How to Get a Car Rental

A car rental doesn't have to be a stressful event. You can get a car rental and save money at the same time. Follow these steps to get good car rental quotes, choose from the best of the car rental quotes, and save money on your next car rental.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. GET CAR RENTAL QUOTES ONLINE.
   
   Use an aggregator or discount online website to find the normal going rates for a car rental on the days and location you are considering. Usually, your favorite site for flights will work to get car rental quotes.

2. TARGET CAR RENTAL QUOTES FOR COMPACT CARS.
   
   On your favorite discount site, look for a compact car first. Often, if you rent a compact car you will get an upgrade anyway when the rental car company is out of the few compact cars they keep around. It's a risk, but it will save you a lot of money if it works.

3. DON'T PAY FOR A DAY WHEN YOU ONLY NEED AN HOUR.
   
   One of the ways car rental quotes sky rocket is if you pay for extra days on both ends. Car rentals work in 24 hour increments. Pick it up an hour later and drop it off an hour earlier and you can save an entire day's rate.

4. ADJUST THE DAYS TO FIND CHEAPER CAR RENTAL QUOTES.
   
   If you have reduced to the bare minimum hours and are renting a compact car you can still save more money. Many business and leisure travelers have some flexibility in when they choose to travel. If you don't, skip this step. Otherwise, look for low travel volume days to pick up or drop off your car. Tuesdays through Thursdays often save you a few bucks over Fridays through Mondays. Business travelers drive up prices on Mondays, leisure travelers drive prices up on Fridays.

5. AVOID THE FEES.
   
   Check your car rental quote carefully. It may look cheap but be filled with what politicians call pork. You could have a bunch of taxes and fees (particularly at airport locations) tacked on that ratchet up your rental car bottom line. If so, change locations or companies for the total cost.

6. LAUGH AT THE INSURANCE.
   
   Scoff and roll your eyes if you like. Or politely say 'No Thanks, I am covered.' Then when they give you the horror stories start your chuckling. Either way, don't buy the insurance unless you know that your car insurance does not cover rental cars AND your major credit card doesn't either.

7. BUY YOUR OWN GAS.
   
   Rarely, very rarely, does paying for gas up front or on the back end work out well for you. Save yourself money and have it delivered to you full, and return it full. If the gauge looks even a little low at pick up, mention it to an attendant to mark it on your paperwork.

Tips & Warnings

• It never hurts to ask if there are any free upgrades available when you check in. You might just get a convertible at a compact price (it is rare, but it happens).
• Be sure your insurance does cover rentals.
• Avoid damaging the car in any way. Always be sure to report any dings, dents, or scratches at pick up.

[sonni57]

on 6/23/2009 Good advice on car rentals I haven't had to get one in a while but you never know.

[dorigillman]

on 6/23/2009 i was in an accident (fender bender) with a rental years ago. my own insurance covered it!! your article is right on the mark.