Car-Rental Rate Comparables API for an Insurance-Claims Platform: A Car Rental Rate Data Extraction Case Study

At a glance

The Client

When a policyholder's car is damaged, many insurance policies cover a rental car while repairs take place. Adjusters need to know a fair daily rate for a comparable vehicle in the policyholder's city. The client builds claims software and wanted "a licensable API for car rental rate comparables, same model or closest class, in every US city," with vendor, class or model, location and rate.

Another client in the same quarter, an AI team operating car-hire businesses, asked for rental data to power demand forecasting and dynamic pricing. Both needed reliable, structured rental rates at scale.

Challenges in the Travel Industry

National coverage

Claims happen everywhere, from major metros to small towns.

Like-for-like comparison

A claim for a mid-size SUV needs a mid-size SUV comparable, not an economy car.

Rate variation

Rates vary by pickup location (airport vs neighbourhood), date, rental length and agency.

Defensible numbers

Adjusters must be able to explain how a rate was chosen, so every comparable needs a source and a timestamp.

Our Approach

Step 1: Location grid

Travel Data Scrape built a grid of pickup locations covering every US metro area and county seat, separating airport and non-airport locations.

Step 2: Standard search parameters

For each location, rates were collected for a fixed set of searches: a 3-day, 7-day and 14-day rental starting 2 and 14 days ahead, which reflects how replacement rentals typically work.

Step 3: Vehicle class mapping

Rental agencies use different class names and the ACRISS-style four-letter codes. All vehicles were mapped to standard classes (economy, compact, mid-size, full-size, standard SUV, full-size SUV, minivan, pickup, luxury), with the example model shown by the agency kept as a separate field.

Step 4: Rate normalisation

Base rate, taxes and fees were captured separately where shown, and a daily all-in rate was calculated.

Step 5: Comparables API

The API takes a ZIP code, vehicle class or model, and date, and returns the nearest comparable rates with distance, agency, class, example model, base and all-in rates, and collection date.

Sample API response

The response below is illustrative.

{
  "query": {"zip": "30303", "vehicle_class": "standard_suv", "days": 7},
  "comparables": [
    {"agency": "Example Rent A Car", "location_type": "non_airport", "distance_mi": 1.8, "class_code": "SFAR", "example_model": "Toyota RAV4 or similar", "daily_base_usd": 58.40, "daily_all_in_usd": 71.90, "collected_at": "2026-10-06"},
    {"agency": "Sample Car Hire", "location_type": "non_airport", "distance_mi": 3.2, "class_code": "SFAR", "example_model": "Ford Escape or similar", "daily_base_usd": 54.10, "daily_all_in_usd": 66.80, "collected_at": "2026-10-06"},
    {"agency": "Demo Rentals", "location_type": "airport", "distance_mi": 9.7, "class_code": "SFAR", "example_model": "Nissan Rogue or similar", "daily_base_usd": 64.90, "daily_all_in_usd": 89.30, "collected_at": "2026-10-06"}
  ],
  "median_daily_all_in_usd": 71.90
}

Results Snapshot

Results Achieved

The client embedded the comparables API into its claims workflow. Adjusters now see three or more comparable rates with sources in seconds, rather than phoning rental branches. The client reports faster rental authorisations and fewer disputes about rental rates.

How adjusters use the comparables

When a claim is opened, the claims system calls the API with the policyholder's ZIP code, the class of the damaged vehicle and the expected repair duration. The adjuster sees a short list of comparable rates, the median, and the collection date for each. If a body shop estimates a longer repair, the adjuster can request comparables for a longer rental length. Every response is stored with the claim file, so the rate decision can be explained later if a policyholder or regulator asks.

Why it worked

• Standard search parameters made comparables consistent and defensible.
• Class mapping solved the "same model or closest class" requirement.
• Airport and non-airport separation prevented inflated comparables.
• Source and date on every rate supported adjuster explanations.

Build your rental comparables API

Travel Data Scrape delivers car rental rate data extraction and comparables APIs for insurers, claims software vendors and car-hire operators. Share your coverage needs and we will run a pilot for your top claim locations.

FAQs

Does car rental rate data extraction include exact models?

Agencies usually show an example model "or similar". The example model is included alongside the standard class.

Can the API return rates for future dates?

Yes. Rates are collected for set lead times and can be extended to specific dates for planned repairs.

Is this the same as consumer car rental price comparison?

No. This project is built for claims comparables and uses standard rental lengths and classes. Travel Data Scrape also offers consumer-style daily car rental pricing data.