Few things you should know before renting a car

The car rental industry has grown several times in the past decade and rental cars are very much in demand for varied needs. Some require a comfortable transporter for cross-country family road trip or weekend furniture shopping while others yearn for a cruiser to make a fun-packed night out.

No matter what your requirements are, the following tips would help to make your car rental experience hassle free:

Early booking
Rent your car immediately after deciding on your plans because with the rise in the reservations, most rental companies tend to increase their rate. So reserve your vehicle at least a week ahead. Moreover, certain classes of cars are rented out first and late booking may lead you to reserve a car, larger than you require.

Prefer the weekend
It has been surveyed that the rental rates are comparatively cheaper during the weekends. Renting a subcompact on a weekday will cost you approximately $64.99 and for the same you need to pay a far more reasonable amount of $22.99 during the weekend. Therefore, to avoid coughing a hefty rental charge, it is always better to opt for weekend rental.

Be net savvy
Internet can save a lot of time in searching for the best available car rental rates. Looking for the rental rates on any vehicle on the internet is much convenient than visiting the offices. Sometimes special discounts are also offered by the company for those who rent online. However, depending on the vehicle availability, location and other issues, the rate may differ from company to company.

Avail the weekly rate
Weekly rates are usually best in the league, though weekend rates are also benefitting. You can save up to 30% if you rent a subcompact on a weekly basis for just $252.99 and use it for all seven days. The weekday rate of the same subcompact will be somewhere around $56.99. So if you are going to use your vehicle for more than five days, opt for the weekly rate.

Remember your insurance policy
While renting a vehicle you will be offered a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which covers you in the event of collision and a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), covering any loss suffered by the rental company. Both these coverage plans are quite effective but verify if they are already included in your own insurance policy, for most insurance policies offer liability coverage and rental car damage via comprehensive and collision coverage.

Consider about prepaid gas
There are two options for the renters regarding the fuel. Firstly, you can prepay for a full tank of gas and utilize it fully. Secondly, you can refuel it yourself just before returning the vehicle. The first option sounds more convenient for you can avoid the hassle of refueling and visiting gas station. However, remember that unless you utilize the entire tank of gas, paying in advance will lead you to pay more for fuel than actually utilized. So financially, there is no benefit.

Avoid choosing airport pickups
It costs less to rent car at nearby neighborhood locations rather than to hire a car at the airport. The latest Travelocity study reveals that renting at an airport costs more than 11.5% on an average than renting at a neighborhood location.

Club membership
You can avail the club memberships offered by many large car rental companies, in which you need to pay a yearly fee in exchange for certain amenities. These clubs will offer you free rental days and airline miles but you will only be profitable, if you are a frequent renter.