Budget Car Hire In Auckland: 11 Tips To Help You Save

For those traveling to Auckland and looking for an affordable car hire, our team at Speedy Rentals has compiled a list of money-saving strategies. By implementing these practical tips you can budget car rental expenditure and enjoy your Auckland trip without breaking the bank.

1. Search for the Cheap Deals

First things first, before you approach any car hire service make sure to do your research extensively. Fish the web to find the cheapest rental options available in Auckland and shortlist them depending on their reliability. Evaluate different options to find the one that is cheap yet reputable. This way you can find the best deal that matches your budget and travel needs.

2. Book your Vehicle Online

Once you have done your research and found a suitable rental option, we suggest that you book your vehicle online. Nowadays, many car rental companies offer a mainstream booking procedure that allows individuals to pre-book their favorite rental car. You can either book through the agency's website or by calling their reservation number. Despite providing convenience and comfort, online reservation procedures still cost less than in-person rentals due to their minimum overhead expenses.

Budget Car Hire In Auckland

3. Avoid Airport Locations

If you are looking for a budget car hire in Auckland, this is a major tip to help you save. When making your rental reservation refrain from choosing airport branches as they tend to cost higher due to convenience factors. In fact, a recent study by NerdWallet shows that it is 18.4% more expensive to rent a car from the airport than downtown and uptown locations. We recommend hiring a cab or shuttle from a reliable service to go from the airport to your rental depot.

4. Stick with Round-Trip Rentals

Just like airport depot locations avoid one-way rentals as they are just a money-grabbing tactic for rental agencies. If you are traveling in Auckland there is no need to get a one-way car rental. You can easily skip this convenience and stick to the round-trip rental option. Yes, it won't give you the flexibility of dropping off your car just anywhere, but it will save your pocket from unnecessary expenditures.

5. Inspect Hidden Charges

Before you book online or sign the rental agreement, peruse all the policies to ensure they are convenient for you. Not all, but some sneaky hire agencies try to swindle their customers by being vague about their terms and conditions. Always go through the fine print even if you have read all the terms and conditions online. Read the rental agreement thoroughly to check whether there are any additional charges you haven't read online.

Budget Car Hire In Auckland

6. Rent an Economy-Class Vehicle:

This is probably the most effective tip for getting a cheap car rental in Auckland. If you don't already know, driving in Auckland is very easy and you can adjust to the local routes and rules. That's why we recommend renting the cheapest vehicle option and instead spend generously exploring Auckland's city attractions and scenic sights. Go with the simplest car rental option. Choose a vehicle that is compact and has good fuel efficiency to have a budget car hire in Auckland.

Pro Tip: Choose from Speedy Rentals’ extensive range of affordable yet comfortable vehicles.

Budget Car Hire In Auckland

7. Skip Additional Accessories

Want to save big bucks on car rental? Think no more and skip all the features offered as add-ons. Purchasing extras might seem tempting to you, as they are commonly marketed as top-notch convenience. But let me reassure you that you don't need anything extra to make your Auckland trip smoother or better. From smooth roads to navigation panels to well-managed traffic systems, you can readily adjust your driving here. If you are worried about tackling unfamiliar routes, skip the built-in GPS option and download a navigation app on mobile.

8. Pick a Basic Insurance Plan

If you are renting a car in Auckland, you will most likely be offered insurance coverage as it is mandatory. Although paying for insurance is unavoidable, you can still lower this cost. The key here is to pick the most basic insurance option as it will probably cost the least. Nevertheless, make sure to read your insurance plan to see what damages it covers. Choose a plan that covers at least basic damages like minor scratches as there’s a high possibility of such incidents.

9. Follow Rules and Regulations

Here is yet another tip to help you save on car rental. Try sticking to the company’s rental rules and regulations as violating them often results in surge penalties. If you are required to return the car with a full tank, refuel it, otherwise you will have to pay hefty fuel fines. If you are restricted from using the car on off-road paths, avoid it, unless you want to face compensatory damages

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10. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons

If you want to explore Auckland on a budget, avoid traveling during peak seasons especially from December to February. Now this tip might not be for you if you are visiting Auckland specifically for holidays. However, you can still cut down some of the cost by hunting for car rentals months ahead. Just like airline systems, many rental agencies allow customers to book their ideal type of car months ahead. Try to book your vehicle at least 2-3 months before your trip.

11. Hunt for Discounts

Before making your car rental payment, check with your credit card supplier and international membership programs for deals and discounts. Some major credit and debit card providers offer discounts on car rentals and provide insurance coverage as well. Moreover, don't forget to check your international automobile memberships for deals and promo codes for budget car hire in Auckland.