How to Keep Car Rental Costs Down

The time of the cheap car rental rate has disappeared and the prices all seem to be going higher. With the influx of smaller rental fleets and fewer car rentals being available, we are all paying a higher price at the rental counters. However, we have a few tips to help keep those car rental costs lower and save you money.

Look for a Car Rental Location Away From the Airport
Because of the cost of maintaining a car rental counter presence at the airport, many car rental agencies have locations nearby the airport. Experts have stated that choosing a location away from the airport can save a traveler more than half the airport counter cost.

Understand the Car Rental Rates Before Renting
Going online and checking the rates on car rentals will only get you the base rate. Make sure you are aware of all the charges associated with your car rental. Local taxes, airport surcharges and fees, additional driver or drop off fees all can add to the cost of your car rental. Make sure you ask about these and any other charges before you book your car rental.

Base Your Car Rental Choice by Price
Most of the major car rental agencies now have a loyalty rewards program. However, if you rent infrequently those royalty rewards programs will not necessarily get you a better car rental rate. Royalty rewards programs in the car rental business are designed primarily to streamline the pickup and drop off of your car rental.

Beware of Car Rental Insurance Sales
Most car rental agencies will try to sell you "loss damage waiver" insurance at the car rental counter. Most personal car insurance policies and or your credit card that you are using to rent the car provide that insurance. The cost of LDW at a car rental agency will cost you from $10 to $20 a day on top of your car rental.

Avoid the Car Rental Prepaid Gas Option
It is always a much better option to fill the gas tank on your car rental at a gas station near the car rental lot. Car rental agencies will charge you a fortune to use their gas and on the prepaid option, any gas you leave in the tank when you bring it back is money lost on your car rental.

Know When Your Car Rental Agency Closes
Unless you are renting your car from a big city airport, many of the smaller airports and car rental agencies do not have 24-hour operations. Nothing worse than trying to return your rental car only to find the agency is closed for the day. You're then stuck with another day's of extra charges.

Finding Online Discounts and Coupons for Car Rentals
The car rental business is still a very competitive one and no matter how big or small they are, they will be offering discounts and coupons online. Take the time and look for them as they can save you considerable amount of money. Also available online are car rental consolidator sites. These sites will search for you and find the lowest price as well as any discounts that could be applied to the car rental.