If you have ever traveled, you know first-hand how expensive it can be when you add up flights, hotel costs, activities, food and the cost of renting a car.
In today's economy, we are trying to save wherever we can manage to do so.
Saving on your rental car is easier than you think, but you must be prepared.
It is difficult to save if you wait until the last minute to find your rental.
You must do your research and know your stuff before you reach your destination.
Start out your research with your insurance company.
Find out what you are covered on with the car that you own.
If your personal insurance covers you on rentals, then you do not need insurance through the rental company.
This is probably the biggest way to save on your next car rental.
Another way to ensure your savings on your next rental is to check your travel schedule and destination.
Let's say you are traveling to a big city but there are things that you wish to see outside of the city limits.
While you are staying in the city, you may not need a car to get around.
You only need a car to get outside of the city limits to go and see the sights.
If this is the case, you would only need your rental car for a certain amount of days, but not for your whole trip.
Realizing this can save you rental fees on days you may not even get behind the wheel! Sometimes you can save on your car rental just by going to an agency that is located away from the airport.
Be careful, though.
If you find an off-airport agency that is cheaper, you may end up spending more money just trying to get there from the airport.
Make sure you know what your total cost will be before you pick up your car.
Many times, travelers are surprised by "hidden" fees that they were unaware of.
These can include gas fees, drop off fees, additional driver fees and airport fees.
In many places you can choose to pay a flat rate and not have to fill the car up with gas before bringing it back.
Weigh the numbers and decide what is best for you.
Check to make sure that you are able to drop the car back off in the same location to avoid fees.
Very few places will allow you to drop it off at a different location without being charged extra.
You can always get better rates on your rental car if you book your reservation before you arrive at the agency.
Many companies will offer special online deals that you may miss out on if you choose to wait until you reach your destination.
Finally, when choosing your rental car, choose one that will suit your needs.
If it is just you traveling, chances are you will not need an eight passenger mini-van.
A small car costs the least to rent, so take advantage of this if you are able.
If you have a lot of people traveling with you, try and go with the bigger car that has better gas mileage or one that is cheaper.