How to Save Money on a Rental Car

Whether you need to rent a car while on vacation, for a business trip or because your personal vehicle is in the shop, it can be expensive to do so. If you want to find a clean, reliable rental car without spending a small fortune, follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Check with your insurance agent before renting a car. Your personal auto insurance might cover rental cars, meaning you do not need to purchase the expensive, daily insurance from the rental agency.

2. Call your credit card company. If your insurance does not cover rental cars, your credit card company might. They often can get you a discount with certain rental companies, as well.

3. Rent the smallest car you need. If you are traveling solo, do you really need a luxury car? Not only will you save on the price of the car, you will also save a bundle on gas.

4. Consider renting a car for an entire week, even if you only need it for 4 or 5 days. Find out what the rental agency charges by the day compared with their weekly rate. It might be cheaper to go for a whole week. Make sure there is no fee for turning it in early, if you have to do so.

5. Shop around. Check prices online with several different rental agencies as well as online travel sites such as Priceline or Travelocity. Once you have found the lowest rate, call the agency with the next lowest price and see if they can beat the estimate you received. A little haggling never hurts.

Tips & Warnings

• Think about any memberships you have, such as AAA, AARP and even Costco or Sam's Club. Oftentimes these organizations can get you a discounted rate.
• Avoid renting from an airport location, since their rates are usually higher than non-airport locations.