How to Rent a Car Cheaply

When you need to rent a car, the last thing you need to spend more money than you have to. By spending a bit of extra time, you can save a lot of extra money with these tips.

Things You'll Need

• patience
• this article

Instructions

1. Investigate online for promotional codes, coupons and discounts that can be applied to major car rental companies like Budget, Avis, Enterprise and Hertz. If you want a list of companies, Google "car rental companies." For a list of coupon codes and promotions, search that string, as well.

2. 

   Investigate web sites like http://www.carrentals.com/. You can type in your zip code, the date and time of rental, and get a list of prices from lowest to highest from the major national car rental companies.

3. You can, if you like, then and there, online, sign up for a rental car and pick it up at the price quoted.

4. However, you can use this as a good starting point instead - and you don't have to stop there.

5. 

   Since you've typed in your zip code, your results give you the nearest local car rental company. Don't be afraid to call them directly - you may have to Google or look in the phone book for their number - and tell them you've been online, been quoted a price, and ask them straight out if they can do any better. Often, they can.

6. 

   If you, for example, are a college alumnus or alumnae, you might be entitled to a discount of up to 15 or 20 percent. Even if you haven't obtained the documentation from your alma mater, the company may have the ID number on file. It doesn't hurt to ask.

7. 

   Ask, too, if your employer or company has a discount agreement with the car rental company. If so, can this discount be combined with your alumni discount? Perhaps it can.

8. Also ask if the company itself has any coupons or promotions that can be applied to your rental. They may not, or they may not be able to offer you any, but you won't know unless you ask. Be polite - no one will fault you for asking.

9. Consider a pre-payment for your rental. Often, companies offer a discount for doing so. Inquire if you are eligible for an additional discount if you do this.

10. Do not rent more car than you think you need. Since rentals are temporary, consider living without power windows, door locks, and other luxuries. A smaller car without all the bells and whistles means a smaller rental payment.

11. If you need the car for a few days, consider renting on a weekly rate, which ends up being more economical.

Tips & Warnings

• Be polite, but don't give up. Above all, don't be embarrassed about asking for discounts. If the company offers them, you're certainly entitled to them.

• Call to confirm any online reservation - and don't give out personal information like credit cards without checking the credentials of the web site.