Everyone wants a cheap rental car, but most travelers fall into the same expensive traps: booking through aggregators, ignoring local providers, accepting hidden fees, and choosing the wrong car type for their trip. The good news? You can save 30-50% on self drive car rentals by using these 11 smart tricks that most people overlook.
This isn't about compromising safety or quality—it's about booking smarter. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway from Vijayawada, a business trip to Hyderabad, or a family road trip to Vizag, these proven strategies will help you get the cheapest rental car without the headaches.
Third-party websites promise "the lowest prices," but they add 15-25% commissions that get passed to you. Local providers like Aman Self Drive offer the same cars at lower rates without middlemen.
Action Step: Call/WhatsApp local providers directly instead of browsing 10 websites.
Weekend demand spikes rental prices by 40-60%, while Tuesday to Thursday bookings often come with unadvertised discounts.
Pro Tip: For weekend trips, pick up Thursday evening, return Sunday evening to split peak/off-peak rates.
Most people book 24-hour packages even for 8-10 hour trips, wasting money. Aman's 12-hour packages save 40% for short trips.
| Package | Swift Dzire | Creta | Ertiga |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Hours (200 km) | ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 |
| 24 Hours (400 km) | ₹2,500 | ₹3,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Savings | 40% | 43% | 43% |
Perfect For: Airport transfers, city tours, day trips to Amaravathi or Manginapudi Beach.
CNG vehicles cut fuel costs dramatically while maintaining performance. Aman's CNG fleet is your cheapest long-distance option.
Aman CNG Options: Hyundai Exter CNG, Brezza CNG, Ertiga CNG, Wagon R CNG—all starting at ₹1,500-₹3,500/day.
Airport locations charge 20-30% premium for "convenience." City pickups save money and avoid airport congestion.
Savings: ₹300-₹700 per day + free pickup within city limits with Aman.
Websites show "base rates," but calling unlocks unadvertised deals, loyalty discounts, and bulk booking offers.
Real Example: Website shows ₹3,000/day for Ertiga. Phone negotiation gets ₹2,600/day for 3 days.
Many "must-have" add-ons are unnecessary profit centers.
Don't rent a luxury SUV for a solo city trip. Match vehicle to trip type for maximum value.
| Trip Type | Right Car | Wrong Car | Daily Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo/Couple City | Swift (₹2,500) | Fortuner (₹15,000) | ₹12,500! |
| Family Highway | Ertiga (₹3,500) | 3 Swift cars | ₹4,500 |
Ask about referral programs, repeat customer discounts, and corporate rates—even if you're not a corporation.
Action: Always ask, "Do you have any special offers or referral discounts?"
For trips over 10 days, monthly packages crush daily rates.
Perfect For: Relocations, project work, long vacations, employee transportation.
Don't pay to drive back empty. One-way service saves time and fuel.
Total Savings: Fuel + time + rental days for return journey.
Cars sitting idle represent lost revenue. Call 1-2 days before travel:
These strategies are proven across providers, but Aman makes them easiest to execute:
Result: 30-50% savings vs standard aggregator booking.
Stop overpaying for car rentals. Use these 11 tricks and book smarter with a trusted local provider who actually wants you to save money.
Your cheapest self drive car is one call away—no aggregator fees, no hidden charges, just transparent pricing and excellent vehicles.
Pro Tip: Mention this blog when calling for special reader discount!
