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How to price rental cars

Set rental rates that cover your costs and still win bookings: cost per day, utilization, length-based plans, extras and deposits.

Start from cost, not competitors

Work out what one rented day costs you: depreciation, insurance, maintenance and financing divided by rented days. The cost per rental day calculator does this. Your rate must sit above it.

Use length-based plans

Daily, weekly and monthly rates fill idle days that a daily rate alone leaves empty. Longer rentals usually get a lower daily rate but cost you less to handle.

Price the extras separately

Extra kilometers, extra hours, fuel, child seats, additional drivers and GPS are common add-ons. Charging for them separately keeps the base rate competitive. See extra kilometer and fuel charges.

Control discounts

Without limits, discounts erode margin quietly. Cap them by role, as described in role-based discount limits.

Frequently asked questions

Should every customer pay the same rate?

Not necessarily. Negotiated corporate rates are common, as long as they are recorded as a specific plan rather than an ad hoc discount.

How often should I review prices?

Review them at least every quarter, and whenever utilization or costs change noticeably.

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See it on your own fleet

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