Do you need a rental car for your vacation?  There are a few tips to follow when you are renting your car.  First, find out what the age limit is to rent a car.  Some rental car companies won’t rent a car to anyone under the age of 25.  Others won’t rent to someone under 21.  You may want to compare prices of the rental cars online.  Most rental car companies have websites which allow you to look up prices.  Some rates may vary from day to day, so it is important to take the time to check prices more than once a day.

You need to take into account that when you add taxes, insurance, drop-off charges, and filling the gas tank, rental car prices will go higher.  You may qualify for a free upgrade or a discounted rate; all you have to do is ask.  Rental car rates may vary even in the same destination.  A lot of it depends on if you pick your car up in the city, at the hotel, or at the airport.  If you use an off-airport location with a free shuttle, it can help you stay within your budget.

No matter where you are going, you should book your car early.  Remember to ask if there is a drop-off fee for leaving the car at a location other than where you picked it up.  Before you give the rental agency your credit card number, make sure you ask what their cancellation policy is.  Only rent what you need.  If you don’t need a DVD player or a navigational system, then don’t pay for them.

Don’t return the car empty.  Fill the gas tank up before you return it so that the agency doesn’t charge you a premium when they refill the tank.  Make sure that you inspect the rental car before you pull out of the parking lot.  If you find anything that you believe to be unsafe,  report it to the agency.  Ask for a free map and directions.

It’s not hard to get a good rental car and a good rate.  All you need to do is shop around and find the company that meets your needs and your budget.  This way you will be assured that you won’t overspend on your trip.