How to Save More on Car Rentals

With most of America finally reaching summer vacation and the peak of tourist season, there is a good chance that you will be traveling somewhere this season by air and it is likely that you will need to figure out some sort of transportation once you get there.  The rental industry in general is not something that anyone enjoys dealing with, and companies renting vehicles to consumers may in fact be the most corrupt of them all with hidden fees and charges that never seem to come to light until after you have signed a contract.  Since most of us do not bring our attorneys on vacation with us to decipher these complex documents, this article will explain some of the more common tactics to look out for and how to generally find the best overall deal when searching for a rental vehicle.
Ask about Hidden Fees
Let’s be honest; none of us read the contracts in full because it’s just not a proper way to start a vacation, but to the horror of many consumers a few of the tiny loopholes can end up costing you hundreds of dollars or more.  For example, some dealers charge up to $100 to fill a thirteen gallon fuel tank, while others will add in ridiculous convenience fees so they can blindside you when it’s time to check out.  If you’re not sure what the contract means or if you’re too busy to read it as carefully as you should, ask the customer service representative to explain it to you in layman terms.  If they can not, or they seem hesitant, it’s likely that you’re about to be ripped off and you should go somewhere else.
Forget the Insurance
Nothing is more frustrating to consumers than to pay the extra few dollars per day for what they think is a blanket insurance policy only to find out that it does not cover them in many normal driving situations.  As a general rule, check with your credit card issuers about rental protection; most of them throw it in as a free perk to entice you to use their services.  It is often better than what you are paying for at the checkout desk anyway, so never pay extra for the insurance.
Schedule your Rental through Your Hotel or Online
This tip sort of goes back to the hidden fees sections, but the companies do it so smoothly it deserved a section all its own.  Picking up a rental vehicle from the airport or any major hub (where cruise ships dock, train stations, etc) will cost you an extra $4-$10 per day to drive the exact same model you would get form anywhere else, and often it is never mentioned anywhere on paper why this bogus charge occurs.  A rental car can often be delivered to your hotel at no extra charge by their guest services, or you can book the rental online before even leaving your home to avoid this fee.   
Package Deals
Combination bookings are often available for flight, hotel, and car rental; this is sometimes the best way to go since you are buying from experts who know all of these hidden charges inside and out.  Websites like Orbitz and Travelocity negotiate all of these fees before you ever see their specials, meaning you do not have to deal with the guesswork on which company is less expensive in the long run.