Budget-Friendly Van Rental Tips

21 Dec-2022

Renting a van doesn’t have to strain your budget. With a little planning, you can lock in a comfortable, reliable van and keep the cost down. Here are our favorite ways to save money on a van rental — without cutting corners on quality.

Do a little market research first

Prices and vehicles vary a lot between companies, so look around before you book. Check what’s available and what it costs, and lean toward established, properly licensed companies with a solid track record — a rock-bottom price isn’t a deal if the van isn’t maintained or the company is hard to reach.

Get a few detailed quotes

Don’t book the first van you find. Ask your top two or three choices for an itemized quote — fees included — and compare. Seeing the real numbers side by side often turns up a better price and prevents surprises at checkout.

Travel as a group and split the cost

This is the biggest saver of all. One van shared among a group is far cheaper per person than everyone driving or booking separately. Split the rental and fuel across the party, take turns driving on longer trips, and everyone comes out ahead.

Choose a fuel-efficient van and drive smart

Fuel is one of the biggest trip costs, so good mileage saves real money over a long drive. Keep your speed reasonable, ease off hard acceleration, and remember that steady highway miles are usually more economical than stop-and-go city driving.

Watch out for one-way fees

One-way rentals usually cost significantly more, and some companies don’t offer them at all. If you can return the van to the same location you picked it up from, you’ll almost always pay less.

Know the fuel policy

Read how the company handles fuel before you sign. With some pre-paid-tank options, returning the van half full means paying for gas you never used. Usually the cheapest approach is to return it filled to the level you got it.

Inspect the van before you drive off

A careful walk-around protects your wallet. Check the brakes, tires, and lights, and note any existing dents or scratches with the company before you leave — catching them up front keeps you from being charged for damage that wasn’t yours.

The bottom line

A little research, a group to share with, and attention to the fine print add up to real savings. At Chicago Van Rentals, we keep pricing straightforward and the fleet well-maintained, so a budget-friendly rental never means a compromise. Call (773) 800-9898 for a quote.

Best-value vans for a budget trip

For the lowest cost, our Ford Transit 15-passenger and 12-passenger Low Roof vans are the most economical way to keep a group together, with a 7-passenger minivan for smaller trips. Drive yours anywhere across the USA and into Canada — browse the full fleet.