Getting the best rental car deal

Looking to rent a car for a weekend getaway or maybe longer?

There are a handful of things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best rate possible. Money Magazine outlined the simple steps to take when booking a rental

First, book it directly through the rental company. You can check the aggregator websites like kayak for a general idea of rates, but booking directly often gives you more flexibility if you need to make changes to your reservation.

Also, book the most economical vehicle you can, then when picking up ask about an upgrade at the original price. Depending on the inventory on hand, you may be able to get a different vehicle.

Read the contract you’re presented with when picking up; if you see charges you’re not sure of, have the rental associate breakdown the specifics of the charges.

Double check to make sure the license plate of the car you’re given matches the plate number on the rental agreement. Do a visual inspection of the car; even record it on your phone.

That should help you avoid getting hit with a charge for a ding that was already there. In the U.S., you can probably skip the insurance if you have personal auto insurance already, but double check it with your insurer first.

For more tips on how to get the best deal on a rental car, check out the full story on money.com.

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