Many people use car rental agencies when they are on vacation or a business trip. Renting makes life easier than driving your own vehicle long distances. Because of the variety of car rental companies you may find the rates differ alot. So what's the best way to pick one? This article will look at a few helpful hints for getting the best deal on your next rental car.

As with anything you will rent you should always do comparison shopping first. You don't want to shop with one that you know or the first one you see without making sure you are getting the best deal. All you have to do is call around to find that all of the agencies have different rates and policies. Before you solidify your choice call to see if any of them are offering a promotional price during the time you need to travel.

To save on car rentals, the best strategy is to plan ahead. You can find deals on car rentals in your area of travel by doing a search online. Before using your credit card online, though, it's a good idea to call the company to get answers to any questions you may have. You can get a better deal if you reserve your rental car at least a week in advance as opposed to waiting till the last minute. Not only do you usually have to pay more if you wait until the last minute but there is also the possibility that there won't be a car available. Online you can quickly compare prices and terms for many car rental companies, making it easier to find the one that suits you.

You may not have to pay normal rental rates if you also look for discounts offered on the website. Newspapers and magazines sometimes have coupons for car rental companies. You can also do a search online for car rental coupons. Students and seniors may also be offered special rates, as may your company if you're traveling for work. These discounts are not always advertised, however, so you may have to ask about them. If you search, you may be able to rent a car cheaper than advertised.

In general, car rental agreements can be tricky if you aren't aware of all the different conditions and extra charges. All it takes in most cases is to read the agreement carefully and make sure you know what the total cost will be. It's important to be aware of all of your options with regard to type of car, fuel costs and surcharges. Keep these tips in mind the next time you shop for rental cars in order to save money and enjoy this experience more.