How to save on long-term car rental

How much long-term car rental costs in Almaty

The total is made up of two things: the daily rate of the specific model and the discount for the rental term. The most affordable rate in the Rent-Trip fleet right now is from 12,990 ₸ per day — that is the price of the Changan Alsvin sedan. The full list of cars we rent out for a week or longer is on the long-term rental page.

What the daily rate already includes

The price includes comprehensive KASKO cover and OGPO VTS (the compulsory third-party liability insurance many people still call OSAGO), plus up to 200 km of mileage per day. Every car is inspected and washed before it is handed over. Your variable costs during the rental are mainly fuel and parking, so budget for them from the start.

Why a month is not simply 30 × the daily rate

The most common mistake is to multiply the daily rate by the number of days and decide a long rental is unaffordable. A lower rate applies on longer terms, and the price is fixed in the contract for the whole period: it is not recalculated day by day as with daily rentals. That is why it is worth asking for the exact price of three or four weeks in advance — it makes comparing a rental with taxis or car sharing much easier.

Long-term car rental discounts: a week, two weeks, a month

Under Rent-Trip rental terms, the discount depends on the term: from 7 days — 10% off the daily rate, from 14 days — 15% plus free delivery of the car to Almaty airport. Returning clients get 5% off each subsequent rental. Here is what it looks like for the Changan Alsvin:

The figures in the table are a guide based on the standard discounts. We quote the final amount before booking and fix it in the contract.

The 7- and 14-day thresholds: when one extra day pays off

The discount kicks in at a threshold, so an extra day sometimes costs next to nothing. Six days of a Changan Alsvin cost 77,940 ₸, while seven days with the discount cost 81,837 ₸ — the seventh day costs less than 4,000 ₸. The second threshold is even more striking: 13 days at 10% off come to 151,983 ₸, and 14 days at 15% off to 154,581 ₸, a difference of about 2,600 ₸ for a whole extra day. If you are torn between 12–13 and 14 days, work out both options.

A month or longer

Monthly rentals are popular with business travellers, families whose own car is in for repairs, and companies that need transport for staff. For such terms we agree the rate individually — especially if you already know the rental will need extending. For companies we sign a corporate contract and provide VAT invoices and closing documents.

Which class to choose for long-term car rental

On a long term, every extra thousand in the daily rate is multiplied by dozens of days. So we match the class to the real task rather than choosing one "just in case". Minimum rates by class, before the term discount:

• Economy — from 12,990 ₸ per day;
• Comfort — from 15,990 ₸ per day;
• SUVs and crossovers — from 22,000 ₸ per day;
• Business — from 35,000 ₸ per day;
• Minivans — from 46,990 ₸ per day.

Everyday city driving: economy and comfort

For commuting, school runs and shopping, a sedan with a 1.5–1.6 L engine and an automatic gearbox is plenty. Look at the rate itself, not the class name: the Geely Emgrand from the comfort class costs from 15,990 ₸ per day — less than some economy sedans priced at around 20,000 ₸.

Trips to the mountains and out of town

If you are planning Medeu, Shymbulak or trips around the region, a crossover with higher ground clearance is more practical — for example, the Chery Tiggo 2 Pro from 22,000 ₸ per day. Keep in mind that many affordable crossovers are front-wheel drive. For winter mountain roads, ask us for an all-wheel-drive model and we will match it to your route.

A family or a work team

When you need to carry six or seven people, compare a minivan with two cars of the same level. Two business cars start at 70,000 ₸ per day with two deposits of 100,000 ₸, while a minivan starts at 46,990 ₸ per day with a single deposit — plus one driver and one refuel instead of two. Against two economy sedans the maths is different: they are cheaper on the rate, so the minivan wins mainly on convenience.

Long-term rental terms: deposit, mileage, insurance

Deposit by car class

The deposit depends on the car class: 50,000 ₸ for economy and comfort, 100,000 ₸ for business, SUVs, minivans and commercial vehicles, 150,000 ₸ for premium and 200,000 ₸ for unique models. It is returned within 1–3 business days after the car is handed back with no damage and no fines. Fines from Sergek cameras sometimes arrive up to two weeks late, so we settle the deposit in full once they have been checked.

200 km per day mileage

The rate includes up to 200 km per day; beyond the limit there is a per-kilometre surcharge set out in the contract. For city driving this is usually more than enough. If you are planning intercity trips, mention it when booking — we will calculate the surcharge in advance, so there are no surprises at return.

Insurance and what to do in case of an accident

KASKO and OGPO VTS are already included in the price. After any accident, call us straight away and do not sign anything without checking with us first — we will tell you how to report it so the insurance applies. The full list of documents and driver requirements is on the rental terms page.

Tips: how to save on long-term car rental

I have collected the tricks that genuinely lower the final bill rather than just sounding good:

1. Book early. In summer and over holidays the affordable models go first, and at the last minute only pricier ones are left.
2. Book the full term at once. The discount is based on the rental term, so if you know you need the car for two weeks, do not take it "for a couple of days and extend".
3. Check the thresholds. Sometimes 14 days cost almost the same as 13 — compare both calculations.
4. Do not overpay for the class. Economy or comfort is enough for the city; a crossover makes sense when mountains or rough roads are on the plan.
5. Plan your mileage in advance. Discuss long trips before pick-up — it is cheaper than dealing with excess mileage afterwards.
6. Use airport delivery. For rentals of 14 days or more, delivery of the car to Almaty airport is free — handy if you are flying in on business. More in the airport rental section.
7. Follow traffic rules and do not let fines pile up. Unpaid camera fines are deducted from the deposit, and careful driving speeds up its return.
8. Photograph the car at pick-up and return. A couple of minutes photographing the body and interior prevents most disputes about damage.

Long-term car rental FAQ

How much is the most affordable car for a month?

The lowest rate in the fleet is from 12,990 ₸ per day for the Changan Alsvin. Rentals of 14 days or more get a 15% discount, and for a month or longer we agree the rate individually.

Can I extend the rental without returning the car?

Yes. Message us in advance, before the term ends: we will check the car is free for the next dates and record the extension in the contract.

Is a deposit required for a rental of several weeks?

Yes, a deposit is paid for any rental term. Its amount depends on the car class — from 50 000 to 200,000 ₸ — and it is returned after the car is handed back with no damage and no fines.

Is 200 km per day enough for work in the city?

For daily trips around Almaty, usually yes. If your work involves a lot of out-of-town driving, discuss the route when booking: we will calculate the per-kilometre surcharge in advance.