How to Rent a Hybrid Car

With gas prices going higher, you may want to consider renting a hybrid car for your next trip. It's good for the environment and your wallet. Hybrids get between 46 and 60 miles per gallon in the city and they run you about the same as any other car rental. Not every rental car company offers hybrids, though. Fox Rent-A-Car and Hertz are the two main companies that offer environmentally-friendly options.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Book your airfare and hotel accommodations.

2. Determine if you're traveling to a city with a hybrid rental car company. Fox Rent-A-Car deals in San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Oakland and Phoenix. All are airport locations. Hertz has hybrids at 50 airport locations.

3. Contact Fox Rent-A-Car or Hertz through their websites (see Resources below). Call Fox Rent-A-Car at [phone], extension 3. Call Hertz at [phone].

4. Give the representative the dates of your travel. Or input the information on the company website.

5. Decide what kind of hybrid you want to rent. The environmentally friendly choices are Toyota Prius, Camry, Buick LaCrosse, Ford Fusion Subaru Outback, Honda Civic and Hyundai Sonata.

6. Ask for a AAA or travel club membership discount. You never know if they'll offer you something.

7. Arrange a time to pick up the hybrid. Be on time.

Tips & Warnings

• Your personal car insurance policy should cover you in case of an accident. Check with your insurance agent before purchasing the extra insurance offered by the rental car company.
• You may not be able to rent a car if you're under the age of 25.

Resources

• Fox Rent-A-Car hybrids.
• Hertz Green Collection hybrid cars.
• North San Diego County's hybrid rental company.
• Hybrid Cars