Car Rental Tips

1. Do the math. A rate that sounds unbelievably low might not be so low when everything is said and done. Clarify which taxes, surcharges and other fees you’ll be expected to pay and be on the lookout for charges for “extras” you really need, such as permission for additional drivers to use the car.

2. Hunt for deals. Always check for weekend discounts or special weekly rates. When shopping online, be alert for little areas where you can enter a “promotional code” or “discount code.” That’s a sign to open a Web browser in another window and do a quick Internet search for the car company’s name along with the same catch phrase you spotted. You could find a coupon code in seconds and save on your rental. Remember that you also may have access to discount codes through organization memberships and other affiliations.

3. Check for restrictions on where you can take the car. Planning to drive across state lines? Make sure that’s going to be OK before you lock in your rental deal. Some rental car companies’ “unlimited mileage” rates don’t include certain states, and you could get walloped with an unexpectedly high bill unless you’re aware of the restrictions ahead of time.

5. Gas up. Don’t prepay for gasoline – (it’s rarely the best deal for you) – and then don’t forget to fill the tank back up before you return the car. If you fail to do so, expect to pay much more than the market price for the gasoline you owe.

6. Be on time. If you return your car late, the rental agency may charge you as much as a full day’s rental, sometimes at a rate higher than before. If you are going to be late, call the agency and explain your situation. It may help. Also, clarify what charges you might have to pay if you must drop the car off early.