AI Is Changing How Travellers Choose Car Rentals - Here’s How to Win

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping how travellers research and book car rentals. Instead of scrolling through endless Google results or comparing dozens of OTA listings, travellers now rely on AI-powered assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot to provide instant, personalised answers. For car rental companies, this means the rules of visibility, competition, and customer trust are being rewritten. The good news? With the right strategy, you can win in this new landscape.

The Shift from Search to Conversation

In 2025, travellers don’t just search for “car rental at Barcelona Airport.” They ask AI assistants, “Find me the best family-friendly rental in Barcelona with no hidden fees.” AI then compares sources, analyses reviews, and suggests options. The companies included in that answer capture the booking - those excluded risk being invisible.

How AI Changes Traveller Decision-Making

Personalised Recommendations: AI remembers traveller preferences, from car type to insurance choices, and tailors suggestions accordingly.

Transparency First: AI surfaces companies with clear, upfront pricing while penalising those with hidden fees or unclear terms.

Reputation Signals: Reviews, ratings, and consistent mentions across trusted websites strongly influence which companies AI recommends.

Speed of Decision: Instead of browsing for hours, travellers accept AI’s first two or three recommendations - making visibility there critical.

Winning Strategies for Car Rental Companies

Structured Data Optimisation: Use schema markup and clean data feeds to make sure AI platforms understand your inventory, locations, and policies.

Real-Time Availability: Provide APIs or booking engine integrations that allow AI assistants to show accurate, live prices and availability.

Content Network Presence: Get featured across travel websites, blogs, and airport guides. AI relies on these mentions as authority signals when recommending companies.

Review Management: Actively encourage and respond to customer reviews. High ratings with detailed feedback dramatically increase AI trust in your brand.

Case Example

A local car rental company in Malta optimised its website with structured data, partnered with travel content networks, and built a solid review strategy. Within months, AI assistants began recommending them as a top option for travellers searching “best rentals at Malta Airport.” Their direct bookings increased by 30%, while reliance on OTAs decreased.

The Future of Car Rental Competition

As AI becomes the first point of contact for most travel queries, the playing field shifts. Large global brands will continue to dominate, but local and mid-sized car rental companies can win by being strategically visible. Those who adapt to AI-friendly practices will thrive, while others risk being filtered out before customers even see their name.

"AI isn’t just changing how travellers choose rentals - it’s changing who gets chosen. Visibility in AI answers is the new battleground."

Conclusion

AI has shifted travel behaviour from search to instant recommendations. For car rental companies, the path to winning lies in structured data, strong reviews, content network presence, and transparent offers. In the age of AI, the companies that adapt will secure customer trust, direct bookings, and long-term growth.

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