How to Rent a Car

Compare prices online before you rent.

Scour the web for the best price. Check travel websites like Kayak, Hotwire, Expedia, and Priceline as well as agency websites like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and Alamo. Compare their rates for their most basic, economy-size cars. Find the best deal for your location and the period of time in which you'll need a rental. In the majority of situations, you're best off sticking with one of these agencies, as they are the most widely used and reputable: Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National. Before you decide on an agency, look into and/or ask about their additional fees. These fees can change what agency provides the best deal all things considered. Some common fees include: Underage-driver fees: Additional charge for a driver under 25. Airport surcharges: Additional charge for picking up a rental at the airport. Mileage fees: Additional charges for going over a certain miles per day cap. Additional driver fees: Additional charges for having more than one person drive the rental.

Add features you'll need on your reservation.

Note if you need a GPS system or car seats when renting a car. These additions can be factored in while you're going through the online rental process. Different car models will have different options, so keep that in mind as you choose a car size and model In most cases, you'll be much better off financially by providing these kind of extras yourself, instead of renting them. Avoid extra features unless you absolutely need them and can't provide them yourself.

Make your reservation.

Prepay for your car or pay when you pick it up. Most rental car companies will hold your reservation without any form of payment, while others may require a credit card number. You can make your reservation by phone or through the rental car company's online system. Make sure to include the cost of insurance in your total. Expect to pay for insurance and other upgrades on a daily basis. For example, collision insurance might cost you $9 per day of your rental. It's often recommended to pay with a credit card when possible. Credit card companies will often cover some of your insurance, which makes using a credit card in this instance a smart option for many.

Pick up your rental.

Go to the location where you've reserved your rental car. If you're renting a car after flying into an airport, follow the signs to rental cars. Oftentimes, the agency's policy will include a large surcharge for picking up at the airport, so consider taking a shuttle to your hotel or the downtown area instead, and picking up a different location. Find out if the rental car company will pick you up. Call and ask about this service. Local car rentals can sometimes be arranged so that a customer service representative will pick you up at home or work and drive you to the rental car company to get your car.

Review your rental contract.

Make sure all of the information is correct before driving away. Double-check that the price you were quoted when you reserved is reflected in the contract. Discuss any questions with the customer service agent.

Check the car carefully before you leave.

Make sure any scratches, dents, or problems are documented. This way, you won't be held liable for these when you return the car. Be thorough here. You want to look for problems both big and small. Make sure the windows work properly. Make sure there are no loose parts, dysfunctional lights, leaks, or anything that could be considered damage. If there is, record and take a picture or video of it.

Return your rental car.

Bring the car back to the rental agency at the agreed-upon date and time. Do not be late; some agencies will charge you for another full day if you bring the car back even 30 minutes later than you said you would. Check with the agency beforehand to find out their exact policy on late returns. Also be aware that some agencies will even charge a fee for returning the car too early. Once again, it's best to ask for their policy regarding this sometime before the time comes to return the car. Fill the car with gas and make sure to return it in pristine condition, cleaning it out before you hand over the keys.