How to rent a car while traveling

Book through an aggregator

An aggregator compares 20+ rental companies in one search and often unlocks rates 30–50 % cheaper than booking directly on a brand site for the exact same car.

Pay attention to the supplier rating: a “great price” from a 5/10-rated local agency at airport pickup will cost you the saving in waiting time and dispute risk.

Always decline the counter insurance

Counter insurance is the single most profitable line for rental companies — and the single biggest waste of money for travelers. It is usually 15–25 €/day for coverage you can get for 5–8 €/day when booking online.

A standalone excess insurance from a third-party provider (or the one included in some credit cards) refunds you if the rental company charges you for damage. The car-rental contract works the same; only the cost changes.

Inspect, photograph, sign

Walk around the car *before* leaving the parking lot and film a 30-second video of every side, the wheels and the interior. Note every scratch on the contract. This 2-minute habit prevents 95 % of post-return damage disputes.

Refuel before returning

A "full-to-full" fuel policy is the cheapest. Always return the car with the same fuel level you got it — the convenience refuel option at the counter is billed at 2–3× the pump price.