We all like to get a discount on things we buy or rent and car rental is no different but there are certain rules you need to adhere to if you want the best deal available.

Using the internet or the local phone book if you prefer, write down the phone numbers of about four car rental companies. Remember to scan every possible firm before you make a choice, you don’t want to overlook the best car rental because you got bored from looking.

It is always a good idea to check out if the car rental agency is running any special deals at the time you phone as you could save yourself quite a few dollars. One point worth checking when you contact the car rental office is whether they are have any arrangements with airlines or hotels where a further discount may be available.

Pickup and collection conditions vary between companies so choose one that best suits your circumstances.

Pick a car, depending on your needs, find a car that could fit all the people you’ll have in it, and if you’re alone just use a compact, some rentals charge higher for larger vehicles.

Reserving the vehicle of your choice is a good idea but depending on the car rental company you decide on using, it can come at a price.

Good deals are out there for the cost conscious but you have to look, so here are a few tips to assist you.

A useful tip is to be at the car rental office first thing in the morning and look out for free upgrade offers which are available from time to time. You see when you go to the rental office first thing in the morning, most of the economy vehicles are still awaiting return so there is a strong possibility you will get a free upgrade.

I have always found the best place to pre book the car of my choice is the internet and it is also the best place to get special offers. If you are really smart you can supply the car rental company with just your budget and let them sort the rest out for you, now that makes it really simple.

Fill the gas tank before you return your car, car rentals will charge you, at an inflated price, the cost of the gas needed to fill the tank.

Look for packages like fly-drive-stay or fly-drive, these will get you great discounts on rentals, and what’s more you won’t have to worry about other details like a hotel or an airline, everything’s there. You can find these packages with most travel agencies.

Many car rental agencies will give a discount if you exchange your frequent flyer discount with them. If you don’t have much time left on your frequent flyer discount then this is better proposition.

Just remember, the discounts are there but you must ask as they won’t be offered so don’t be shy because you will gain nothing
from it.