Best 16 Ways to Save Money on Rental Car – Car Hire Uganda
Are you a budget-conscious traveler looking for the best ways to save money on a rental car in Uganda? Discover the best tips and strategies to help you find affordable car rental options, avoid hidden fees, and make the most of your travel budget.
Renting a car in Uganda is one of the most convenient ways to get around this stunning destination at your pace, whether you’re visiting for leisure or business.
However, it tends to be quite expensive due to various factors such as your car rental period, last-minute bookings, and additional fees like driver charges, among others all of which can cause your car rental costs to add up quickly.
The good news is that with proper planning and by following a few key strategies, you can significantly reduce these overall costs and secure the best car rental deal for your Uganda safaris.
Finding the best way to save money on a rental car and securing the best car rental deal in Uganda will help you stay within your budget while enjoying a smooth driving experience.
Below are some of the best tips to save money on a rental car;
Book in Advance;
Early car rental bookings in advance of your travel dates is one of the best ways to save money on a car rental. Most car rental companies in Uganda like Car Hire Uganda Limited tend to offer potential discounts for early bookings helping clients to secure the best rates. Additionally, it ensures you get your preferred vehicle choice from a wide selection.
Compare Prices;
This is best done online by visiting the websites of different car rental companies and comparing prices with an aim of getting the best car rental deal. By doing so, you’ll find lower rates across various platforms and choose the best one to book. Additionally, avoid booking through company agents, as their rates may be higher compared to when you book directly through the company’s official website.
Avoid Airport Car Rentals;
Car rentals at the airport, Entebbe International Airport (EIA), tend to be more expensive due to the extra charges imposed on them by the airport management. Therefore, we recommend booking your car rental pickup Entebbe from various companies around the city before you set off for your journey to ensure that you find someone readily waiting to transfer you to your desired location at a better cost.
Use Discount Codes and Coupons
Some car rental companies in Uganda offer promo codes and discounts. Therefore, while browsing, be sure to look out for these companies to take advantage of these offers.
Choose the Right Car Type
We recommend opting for an economy car such as a Toyota Wish instead of a luxury or SUV car if you are planning to embark on short drives around the city and don’t need extra space. Small cars are more fuel efficient and are generally offered at lower rental rates.
Decline Extra Insurance
Some car rental companies will try to upsell their insurance coverage therefore if you are already covered, or have personal insurance, we advise you to reject any additional car rental insurance to avoid unnecessary costs.
Avoid Prepaying for Fuel
Some companies offer their cars with pre-paid full tank options, but this is usually much more expensive compared to refueling the car by yourself, which can help reduce the overall rental costs. We recommend opting for a self-refueling car rental option to keep costs down.
You may also wish to know: Effective Tips to Save Fuel with a Uganda Car Rental
Check Mileage Limits
Rental companies in Uganda tend to offer different car rental plans some of which have mileage restrictions. Therefore, exceeding the agreed mileage limit results in penalties, and additional fees hiking your car rental expenses.
If you are planning to embark on long road trips, we advise you to choose a rental plan that offers unlimited mileage to save money.
Return the Car on Time
Late return often leads to hefty penalties hiking the overall expenses on your car rental. To avoid the additional fees, ensure that you return the car on time or communicate in case there is a cause for your delay.
Avoid Extra Fees for GPS and Add-Ons
Car rental agents charge extra for additional features like GPS, child seats, and others added to your rental package. To reduce costs, consider bringing your own items to avoid these extra charges.
Read the Fine Print on Rental Agreements
Understanding the car rental agreement is crucial as it will help you budget for trips wisely by avoiding unnecessary charges.
Read and understand the Car Rental agreements, look out for hidden fees such as parking fees, pickup charges, and cleaning fees. Read and understand the company’s terms and conditions before signing.
Rent for a Longer Duration When Possible
If you planning an extended road trip, we recommend renting a car for at least a full week as it is often cheaper because of the potential discounts that come with it.
Companies in Uganda offer discounts on long-term car rentals that usually start from one week and above. Always check with your chosen car rental company to see if its long-term car hire results in a lower rental rate.
Opt for Off-Peak Travel Periods
Peak travel seasons and holidays in Uganda usually come with increased car rental rates because of the high demand. Therefore, if your travel dates are adjustable, we advise you to consider renting a car during the low travel seasons when prices are more competitive as a result of the low demand for rental cars.
Consider One-Way Rentals Carefully
One-way rentals can be expensive because of the additional drop-off fees that come with it. If possible, consider returning your rental car to the same location where you picked it from to avoid additional costs.
Take Advantage of Free Cancellations
Many rental companies allow free cancellations up to 24-48 hours before pickup. This way, if you had booked early and now you found a better deal, you can cancel and book at a lower rate at zero penalty.
Rent from Local Companies
Local car rental companies in Uganda like us, Car Hire Uganda, provide better rates with no hidden fees compared to international brands like Hertz, and Avis.