| We all know that shopping and planning ahead is | | | | may have deals that you can benefit from. |
| the best way to save money. People use travel | | | | 4. Leave the flashy sports car for the guy having |
| sites like and to find discount airfare, but fewer | | | | his mid-life crisis. Clearly the luxury model cars are |
| people are aware of the similarity in rental car | | | | there to temp drivers. Who wouldn't want the |
| pricing. Just as airlines hike up prices as the travel | | | | convertible, or full-size sedan with heated leather |
| dates grow nearer, rental agencies know they | | | | seats and XM radio? These cars allow renters to |
| have you trapped when you wait to make your | | | | splurge a little and treat themselves to something |
| booking at the last minute. Avoid the hassle of | | | | out of the ordinary while on vacation. That being |
| negotiating to get your discount rental car rate by | | | | said, these more expensive cars are easy for the |
| following a few guidelines. This will allow you to | | | | rental agencies to sell, the cars that don't move |
| relax and enjoy your vacation, while minimizing | | | | as quickly are the unpopular economy cars in |
| the stress of the travel itself. | | | | white and champagne. This means that when you |
| 1. Get price quotes from every company you can | | | | are in need of a discount rental car, you need to |
| find. The large national chains will advertise the | | | | accept the less popular models with the aim of |
| best discount rental car rates, but some of the | | | | saving a few dollars. |
| smaller local companies may actually have the | | | | 5. Be prepared to jump when you find the |
| more competitive prices. | | | | discount rental car you've been searching for. To |
| 2. Select the smallest most economic car you can | | | | finalize any booking, you will need a valid credit |
| handle. Gauge the amount of space you will need | | | | card to secure your reservation. You will need a |
| based on the number of passengers and volume | | | | valid drivers license to act as your government |
| of luggage. The more compact the car, the | | | | issued identification, as well as a link to your |
| cheaper the rental will be. You may find the | | | | driving record. If you have any points on your |
| upgrades to more luxurious models tempting, but | | | | record, you may be subject to increased |
| the best discount rental car deals are on the | | | | insurance coverage fees, and the rental agency |
| compacts. | | | | has the right to deny your rental if your driving |
| 3. Ask about discount rental cars for extended | | | | history is particularly poor. |
| reservations. Sometimes week-long bookings are | | | | When you've managed to book the discount |
| a better deal than paying the daily rate for 5 | | | | rental car that completes your travel plans, call |
| days. Obviously a sales representative isn't going | | | | the agency a day or two later to speak with a |
| to point this out right off the bat, so be sure to | | | | live person who can confirm your reservation. |
| ask. Another venue for securing a discount on | | | | Online or electronic booking is convenient, but it |
| rental cars is through your current insurance | | | | also leaves room for error. A simple call will |
| agency, or auto club. All of these organizations | | | | ensure that your reservation and confirmation |
| have partnerships with various rental agencies and | | | | number are valid. |