Car Rental Saving Strategies

Get the Best Rate

You'll want to start by comparing prices from several different companies. You can do this online and by phone.

When you call the car rental company's 800 number, the price you will be quoted is its national rate. Call the local office, too, because there may be regional specials that the national office isn't aware of.

If you have booked the car far in advance of your travel date, call periodically to see if rates have gone down or if any specials are now being offered; the company may honor the lower rate.

Get More for Less

Consider reserving an "economy" class car. This class often sells out first, so you have a good chance of being upgraded to a bigger or a nicer car at no additional cost.

Be prepared to fit your family into an economy-class car (or pay to upgrade) just in case you end up with the car you reserved.

Don't Pay for Extras

It's likely that your credit card automatically provides you with insurance when you use it to pay for a car rental. Check with your credit card company first and then don't take the rental-car company's coverage--or take lower coverage.

Always fill up the car with gas before you return it, because the rental car company's gas prices will be higher (sometimes 50% higher) than the average rate.

Laura Manske is the editor of Family Travel: The Farther You Go, the Closer You Get.