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A Step-by-step Guide: How to Rent a Car on Priceline

A Step-by-step Guide: How to Rent a Car on Priceline

How does Priceline Car Rental Work? Does it offer the best deals?

Priceline is a well-known online travel agency (OTA) that allows users to book travel and related services at discounted rates. One popular feature of Priceline is its car rental service, which allows users to compare prices and choose from a variety of rental car options.

If you’re planning a trip and need a rental car, you might be wondering how to use Priceline to book a car and get a good deal. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the process of searching for and comparing rental car options, how to book and pay for your rental, as well as what to prepare for a smooth check-in!

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time renter, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your car rental experience on Priceline. From searching for the best deals to finalizing your booking, I’ve got you covered. So, if you’re ready to start exploring your rental car options on Priceline, read on for a step-by-step guide.

Luxury under Budget aims at helping you get the best deals by maximizing the value of your time and money. My recommendations are based on first-hand experiences and a full analysis of costs vs. benefits. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission when you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and enables me to provide more free and helpful content. Now, let’s go get you that luxury travel while staying under the budget!


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How Do You Use Priceline to Book Car Rental?

Priceline has a user-friendly website, which makes it easy to find and book a vehicle that suits your needs. Here is a step-by-step guide that will walk you through the process of using Priceline to rent a car, from searching for and comparing rental options to booking and paying for your reservation.

1. Go to Priceline Car Rental Website

priceline car rental step 1

Go directly to the Priceline Car Rental Website here or go to https://priceline.com and choose the option “Cars”.

2. Enter your desired location and pick-up/drop-off times

how does Priceline car rental work

In the search bar, type in the location where you want to pick up your rental car (e.g., an airport, city, or point of interest).

Then, select your desired pick-up date and time, as well as your drop-off date and time.
Once you’ve entered this information, click “Book Now” and Priceline will display a list of available rental cars from various companies, along with the prices for each.

3. Unlock Deals for Priceline Car Rentals

priceline car rental guide step 2

Click “Unlock Deals” to reveal discounted rates on car rentals. If you have a Priceline VIP account, log in to access even more discounts.

Use the filters on the left side of the page to narrow down your search by car type, rental company, price, and more.

Once you have found the rental car you want, click on it to view more details and make your reservation.

4. Make the reservation

priceline car rental guide step 3

When you make your reservation, you’ll need to provide some basic information, such as your name, your driver information, and contact information. If you choose the option to pay later, you won’t have to provide payment details.

If you book a Priceline Express Deal, you will need to pay at the time of booking and the reservation is non-refundable. I will go into more detail about these deals in the FAQs below.

5. Add Car Insurance

priceline express deal car rental insurance

When you rent a car, it is always a good idea to have car insurance. This type of coverage can provide financial protection in the event of an accident or damage to the rental car. It can also give you peace of mind while on the road, knowing that you have some level of protection in case of an unexpected event.

Adding collision damage protection to your rental car booking can give you added protection and security, particularly if you are traveling to an unfamiliar destination or will be driving on unfamiliar roads.

Even if you already have car insurance coverage through your personal policy or credit card, it is worth checking to see if the coverage extends to rental cars and if it provides sufficient protection in the area you’re traveling to. I actually learned this the hard way and got scammed once at pick-up because I didn’t add car insurance at the time of booking when renting a car in Mexico.

6. Confirm the booking

Voila, you’re done! Once you’ve completed the reservation process, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your rental car, including the pickup location and instructions on how to retrieve the keys.


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Priceline Car Rental FAQs

❓What is Priceline Express Deals for car rental?

Priceline Express Deals for car rentals is a service offered by Priceline that allows you to book a car rental at a discounted price, but you will not know the specific rental car company until after you have made the booking and paid for the rental.

❓What is the disadvantage of booking Priceline Express Deals for car rental?

The disadvantage of booking Priceline Express Deals for car rental is that you don’t know which company you will end up with. Sometimes it will be a brand you may have never heard of, other times it will be a company with low review ratings. Because these deals are non-refundable, you won’t have as much flexibility to make changes to your reservation.

❓Is Priceline Express Deal for car rental worth it?

Whether or not Priceline Express Deal for car rentals is worth it will depend on your specific travel needs and preferences. Do you value price or quality of service more? Do you want to go with a reputable and trusted company that you have dealt with before or are you willing to try a new one?

In my opinion, Car Rental Priceline Express Deals are generally worth it if you need the car for a short period of time like a day or two. If you plan to do a long road trip for a few days or weeks, it’s better to choose a bigger and more comfortable car with a reputable company like Enterprise or Hertz.

❓What do you need to bring when at rental car pick-up?

When you go to pick up your rental car, there are a few things you will need to bring with you in order to complete the process:

A valid driver’s license: You will need to present a valid driver’s license in order to rent a car. Make sure that your license is current and that it is not expired.

A credit card: Most rental car companies will require you to have a credit card in your own name to use as a deposit. Some rental car companies may also accept debit cards or cash, but it is best to check with the specific company to see what forms of payment are accepted.

Your Priceline Rental Car Itinerary/Receipt: You will need to provide your reservation confirmation, which you should have received via email when you made your booking. This will include your reservation number and other important details about your rental.

Proof of insurance coverage: Many rental companies require proof of insurance coverage, so make sure you have that ready.

❓Can you rent a car if you’re under 25 years old?

In order to rent a car, you will need to be at least 21 years old and present a valid driver’s license at the rental counter. However, rental car companies may charge a Young Renter Fee for drivers under the age of 25. This fee is generally not included in the total estimated charges when you use the Retail or Pay Now service and will be charged at the counter.

Rental car companies may also have age restrictions in place for drivers between the ages of 18 and 20. These restrictions may vary by location, but rentals for drivers in this age range are generally only available in New York and Michigan.

It is a good idea to check with the specific rental car company and location to see if there are any age restrictions or fees that may apply to your rental.


scenic drive from LA to San Diego beach views

The Wrap-Up: Priceline Car Rental

Overall, renting a car on Priceline is a convenient and affordable way to make sure you have a reliable vehicle for your trip. Whether you’re looking for a compact car for a weekend getaway or a minivan for a family vacation, Priceline can help you find the perfect rental car at a great price.

The website makes it easy to compare prices and find the perfect car for your needs, and the reservation process is straightforward and hassle-free. With Priceline, you can confidently book a rental car for your next trip and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of having your own transportation.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully book a rental car and have peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable mode of transportation for your trip. From comparing prices and choosing the right rental car to adding on additional insurance and making sure you have all the necessary documents, you’ve got everything you need to navigate the car rental process with Priceline.

Whether you go with a regular car rental company or try your luck with the Priceline Express Deals for Car Rental, I hope you enjoy your car rental and have a safe trip!