There’s more to renting the car than just making a reservation and paying for the rental.  To help you get the best deal follow these steps and tips.

Auto Rental Steps:

1. Choose three to four car rental firms that fit your needs by either checking through the telephone book, or online via the internet.  Remember to check all firms before making your choice as you don’t want to overlook the best car rental because you got bored with researching rental offers.
2. Contact the dealer and ask about special offers, location, availability, pickup sites, rates, special rates, hotel and airline partnerships, extra charges, insurance, return policy and anything else you can think of that can help reduce what you have to pay for your car rental, or what could make the car rental more convenient for you.
3. Select a convenient pickup point.  Find one that is near to you to minimise disruption and time.  Some car rental companies will pay for the taxi cab ride you have to take, some will pick you up at your home or at the airport to take you to collect your rental.
4. Select a car to suit your needs.  Opt for a larger car to carry all your passengers and luggage but if you are travelling alone, a small compact car would be a cheaper option as rental companies charge extra for larger vehicles.
5. The next thing to do, after you have selected which car you need to take, is to make your reservation.  Some car rentals include the reservation fee on the overall price while some ad it on as an extra fee.  You should confirm this in your car rental enquiry.

Rental Tips

For the best value and deals, here are some tips when looking, finding and taking out a car rental.

1. When arrranging a car rental, enquire about any upgrades that may be available without charge. You would want to get the best deal on the best car, so to do this, you should go to collect your car early in the morning before the other cars have been returned.  This way there would be a shortage on economy cars and the firm may just provide you with an upgrade for a lower price.
2. Book an internet car rental. These types of rentals offer internet only discounts, and sometimes even locate a car at your own price using methods where you just provide them your budget figure and theyl research the best deal for you.
3. Fill the gas tank before you return your car. Car rental companies usually charge you inflated premium fuel prices to fill an empty gas tank.
4. Research packages like fly-drive-stay or fly-drive as these will usually offer you great discounts on rentals, and what’s more you won’t have to make separate reservations for other requirements like a hotel or an airline - everything is included in the package. Most travel agancies will have these packages.
5. If your frequent flyer discount or free airline flight is about to expire, there are some car rental companies that may offer to exchange these rewards to discounts for your car rental.

These are just some of the things you should know, but always remember to be inquisitive, ask questions and to ask for discounts.  Sometimes the main reason why people don’t get better value for the things they buy is because they’re too afraid or shy to ask.

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