How to Save a Few Bucks on a Rental Car

Renting a car these days can be confusing with all of the options available to you. Hopefully I can provide you with some tips to make renting a car a pleasant experience while saving a few dollars.

The first thing to consider when renting a car is how big of a vehicle you will need. Aside from the passengers you have to also consider the luggage; how many pieces will each person require? Different classes of cars (economy, compact, full-size, luxury, and so on) are tailored to a certain number of people and suitcases, however this vary from car company to car company. On our website, you will see an example of each type and the general guidelines for what each will hold for each specific company, here is an example: Enterprise car types.

Of course the examples of makes and models within that car type can vary from location to location even within the same company. If you are not dead set on a certain car type here is tip that might save you a few bucks: rent the smallest car possible. Most Americans don't want to drive an economy car when vacationing so car rental companies usually have less of these types available. If the desk attendant immediately starts asking if you'd like an upgrade you should refuse as this could be a sign there are no more vehicles of that type at that specific location. If there are no economy or compact cars available when you arrive, most car rental companies will feel obligated to give you an upgrade for the same price as the smaller car you had previously reserved.

One of the most confusing things about renting a car is the insurance. This is the biggest pressure sale you'll face at the car rental counter as well. My advice? Decline it all. According to this article on CNN.com chances are you're already covered in one of a couple different ways: your auto insurance policy for your everyday car could cover rentals as well or the credit card you're using to pay for the rental could provide collision coverage on the rental. You may want to contact your insurance agent or credit card company in advance since these benefits are not guaranteed.

The last money saving tip is to be sure to fill the car up yourself. You will have the option to return the car with any amount of gas left in it only to have the rental car company charge you a much higher price per gallon than if you had done it yourself.

The price per day may seem like a fantastic deal, but just be aware of all of the fees that can be associated with a car rental: sales tax, "vehicle license fee", "airport fees", they can all add up. As long as you’re an educated consumer a rental car is a fun and affordable way to enjoy your trip.