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Renting a car can be one of the most frustrating parts of trip planning. Prices fluctuate daily, different rental companies have their own unique policies, and unexpected fees can sneak up on you. That’s why I always start my search on Rentalcars.com—a site that compiles rates from multiple rental agencies, making it easy to compare options in one place.
But here’s the catch: while Rentalcars.com is a fantastic tool for finding rental car deals, booking directly with the rental company can sometimes be the better move—especially if you value loyalty rewards or want to avoid third-party booking complications.
So how do you decide? Let’s break it down.
The Benefits of Using Rentalcars.com
1. A Quick and Easy Way to Compare Prices
One of the biggest perks of Rentalcars.com is that it aggregates rental prices from multiple providers, saving you from having to check each rental agency individually. Instead of bouncing between websites, you can see everything in one place and compare options at a glance.
You can filter results based on:✅ Price per day✅ Vehicle type (compact, SUV, luxury, etc.)✅ Included extras (free mileage, additional driver, etc.)✅ Customer reviews of different rental companies
This means you’re less likely to overpay because you can instantly spot which company offers the best deal for your needs.
2. Free Cancellations on Many Rentals
Travel plans don’t always go as expected, which is why I love that many rentals booked through Rentalcars.com include free cancellation. If you need to change your plans, you can cancel without being locked into a non-refundable booking.
3. Discounts You Might Not Get Elsewhere
Rentalcars.com often negotiates special rates that aren’t always available directly through the rental agency. If you're looking for a budget-friendly rental, this can be a great way to save some extra cash.
Why You Might Want to Book Directly Instead
1. No Loyalty Program Benefits
If you regularly rent cars from the same company (e.g., Hertz, Enterprise, or National), booking through Rentalcars.com usually won’t earn you points or elite status perks.
Many rental companies offer loyalty programs with perks like:🚗 Free rental days after a certain number of bookings🚗 Priority service (so you can skip the counter and head straight to your car)🚗 Free upgrades when available
💡 When this matters: If you rent cars frequently or are working toward elite status, it’s usually worth booking directly with the rental agency to take advantage of these perks.
💡 When it doesn’t: If you’re renting from a company you don’t use often, missing out on loyalty points probably isn’t a big deal.
2. Resolving Issues Can Be More Complicated
If anything goes wrong with your rental—whether it’s an overbooked car, a billing dispute, or a request to modify your reservation—rental agencies often direct third-party bookings back to Rentalcars.com for resolution.
This extra layer of customer service can mean:📞 More time spent on the phone going back and forth📞 Less flexibility if you need to change or extend your rental📞 Potential delays in getting a refund if something goes wrong
When you book directly, the rental agency handles your reservation, making it easier to resolve any last-minute issues.
How to Get the Best Deal Every Time
1️⃣ Use Rentalcars.com to compare prices and see what’s available in your destination.2️⃣ Check the rental agency’s website to see if they offer a lower rate or perks for booking direct.3️⃣ Make your decision based on what’s most important to you:
Need flexibility and free cancellation? → Book through Rentalcars.com
Want loyalty points or elite perks? → Book directly with the rental agency
Found the same price both ways? → Choose whichever method you feel more comfortable with
Final Thoughts
Rentalcars.com is one of the easiest ways to find and compare rental car prices, and I use it all the time when planning trips. However, if you’re loyal to a specific rental company or anticipate needing customer service help, booking directly may be the smarter move.
Either way, taking a few extra minutes to compare options can save you money and make your trip go smoother!
💬 What’s your go-to strategy for renting cars? Have you ever found a better deal booking direct? Let me know in the comments!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you book through my links. I only recommend products and services I personally use and love. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me continue to share travel tips!
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