Discount Rental Cars

Car Rental Tips   » Who Can Rent A Car   » Car Rental Booking Concerns   » Car Rental Rates and Costs Tips   » Car Rental Deals and Fees   » Car Rental Agency Insurance Tips   » Rental Car Age Restrictions   » Auto Rental and Additional Drivers   » Dealing with Conflicts   » SUV Rental Tips   » Car Rental Coupons and Discounts   » Rent-A-Car Lingo   » Before Leaving with your Rental Car   » Automobile Rental Driving Tips   » Accident Tips   » After an Accident   » Rental Car SAFETY Tips   » Returning A Rental Car   » Discount Rental Cars-Choosing   » Cheap Car Rentals Descriptions   » Car Rentals Driving Tours   » Auto Rentals Vehicle Types   » Why Rent from an Independent Agency   » Rental Cars Travel Statistics   » Super Bowl Car Rentals   » Burning Man Car Rentals   » Reading Week Car Rentals

Renting a car does not necessarily mean breaking the bank. There are ways of getting discount rental cars, and saving more money that you can spend on other aspects of your vacation.

First and most importantly, get the least amount of car that will satisfy your needs. The bigger and fancier the car, the more money you will spend. This is especially true for sport utility vehicles and minivans; they are not just a little more expensive, but exceptionally so, and if you do not need the extra room, it is in your best interest to rent a sedan, or smaller vehicle.

Second, there is a lot of money to be saved if you rent your vehicle at a location off site of the airport. You can actually save a lot of money if you spend a little extra time and take a shuttle to the rental facility.

Also make sure that you know your insurance inside and out, make sure that you are covered. Some credit card companies will cover the cost of repairs if you decline the rental company's insurance, but be certain that you read the fine print. Some credit cards will not cover certain types of vehicles, and may not apply in certain locations. Sometimes it may be in your best interest to pay a little extra for the rental company's insurance, ass it may save you a lot in the long run. Just remember you can be held responsible for the full amount of any damage done to the rental car while it is in your possession.

Before you even consider which company to go with, you are going to want to evaluate your needs, decide on the size of car you want so that you can avoid making hasty or expensive decisions. Also be aware that vehicle classifications systems will vary between rental companies. "Compact", "mid-size", and "luxury" may mean completely different things to different people, so be aware, and ask specifically what you are getting and for how much.

To get the best rate possible, you should call several different rental companies and as for a price estimate, or search online. Ask if there are any specials that are related to the length of time you will need the vehicle; many places offer weekly or weekend deals. If your plans are flexible, you may be able to save money by renting a car when price breaks are available. But be on your guard, the advertised price is not always the actual price, so be sure to ask about restrictions on special offers, including blackout dates when that specific rate is unavailable.

Ask if the rental car company checks the driving records of customers. Some companies will reject customers whose driving records don't meet company standards. Even if you have a confirmed reservation, you may be disqualified from renting a car for violations within the last few years; including seat belt law violations; accidents, regardless of fault; convictions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident; or driving with an invalid, suspended or revoked license. Ask your travel agent or the rental car company in advance whether your driving record will be checked.

Make sure to ask if there will be extra charges that will increase the base rental rate. These charges will usually include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) fees; a deposit or refundable charge; airport surcharges and drop-off fees; fuel charges; mileage fees; taxes; additional-driver fees; underage-driver fees; out-of-state charges; and equipment-rental fees (for items such as ski racks and car seats).

Car rental rates are not set in stone, in fact they change more often than you may think. This can impose a problem, but it can also work to your advantage. Some car rental companies can be talked down. If you catch them on down time periods then you have some negotiating capabilities. Doing your research is the best way to get the best rate. Make sure to ask about special discounts from auto club memberships, corporate contracts, or other special clubs; some car rental agencies give you a discount for being a Costco member, so there is no harm in asking about all of their discount rates. Remember, most car rental agencies have a lot of cars to rent out, and those cars are not making them any money just by sitting on the lot, so you may be able to pay a lot less than you think, and still get a good car.