After the record prices for rental cars in the last holiday season, the price has fallen again, but Thomas Oppenheim, head of the ÖAMTC travel agency and ÖAMTC rental car services, advises booking a rental car for the Easter holidays now.

“You shouldn't rely on any last-minute offers this year either – it's best to book early enough. On average, early bookers can save around 24 percent.” In general, one can expect that the price of rental cars in 2023 will remain slightly lower than in the previous year 2022 due to the better availability of cars.

“Prices are based on supply and demand – demand is lower in the off-season and so is the price. If you are traveling during the Easter holidays and want to use a rental car, you should not only compare prices and providers, but also book quickly. Holidaymakers in Spain or the USA save the most, with these popular destinations the savings potential for early bookers is particularly high,” says the ÖAMTC travel expert.

Tips to keep in mind when booking a rental car

Check prices before booking your holiday: “Before you book your flight, hotel, etc., you should find out about the prices from the respective providers. Once the flight has been booked and the trip planned, you have to accept the prices and can no longer simply switch to an alternative destination,” advises Oppenheim.

Compare prices and providers: “A comparison of the different providers, but also of different vehicle classes and offers from one provider, can be worthwhile. It is important that you not only look at the price, but above all at the overall package - e.g. B. what insurance is included in the price,” says the ÖAMTC expert.

Rental car from the airport: It is particularly practical for air travelers if they can rent a rental car at the airport - this saves them the transfer to their accommodation. In such a case, the flight number, if available, can be specified when booking. This will be passed on to the local car rental company to inform them of any delays.

Read terms and conditions and check services: Before booking, you should check the terms and conditions and insurance cover carefully. In this way, it can be estimated in advance whether there will be additional costs – such as for child seats, navigation devices or a surcharge for young drivers under the age of 25. “It is also important to check in advance by when and under what conditions free cancellation is possible. Additional cancellation insurance is particularly worthwhile if you book the rental car well in advance,” says Oppenheim.

Return of the rental car: When booking, you should find out the conditions under which you have to return the rental car. For example, the car usually has to be returned with a full tank.