After the record prices for rental cars in the last holiday season, the price has fallen again, but Thomas Oppenheim, head of the ÖAMTC travel agency and ÖAMTC rental car services, advises booking a rental car for the Easter holidays now.
"This year, too, you shouldn't rely on any last-minute offers - it's best to book early enough. On average, early bookers can save around 24 percent." In general, you can expect the price of rental cars in 2023 to remain somewhat lower than in 2022 due to the better availability of cars.
"Prices are based on supply and demand - demand is lower in the off-season and so is the price. If you are travelling during the Easter holidays and want to use a rental car, you should not only compare prices and providers, but above all book quickly. Holidaymakers in Spain or the USA save the most, and the savings potential for early bookers is particularly high at these popular destinations," says the ÖAMTC travel expert.
Tips to keep in mind when booking a rental car
Check prices before booking your holiday: "Before booking a flight, hotel, etc., you should find out about the prices from the respective providers. Once the flight has been booked and the trip planned, you have to accept the prices and can no longer simply switch to an alternative destination," advises Oppenheim.
Compare prices and providers: "It can be worthwhile to compare different providers, but also different vehicle classes and offers from one provider. It is important that you look not only at the price, but above all at the overall package - for example, which insurances are included in the price," says the ÖAMTC expert.
Rental car from the airport: It is particularly practical for air travelers if they can rent a rental car at the airport - this saves them the transfer to their accommodation. In such a case, the flight number, if available, can be specified when booking. This will be passed on to the local car rental company to inform them of any delays.
Read terms and conditions and check services: Before booking, you should check the terms and conditions and the insurance cover carefully. This way, you can estimate in advance whether additional costs will be incurred - for example for child seats, navigation devices or a surcharge for young drivers under 25 years of age. "It is also important to check in advance until when and under what conditions a free cancellation is possible. Additional cancellation insurance is particularly worthwhile if you book the rental car well in advance," says Oppenheim.
Return of the rental car: When booking, you should find out the conditions under which you have to return the rental car. For example, the car usually has to be returned with a full tank.
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