How to Locate the Lowest Car Rental Rates

With all the planning that goes into a vacation trip, it's tempting to leave the task of car rental for the last minute. Many travelers opt to just walk into the first rental place they see and drop some money for a vehicle. Unfortunately, this strategy can have you paying through the nose. With hidden fees and variable insurance options to worry about, it takes some research to rent a car at a good price.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Determine what type of vehicle you will need. If you plan to haul your camping gear to out of the way places or sleep in your car, you will need a bigger vehicle. If you intend to drive on back roads, you should look for a car with good clearance and 4-wheel drive such as a Honda Element. Check the link below for suggestions on good cars for camping.

Step 2

Ask each company about discounts. If you are a member of an organization such as AAA or AARP, you almost certainly will qualify for a discount. Buyer's clubs such as Sam's Club and even some credit cards will also lower the price of your car rental.

Step 3

Contact your insurance provider to see what coverage they give. Car rental companies will be eager to sell you extra insurance for injury and liability, but if you are already insured you may be covered. Many credit card companies automatically provide insurance for rental cars; check with your credit company in advance.

Step 4

Look at all the hidden costs. Rental companies may hide drop-off, pick-up or registration and facility fees in addition to the standard cost of the car. Some rental companies will also charge you extra for driving over a certain number of miles or going out of state, which may make what looked like a good deal far less appealing.

Step 5

Speak to someone in the company and explain where you intend to take the car if you plan to use it for outdoor recreation. Some companies will not allow you to drive on dirt roads, making them poor choices for outdoor enthusiasts.

Step 6

Factor in drop-off and pick-up times. If you need to keep your car fairly late on the final night of your rental but you rent from an office that closes early, you will probably have to pay for an extra day.

Step 7

Use any connections you have. Some car rental companies give special discounts to the friends and family of employees. If you know someone working in a particular company, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Tips & Warnings

If you find a good rate at a company that doesn't require a deposit, make a reservation immediately. If you find something better, you can always call back and cancel. Fill the car up with gas before you drop the car up, or you will be charged a hefty penalty. Occasionally, car rental companies will try to tack on cleaning fees or other extra charges after you've already returned the car. Return the car early and have someone at the company inspect it and sign off that the car is in good condition. Double check that an airport drop-off is actually near the airport. You may run into deceptive advertising by car rental companies wishing to appear more conveniently located than they are!

If you find a good rate at a company that doesn't require a deposit, make a reservation immediately. If you find something better, you can always call back and cancel.

Fill the car up with gas before you drop the car up, or you will be charged a hefty penalty.

Occasionally, car rental companies will try to tack on cleaning fees or other extra charges after you've already returned the car. Return the car early and have someone at the company inspect it and sign off that the car is in good condition.

Double check that an airport drop-off is actually near the airport. You may run into deceptive advertising by car rental companies wishing to appear more conveniently located than they are!

Resources

Cars for Camping

Article Written By Isaiah David

Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.

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