If you’re planning a trip, you might be asking how much to rent a car for a week. Weekly car rentals typically offer a lower average daily rate compared to shorter bookings. This guide will break down all the costs, factors, and insider tips to help you find the best deal for your seven-day journey.
Understanding the final price is key. The advertised base rate is just the starting point. We’ll look at everything from car class to insurance so you can budget accurately.
How Much To Rent A Car For A Week
The average cost to rent a car for a week in the United States ranges from $250 to $700 or more. This wide range depends heavily on several core factors. Your final weekly price is built from a combination of the base rental rate, mandatory fees, taxes, and your chosen extras.
Let’s examine the main components that make up your total.
Base Rental Rate Factors
The core price you see advertised is influenced by these elements.
Car Type And Size
Economy and compact cars are the most affordable options for weekly rentals. Moving up to an SUV, minivan, or luxury vehicle will significantly increase the cost. Always book the smallest car category you think you’ll need, as you can often be upgraded for free at the counter if a larger car is available.
Rental Company
Major national brands (like Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) often have higher base rates but may offer more consistent service and locations. Budget brands (like Thrifty, Dollar, Fox) can provide lower rates. Compare prices across several companies for your specific dates and location.
Pick-Up Location
Renting from an airport location is almost always more expensive due to added airport concession fees. If possible, consider renting from a downtown or suburban branch; the savings can be substantial, even after accounting for a taxi or rideshare to get there.
Seasonality And Demand
Prices soar during peak travel times. This includes summer holidays, major festivals, and around popular events. Renting in the off-season or shoulder season is one of the most effective ways to secure a lower weekly rate.
Mandatory Fees And Taxes
These charges are non-negotiable and will be added to your quoted base rate.
- Airport Concession Fees: Added for rentals at airport locations, often 10-15% of the rental cost.
- Vehicle Licensing Fee: A fee to cover the cost of the car’s registration.
- State And Local Taxes: Sales tax and other municipal taxes apply.
- Tourism Taxes: In certain tourist-heavy areas, an additional tax may be applied.
- Young Renter Fee: Drivers under 25 typically pay a daily surcharge, which adds up over a week.
Optional Add-Ons And Insurance
This is where costs can spiral if you’re not careful. You will be offered these at the rental counter.
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This is not insurance but a waiver that relieves you of financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen. It can cost $20-$40 per day.
- Liability Insurance: Covers damage to other vehicles or property. Your personal auto policy may already provide this.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical costs for you and passengers. Your health insurance or travel insurance likely covers this already.
- Personal Effects Coverage: Protects belongings in the car. This is often covered by homeowners or renters insurance.
- Additional Driver Fee: Adding a second driver usually incurs a daily fee, though some companies waive it for spouses/domestic partners.
- Fuel Charges: You can pre-pay for a full tank or return it full. The pre-pay option is rarely cheaper unless you return the car completely empty.
- Toll Passes (e.g., SunPass, E-ZPass): Convenient but expensive. You are charged a daily fee for the pass plus the cost of all tolls. Paying tolls yourself is almost always cheaper for a weekly rental.
How To Get The Best Weekly Rental Car Rate
Follow these steps to ensure you’re paying the lowest possible price for your week-long rental.
Book In Advance And Be Flexible
Rates are generally lowest when you book 2-6 months ahead for peak season, or a few weeks ahead for off-season. Use flexible date tools on rental sites to see if shifting your trip by a day or two lowers the cost. Week-long rentals starting on a Tuesday or Wednesday are often cheaper than those starting on a Friday or Saturday.
Use Comparison Tools And Discounts
Always check aggregate sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Rentalcars.com to compare prices across companies. Then, visit the rental company’s own website directly to book; they sometimes have lower rates or special offers not listed on third-party sites. Don’t forget to apply any discounts you qualify for:
- Membership discounts (AAA, AARP, Costco, Sam’s Club)
- Corporate or alumni association codes
- Frequent flyer program partnerships
Consider Off-Airport Locations
As mentioned, airport fees are a major cost driver. Check the price difference for a branch a few miles from the airport. The savings can easily cover the cost of a short rideshare trip. Ensure you check their operating hours, as off-airport locations may have more limited hours.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Before you say yes to any insurance at the counter, know what you already have. Call your auto insurance provider to ask about coverage for rental cars. Check your credit card benefits; many premium cards offer primary rental car insurance as a perk when you use that card to pay for the rental. This can save you hundreds over a week.
Avoid Counter Upsells
Be prepared and polite but firm. The agent’s job is to sell you extras. Know what you need before you arrive. You can usually decline all insurance and add-ons if you are covered elsewhere. Pre-paying for fuel is rarely economical unless you plan to return the car on literal fumes.
Real-World Weekly Rental Cost Examples
To give you a practical idea, here are some estimated total weekly costs (including major fees and taxes, but excluding optional insurance) for different scenarios. Remember, these are estimates and prices fluctuate constantly.
Economy Car In A Major City (Off-Season)
- Location: Downtown Chicago branch, mid-January.
- Car: Economy car (e.g., Nissan Versa).
- Estimated Total: $280 – $380 for the week.
- Note: Off-airport and off-season combine for the lowest rates.
Midsize SUV At A Florida Airport (Peak Season)
- Location: Orlando International Airport (MCO), mid-July.
- Car: Midsize SUV (e.g., Ford Escape).
- Estimated Total: $650 – $900+ for the week.
- Note: High demand, airport fees, and a larger vehicle create the highest costs.
Compact Car For A Southwest Road Trip (Shoulder Season)
- Location: Las Vegas airport, late April.
- Car: Compact car (e.g., Toyota Corolla).
- Estimated Total: $320 – $450 for the week.
- Note: Shoulder season offers a balance of good weather and moderate prices.
International Weekly Car Rentals
Renting a car for a week abroad involves some additional considerations that can affect the price.
Mandatory Insurance
In many countries, third-party liability insurance is legally required and will be included in your quote. However, the CDW/LDW equivalent is often optional but highly recommended. It may come with a very high excess (deductible). You can sometimes purchase an excess reduction policy from a third-party provider before you travel for less than the rental company charges.
Manual Vs. Automatic Transmission
In Europe and many other regions, manual transmission cars are the norm and are cheaper to rent. If you require an automatic transmission, you must specify it when booking, and expect to pay a premium of 30-50% more for the week.
Cross-Border Fees
If you plan to drive the rental car across an international border, you must inform the rental company in advance. There is usually a fee, and they will provide the necessary documentation. Doing this without permission can void all insurance and result in massive penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is It Cheaper To Rent A Car For A Week Or By The Day?
Renting for a week is almost always cheaper on a per-day basis than renting for just a few days. Rental companies structure their rates to incentivize longer rentals, offering weekly rates that discount the average daily cost.
What Is The Average Cost Of A 7-Day Car Rental?
The average cost for a 7-day rental in the U.S. for a standard car is between $300 and $600, but this is highly variable. The final total depends on location, season, car type, and the fees and options you select.
How Can I Rent A Car For A Week For Cheap?
To get a cheap weekly rental, book well in advance, use comparison sites and discount codes, choose an off-airport pickup location, rent the smallest car you need, and avoid unnecessary add-ons like prepaid fuel and toll passes. Also, renting in the off-season is a huge saver.
Are There Any Hidden Fees In Weekly Car Rentals?
While not exactly hidden, fees like airport concessions, vehicle licensing, young renter fees, and additional driver fees are often not included in the initial quoted price. Always read the full price breakdown before booking and ask about mandatory charges for your location.
Does My Personal Car Insurance Cover A Weekly Rental?
It might. Most personal auto policies extend similar coverage to rental cars, but you must confirm with your agent. Liability and comprehensive/collision coverage often transfer, but there may be gaps or limitations, especially for longer rentals or abroad. Your credit card may offer supplemental coverage as well.
Finding the right weekly rental car deal requires a bit of research and planning. By understanding the full cost structure, comparing your options thoroughly, and knowing which add-ons you truly need, you can secure a reliable vehicle for your trip without overspending. Start your search early, be flexible when you can, and you’ll be ready to hit the road with confidence and a solid budget in place.