How to Save Money On Rental Cars (for vacation and business travel)

If you will we renting a car for a vacation or a business trip, you will want to save money on rental cars to lower your overall travel expenses.

Use the steps below to help you get the best prices on rental cars.

Instructions

1. ** Shop around in advance **

   Look online and call car rental companies personally for car deals. Call both large chains and local car rental companies to find best deals and save the most money on car rental.

2. ** Find out total rental car costs **

   Find out all fees including parking fees, airport fees, drop off fees, etc. Sometimes there are hidden costs associated with renting a car that you will not be told about. So be sure to ask before you rent.

3. ** Fill up before returning **

   Make sure to fill your gas tank before returning the rent a car. This will save you money because you will not be charged the car rental's high gas fees that they charge when they fill your tank upon return by themselves.

4. ** Use your own insurance **

   Find out if your insurance covers rental car insurance. You might be able to use your own insurance policy instead of paying high fees to rental car companies.

5. ** Get smaller car **

   Consider what type of car you actually need to rent. Rent the cheapest rent a car that will still do its job and fit the amount of people and luggage that will be traveling.

6. ** Check for damages before leaving **

   When you get your rental car, check to see if the car has any damage. Make sure to report any damage to the rental company before you drive away so that you are not charged for the damage that was done previously.

7. ** Drop off in same location or find out if additional fees apply **

   You might be charged extra is you drop off the rental car in a different location than you rented it. Be sure to find out about these charges.

8. ** Find out about extra costs out of state or out of country **

   You might have to pay more to take a rental car out of state or out of country. You might save money on car rental by renting a different car for different parts of your trip. Check out prices and compare.

9. ** Extra mileage costs **

   Calculate in extra mileage costs when you agree to rent a car. If you will be charged more for extra mileage, you can save money by making sure to keep a close eye on how much you travel and avoid unnecessary driving.

10. ** Avoid underage driver cost **

    You will probably have to pay for extra for drivers under the age for 25, so try to avoid having an underage driver renting the car unnecessarily.