8 car rental companies and how to find the best deal

February 10, 2025

When you’re traveling for work, every minute counts. Whether rushing from the airport to the hotel or juggling client meetings with after-hours networking, you need transportation that gets you from point A to point B quickly, reliably, and comfortably. Taxis and rideshares are an option, but they’re not always available. Public transportation, while cost-effective, often lacks the flexibility business travelers need to stay on schedule.

With a rental car, you’re in the driver seat—literally and figuratively. Booking a car rental for a business trip gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want according to your schedule, not the bus’s.

Below, we’ve rounded up eight of the best car rental companies, plus a few considerations before you hit the road.

What to consider before choosing a car rental company

With countless car rental brands out there, choosing the right one can feel like a trip in itself. Below, we’ve rounded up eight of the best options, along with their pros and cons. But instead of searching one by one for the best deal, let Engine take the wheel. Our all-in-one travel platform works with 40 car rental companies, dozens of airlines, and 750,000 hotels to find you the lowest rate, all in a single search. Whether you’re traveling for business, with a large group, or both, Engine’s all-in-one travel platform makes it easy to book everything you need in one place. Just let us know your dates and destination, and we’ll handle the rest. While you shop options, keep the following in mind:

1. Rental rates and fees

Car rental rates vary based on factors like booking length, vehicle type, and the number of drivers. Before reserving, confirm exactly what the quote includes. Does it cover just the base rental cost, or are add-ons, like GPS, mileage, insurance, and fuel also included?

2. Vehicle selection

When traveling solo, an economy rental car will meet your needs. But you'll need something larger when traveling with a group. Not every car rental company’s fleet is created equal, so if team excursions or equipment transport are on the itinerary, make sure larger vehicles like SUVs, pickup trucks, or vans are also on the lot.

3. Corporate discounts and loyalty programs

Cut costs by subscribing to the car rental company’s loyalty program. Repeat renters earn points toward free or discounted perks like vehicle upgrades, insurance and accident deductibles, and cancellation protection. Use your business credit card’s reward program to reduce rental vehicle costs further while earning points toward free flights and hotel discounts. As a bonus, if the car rental company and the financial institution are affiliated, you’ll earn bonus rewards toward both loyalty programs.

4. Business-ready vehicle options

Some car rental services have convenient airport offices, with customer service representatives dedicated to getting business travelers on the road. Other rental companies offer concierge services to help clients book vehicles and problem-solve issues.

5. A payment method that aligns with your company’s policies

Some car rental companies don’t accept cash or debit when paying for a vehicle. If you don’t have access to a company card, you’ll need to rely on personal credit and then submit a claim according to your employer’s reimbursement policy.

8 car rental companies

1. Avis

Availability: Avis Rental operates 5,500 offices in 165 countries and rents cars from 50 airports across the United States and Canada.
Rental car options: Avis’ fleet includes economy, mid-size, luxury sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, passenger vans, and electric vehicles.
Loyalty program: The Avis Preferred reward program lets renters earn points toward free rental days and accessories. Members receive faster service and choose their vehicle through the Avis mobile app.
Perks: Avis offers a range of vehicle rental accounts depending on company size. They also accept rental account payments through a single business credit card and provide corporate renters exclusive offers and discounts.

2. Hertz

Availability: Of its 3,000 offices worldwide, more than 1,600 are airport locations, making registration convenient.
Rental car options: Hertz has an extensive fleet of vehicles, including luxury and electric cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans for passengers and cargo.
Loyalty program: Hertz has multiple reward programs, including Hertz Gold Plus, Five Star, and President's Circle. Depending on the program, members skip pickup and drop-off lines, access dedicated customer service specialists, and receive free upgrades.
Perks: Hertz offers a 25% discount on corporate rates. Businesses access a trip-planning concierge and customized billing options.

3. Europcar

Availability: Europcar has 2,400 car rental locations in over 140 countries, including operations in 200 airports.
Rental car options: Europcar offers premium, luxury, and hybrid cars.
Loyalty program: Europcar operates the Prestige reward program with four tiers: Club, Executive, Elite, and Elite VIP. Members earn free rentals, upgrades, and additional drivers depending on their level. Elite members also get access to airport VIP lounges.
Perks: Renters enjoy unlimited mileage and long-term bookings, plus express pickup, delivery, and collection service.

4. Thrifty

Availability: There are approximately 1,000 Thrifty rental agencies worldwide, located in most major airports.
Rental car options: Thrifty’s fleet of vehicles includes cars from economy class to luxury, pickup trucks, mini or cargo vans, and SUVs.
Loyalty program: Free membership with Thrifty’s Blue Chip reward program earns renters discounts and faster reservations.
Perks: Thrifty offers three business programs that provide companies with long-term rentals, rate discounts, and express pickup.

5. Alamo

Availability: Alamo operates almost exclusively in airports, with offices in more than 200 locations across the US.
Rental car options: Alamo offers the full range of vehicles, including four-wheel drive pickups and heavy-duty box trucks.
Loyalty program: Alamo’s Partner Reward Program allows members to earn points towards free flights and hotel stays, travel miles, and complimentary car rentals.
Perks: Alamo offers add-ons to its rentals, like ski racks and winter tires. It also provides flexible insurance options, such as a collision damage waiver, roadside protection, and international third-party insurance.

6. Enterprise

Availability: Enterprise operates more than 6,000 locations across the US, including 230 airport offices.
Rental car options: Enterprise offers a range of vehicles, including luxury cars, moving trucks, and electric SUVs.
Loyalty program: Enterprise Plus is a multi-tiered reward program offering points toward free rentals, complementary upgrades for Silver level members, and a dedicated reservation line.
Perks: Enterprise Holdings offers corporate customers discounted rates, long-term rentals, and a pickup service bringing clients to the office.

7. National Car Rental

Availability: There are 1,500 National Car Rental offices worldwide, with 230 airport locations.
Rental car options: National shares its fleet with Alamo and Enterprise, allowing customers access to the group’s full range of vehicles.
Loyalty program: National Car Rental’s Emerald Club members earn points toward free rentals while enjoying discounted upgrades and faster drop-offs.
Perks: Business clients access a dedicated account manager, travel tools, and a customized rental program.

8. Budget

Availability: Budget car rental operates 2,900 offices in the United States, with another 2,200 worldwide, including locations in most major airports.
Rental car options: Budget offers a comprehensive range of vehicles, including electric cars and SUVs.
Loyalty program: Budget’s Fastbreak Program is a no-point reward system that expedites pickup and drop-offs and offers renters exclusive deals and credits toward future rentals.
Perks: Budget’s corporate program offers business renters 30% off their vehicle, multiple billing options, and a credit of $3 per rental day.

3 ways to save on rental cars as a business traveler

Here’s how to reduce the cost of a car rental and get the cheapest rates possible.

1. Book in advance

The cost of a rental car fluctuates according to demand and fleet availability. If you need a standard vehicle, booking a month in advance will get you the best rate. Book as far ahead as possible if you require something bigger or more luxurious and already know your exact itinerary.

2. Use a business card with perks for car rental bookings

Most business travel cards offer discounts and extra reward points when used on reservations and purchases with program affiliates, like car rental services, earning renters free flights, and discounted hotel stays.

3. Use a loyalty program

Double up on points by taking advantage of the rental agency’s reward program on top of the bonuses of your business card. Depending on the program, you could earn points toward free rentals, vehicle upgrades, and discounts on future reservations.

Optimize business travel with Engine

Corporate travel planning is a lot to manage. Between rental cars, flights, and hotels, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Let Engine handle the details for you. Our exclusive all-in-one platform connects you with car agencies, accommodations, and airlines to access the best rates possible. If plans change, Engine will take care of the cancellations and other updates so you can focus on what matters: Doing business.

‍Get started for free and discover modern travel management with Engine.

Article written by

HE Marketing

Meet the Engine Marketing Team, where creativity is combined with strategy to craft engaging and informative content. Our team is dedicated to curating stories and articles that provide valuable insights into the world of travel, accommodation, and hospitality.