How to Save on Car Rental
Renting a car in the US or abroad usually means choosing between booking directly with one company (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and similar) or using a comparison app that checks many suppliers at once, like Carla. The price for the same car, on the same dates, can vary a lot between suppliers — so where and how you book matters as much as any single promo code. This guide covers the practical ways to pay less.
Current offer
No active Carla Car Rental code today. The feed updates every morning. Meanwhile, the ways to save below still work.
Go to Carla Car RentalCheck the block above, then compare rental companies through our link: Carla.
Step 1: Compare suppliers instead of booking the first price you see
Carla is a car rental comparison app, not a rental company itself — it compares offers from 900+ global and local rental companies (including Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, Sixt and Fox Rent a Car) across more than 60 countries and shows them side by side. Comparing several suppliers for the same dates and pickup point routinely turns up a lower price than booking directly with the first brand you think of.
Step 2: Book with free cancellation, then keep checking
Carla allows free cancellation of any reservation any time before the rental starts, with the refund paid as cash or as “Carla Cash” credit toward a future booking. This means you can lock in today’s price, then keep checking for a cheaper offer on the same dates — if you find one, cancel the first booking and rebook, as long as you cancel before the rental period begins.
Step 3: Choose your pickup location carefully
Airport rental counters typically add airport concession fees on top of the base rate, which can make the same car noticeably more expensive than a nearby city or off-airport location. If your travel plans allow a short taxi or shuttle ride, compare the airport price against a city-center pickup for the same car class.
Step 4: Only add extras you actually need
Rental companies push add-ons at the counter: extra insurance, GPS, additional drivers, fuel prepayment. Carla offers one specific optional add-on called “Peace of Mind,” which refunds your prepayment in full if you have an issue with the supplier at the counter — useful if you’re worried about a bait-and-switch at pickup, but skip it if you don’t need that protection. For other add-ons, check what your own credit card or travel insurance already covers before paying twice for the same protection.
Step 5: Apply a promo code before you pay
- Open Carla through our link and search your pickup location, dates and times.
- Compare the offers from listed rental companies and pick a car.
- If a code is shown, enter it in the discount field before paying.
- Review the total, including any optional add-ons, before confirming.
Car rental pricing at a glance
Carla itself does not set rental prices — it shows offers from individual rental companies, so the price depends on your dates, location and chosen supplier. Compare a few pickup points and car classes for the same dates rather than booking the first result.
Other ways to save
- Compare through Carla instead of one brand’s own site — the same car can be listed at different prices by different suppliers for identical dates.
- Choose a city pickup over an airport counter when your itinerary allows it, to skip airport concession fees.
- Book early for popular dates and destinations — prices tend to rise as availability drops closer to the date.
- Keep the free-cancellation window open and rebook if a cheaper offer appears before your rental starts.
- Skip extras you don’t need, and only add Peace of Mind if the full-refund protection is worth it to you.
Shipping and returns
Not applicable — car rental is a booking and pickup service, not a shipped product. Refunds for a cancelled Carla reservation are issued as cash or “Carla Cash” credit.
Alternatives
- Rentalcars.com (Booking.com): another rental comparison site covering many of the same global brands.
- Kayak or Expedia car rental search: general travel sites that also compare rental companies.
- Booking directly with one company (for example Hertz or Enterprise) when you already have a loyalty account with that brand and want its own member discounts.
FAQ
Is Carla a rental company?
No — it’s a comparison app that shows offers from other rental companies and books on your behalf.
Can I cancel for free?
Yes, Carla allows free cancellation of any reservation before the rental starts, with a cash or Carla Cash refund.
What is Peace of Mind?
An optional add-on that refunds your prepayment in full if there’s a problem with the supplier at the pickup counter.
Is airport pickup always more expensive?
Airport counters commonly add concession fees, so a city pickup is often cheaper for the same car — but compare both for your specific dates, since it isn’t guaranteed.
Is there a minimum age to rent, or a deposit?
Both are set by the individual rental company you book through, not by Carla — check the specific supplier’s terms shown at booking before you confirm.
What if my promo code doesn’t work?
Check spelling and expiry, and confirm it applies to your selected supplier and dates. If it still fails, contact Carla support.