you have Visa Premier (€15-25/day), baby seat (€100/week → bring your own). Saving: €20-40/day.
Handle Fuel Yourself
"Full-to-full" policy (pick up and return with a full tank) = cheapest option. Avoid "prepaid fuel" (30% overcharge) and "return empty" (fuel billed at 2× the price).
Rent for Longer
1 week = -20% vs daily rate, 1 month = -40%. If you are torn between 5 or 7 days, take 7: the daily rate drops and the total can be the same or cheaper.
One Driver Only
Additional driver = €5-15/day (€35-105/week). If possible, designate a single main driver. Over a long rental this cost adds up quickly.
Compare Rental Companies
Prices vary by 20-40% between companies for the same category. Contact local renters directly (often -30% vs major chains). Check customer reviews.
Take Advantage of Promotions
Sign up to rental company newsletters to receive promo codes (-10 to -20%). Black Friday, sales periods = discounts up to -40%.
7 Traps to Avoid at All Costs
Do not fall into these classic traps that blow up the bill
Hidden Airport Charges
Some renters advertise an attractive price but add €20-50 in "airport fees" at the end. Always check the TOTAL price before booking.
Duplicate Insurance
At the counter, you are offered a "Super CDW" at €15-25/day presented as "essential". It is often unnecessary if you have Visa Premier.
Prepaid Fuel
The "pay for a full tank upfront, return empty" option seems convenient but you pay more and cannot use the full tank.
Young Driver Fee
If you are under 25, expect an extra €15-25/day (€105-175/week!). This is not always clearly mentioned at the start.
"Mandatory" Options
GPS, baby seat, snow chains presented as "mandatory" when they are actually optional. Cumulative cost: €50-150/week.
Deposit Blocked for a Long Time
Some renters block €800-1,500 as a deposit on your card for 15-30 days after return. This can block your purchases.
Late Return
A delay of +1h is often billed as a full extra day (€25-50). Even 10 minutes late can be expensive depending on the renter.
Major Chain vs Local Renter: Which to Choose?
| Criterion | Major Chain (Hertz, Avis, Europcar...) | Local Renter (Local company) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More expensive (+20-40%) | ✓ Cheaper (-30%) |
| Availability | ✓ Everywhere, many branches | Limited locations |
| Fleet | ✓ Recent vehicles (+) | Variable (sometimes older) |
| Service | Standardised process, sometimes impersonal | ✓ Often more flexible and personalised |
| Hidden fees | Common (options, taxes) | ✓ Less common, clearer pricing |
| Bank card insurance | ✓ Generally accepted | Check beforehand (not always accepted) |
| International network | ✓ Easy return in another city/country | Limited to the region |
| Ideal for... | Multi-destination trips, reassurance | Tight budget, simple A-to-A rental |
Choose a Local Renter if:
- • Very tight budget (price is the priority)
- • Simple rental: pick-up and return at the same location
- • Stay in a single city/region
- • You have checked customer reviews (rating 4+/5)
Choose a Major Chain if:
- • First trip or need for reassurance
- • Multi-destination road trip (return in another city)
- • Business travel (detailed invoice required)
- • Guaranteed recent vehicle needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of a cheap car rental?▼
An economy car rental starts from €15-25/day for a city car (Clio, 208, Corsa) when booked in advance. For a week, budget €100-180 (€14-26/day), and for a month €450-650 (€15-22/day). Rates depend on the season, destination, and booking lead time.
How do I find the best price for a car rental?▼
To find the best price: book 2-4 weeks in advance (+30% saving), choose an economy city car, avoid airports (15-30% surcharge), rent in low season, refuse unnecessary options (GPS, insurance if duplicate), and compare rental companies. Prefer longer rentals (sliding-scale rates).
What hidden fees should I avoid in car rental?▼
The main hidden fees: airport fees (€20-50), young driver under 25 (€15-25/day), additional driver (€5-15/day), baby seat (€50-100/week), GPS (€50/week), Super CDW insurance unnecessary if you have Visa Premier, fuel (return empty = 30% overcharge). ALWAYS read the conditions before booking.
Is it better to rent at the airport or in the city to pay less?▼
City pick-up is generally 15-30% cheaper than at the airport (no airport taxes). But factor in the cost of transport (taxi/shuttle €30-80). If you are heading straight on a road trip, the airport remains more convenient despite the extra cost. For an urban stay of several days, prefer the city centre.
What is the cheapest season to rent a car?▼
The LOW SEASON (November-March outside school holidays and public holidays) offers the best rates: up to 50% cheaper than high season. Avoid July-August, Christmas/New Year, Easter. Weekends are more expensive than weekdays. Rent Tuesday-to-Tuesday to save 10-20% vs a weekend.
Do I really need all the insurance options offered?▼
NO. Basic insurance (CDW/LDW) is mandatory and included. If you have a Visa Premier/Mastercard Gold card, you are already covered for the excess (check conditions). Decline: Super CDW (duplicate), personal insurance (if you already have it), theft protection (included). Saving: €15-30/day.
Can I negotiate the price of a car rental?▼
Yes, especially with local renters and in low season. Ask: "What is your best price for [duration]?" or "Do you have any current promotions?". For long rentals (1 month+), a 10-15% negotiation is often possible. Major chains are less flexible but sometimes accept promo codes.
Get the Best Price for Your Rental
Contact us for a personalised quote. Transparent rates, no hidden fees.
Free quote within 2h • From €15/day • All-inclusive price
Destinations and tips to save money
Marrakech on a Budget 🇲🇦
From €12/day in low season
Ideal budget destination: attractive rates year-round, cheap fuel.
Long-Term Rental 📅
-40% from 1 month: €270/month
The best money-saving tip: sliding-scale rates, insurance included.
Young Driver 21-24 years 👨🎓
Tips to reduce fees
Save on young driver fees: long-term packages, local renters.