A good car rental deal is about more than the daily rate. Fuel rules, insurance excess, extra drivers and airport surcharges can turn a cheap-looking offer into an expensive one. These nine habits will help you keep the total down.

1. Book early, then check again

Prices usually rise as pick-up day gets closer, especially in school holidays and peak summer. Book as soon as your plans are firm. If you choose a rate with free cancellation, look again a few weeks later. If the price has dropped, you can rebook and keep the saving.

2. Compare the whole offer, not just the price

Two cars with the same daily rate can have very different terms. Before you choose, compare the mileage limit, the fuel policy, the excess amount and the cancellation conditions. A slightly higher price with better terms is often the cheaper option overall.

3. Choose a “full to full” fuel policy

With this policy you collect the car with a full tank and return it full. It is usually the fairest option. Pre-paid fuel can cost more than pump prices, and you rarely get a refund for fuel left in the tank. Find a petrol station near the drop-off point before your final day.

4. Look beyond the airport desk

Airport locations are convenient, but they often carry extra location fees. If you are staying in a city for a few days, compare a downtown pick-up. A short taxi or train ride can sometimes cost less than the airport surcharge.

5. Pick the right size of car

It is tempting to upgrade, but a larger car costs more to rent and burns more fuel. Count your passengers and your luggage honestly. A compact car is often easier to park on narrow city streets, too.

6. Understand the insurance before you arrive

Most rentals include basic cover with an excess, which is the amount you pay if the car is damaged. Counter staff may push expensive extra cover at pick-up. Decide in advance what you want, and read what your booking already includes. Separate excess cover bought online can cost less, but check how claims work before you rely on it.

7. Watch for extras that add up

Child seats, GPS units, additional drivers and one-way fees are charged per day or per rental. Use your phone for navigation, bring your own child seat if the airline allows it, and add a second driver only if you will really share the driving.

8. Check the driver’s age and licence rules

Drivers under 25, and sometimes over 70, may pay a surcharge. Some countries also expect you to hold a licence for at least a year, or to carry an international driving permit. Entering the correct age when you search shows the true price from the start.

9. Inspect the car and take photos

Before you drive off, walk around the vehicle and photograph every scratch, dent and scuff, including the wheels and windscreen. Photograph the fuel gauge and mileage too. Take another set of photos when you return the car. These simple steps can protect you from disputed damage charges later.

The bottom line

Saving on car hire comes down to preparation. Book early, read the terms, match the car to your trip, and avoid paying for extras you do not need. A few minutes of comparison before you book can save far more than any last-minute discount.

Ready to find a car for your next trip? Compare car hire prices with Car Hire Co and check the terms before you book.