Renting a car for an extended period can be cost-effective and convenient, whether you’re a business traveller, an expat, or someone needing a vehicle for personal use. However, long-term car rentals in India can become expensive if you don’t plan wisely.
In this guide, we’ll share smart tips to save money on long-term car rentals, covering everything from choosing the right rental provider to avoiding hidden charges and negotiating the best rates.
Why Choose Long-Term Car Rentals?
More affordable than daily rentals – Special discounted rates for long-term bookings.
Flexible vehicle options – Choose from hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, or luxury cars.
Maintenance & insurance included – No extra costs for servicing or repairs.
No long-term commitment – More flexible than buying a car.
Ideal for corporate use, expats, and frequent travelers – Provides a private and reliable mode of transport.
However, long-term rentals can come with extra charges if you’re not careful. Let’s explore ways to save money while renting a car for an extended period in India.
1. Choose the Right Rental Provider
Different rental companies offer various long-term packages, so it’s crucial to compare providers before booking.
🔹 Popular Long-Term Car Rental Companies in India:
Zoomcar – Self-drive cars with monthly rental plans.
Revv – Subscription-based car rentals with doorstep delivery.
Myles Cars – Corporate and personal car leasing solutions.
Yatracar – Affordable long-term rentals with no hidden charges.
💡 Tip: Look for rental providers that offer discounted monthly packages and lower security deposits.
2. Book in Advance for Better Discounts
Booking early allows you to:
Lock in lower rates before prices rise.
Access a wider selection of cars (especially during peak seasons).
Avoid last-minute surge pricing and limited availability.
💡 Tip: If you know you’ll need a rental for several months, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance to get the best price.
3. Opt for a Monthly Plan Instead of Daily Rentals
Most rental companies offer discounted rates for monthly or long-term bookings compared to daily rentals.
✔ Example Pricing for a Sedan Rental:
- Daily Rental: ₹2,500 per day (₹75,000 for a month)
- Monthly Rental: ₹40,000 per month (saves ₹35,000)
💡 Tip: Instead of renting on a daily or weekly basis, commit to a longer duration (1 month or more) to get significantly lower rates.
4. Avoid Airport Pickups & Premium Locations
Airport and premium-location rentals often come with additional charges like:
Airport surcharge fees (₹500-₹2,000 extra).
Higher demand pricing due to location.
💡 Tip: Rent from city-based locations instead of airports to avoid extra charges.
5. Choose a Fuel-Efficient Car
Selecting a fuel-efficient vehicle can save you thousands on fuel costs.
🔹 Best Fuel-Efficient Cars for Long-Term Rentals:
Maruti Suzuki Dzire – Mileage: 24 km/l
Hyundai Grand i10 – Mileage: 19 km/l
Honda Amaze – Mileage: 21 km/l
Toyota Innova Crysta (Diesel) – Mileage: 15 km/l
💡 Tip: If driving long distances, opt for diesel cars, which offer better mileage and lower fuel costs.
6. Understand the Fuel Policy
Rental companies have different fuel policies:
Full-to-Full – You get a full tank and must return it full.
Prepaid Fuel Option – You pay for fuel upfront (often more expensive).
Same-Level Return – Return the car with the same fuel level as received.
💡 Tip: Always go for Full-to-Full fuel policy to avoid inflated fuel charges.
7. Negotiate for a Lower Price on Long-Term Rentals
Many rental companies allow price negotiation for rentals exceeding one month.
📞 How to Negotiate:
- Ask for discounts if renting for more than 3 months.
- Request lower security deposits or waived processing fees.
- Inquire about corporate or loyalty discounts.
💡 Tip: If renting for business use, ask for corporate rates for additional savings.
8. Avoid Unnecessary Add-Ons & Extra Charges
Rental companies upsell additional services, which can increase your overall cost.
🚫 Common Extra Charges & How to Avoid Them:
- GPS Navigation (₹200-₹500 per day) – Use Google Maps on your phone instead.
- Extra Driver Fees (₹300-₹700 per day) – Drive yourself or check if a second driver is free.
- Late Return Fees (₹500+ per hour) – Always return the car on time.
- Toll Charges – Opt for FASTag to pay highway tolls seamlessly.
💡 Tip: Read the fine print in the rental agreement to avoid hidden charges.
9. Use Credit Cards with Rental Benefits
Some credit cards offer discounts, cashback, or insurance coverage for car rentals.
💳 Best Credit Cards for Car Rentals in India:
HDFC Regalia Credit Card – Travel benefits & fuel surcharge waiver.
SBI Elite Card – Cashback on travel bookings.
American Express Platinum Travel Card – Discounts on car rentals & travel perks.
💡 Tip: Use a credit card with travel benefits to save on rental costs and get added insurance coverage.
10. Check the Cancellation & Refund Policy
Before booking, understand the rental company’s cancellation policy:
Flexible cancellation – Allows free cancellation or modifications.
Refundable deposits – Ensure deposits are fully refundable upon car return.
No cancellation penalties – Avoid companies that charge heavy cancellation fees.
💡 Tip: Choose rental providers offering full refunds on cancellations made 24-48 hours before pickup.
11. Drive Responsibly to Avoid Fines & Extra Costs
🚦 Traffic Rules to Follow to Avoid Fines:
Follow speed limits – ₹1,000 fine for overspeeding.
Always wear seat belts – ₹1,000 fine for not wearing one.
No phone use while driving – ₹5,000 fine for violations.
Follow parking rules – Avoid no-parking zones to prevent vehicle towing charges.
💡 Tip: Following traffic rules will help you avoid unnecessary fines and rental penalties.
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Long-Term Car Rental
Long-term car rentals offer flexibility and cost savings, but you must plan carefully to avoid unnecessary expenses.
🚗 Follow these money-saving tips:
Choose the right rental provider with long-term discounts.
Book monthly plans instead of daily rentals.
Opt for fuel-efficient cars to cut fuel costs.
Avoid airport pick-ups and extra add-ons.
Negotiate rental rates for extended bookings.
Use credit cards with rental perks for extra savings.
By following these strategies, you can enjoy a hassle-free and budget-friendly car rental experience in India.
