There is no shortage of car rental companies to choose from, and many cities have dozens. When you are trying to pick the best one it's important to find out what their rates are and what services they may offer. In general, you'll do better by planning your car rental in advance, and you may have to pay more if you wait until the last minute. The following are some helpful suggestions to keep in mind when you rent a car.

When you buy or rent anything, it's important to do comparison shopping, but many people forget this when they choose a car rental company. You'll get a better deal if you avoid impulse shopping at the first place you see. The difference between rates and prices of the competing agencies in your town are easy to find when you call a few of them. You might find that one company is offering a great promotional rate at that perfect time when you need to travel. When you choose a rental car, if you are looking for low prices, choose economy over those larger more luxurious vehicles. Those larger cars will not only be more expensive but also cost you more in fuel too. This is the reason you want to avoid renting a car larger than necessary. Alot of these places will try to talk you into a larger car for the same price as the economy model you wanted. Remember, however, that you will still be responsible for fuel costs, so it might not be worth it. Don't get a larger one than you need but do get one that's comfortable for those you are hauling around.

While most of the car rental tips we've been covering are focused on saving you money, at times you may want to treat yourself and drive the luxury car of your dreams. If you do some research, you may find that this isn't as expensive as you thought. Some car rental agencies offer a variety of specialty and luxury models. For a special vacation, the extra cost of a luxury car may be worth it. If you're considering buying a new car, renting one like it can help you find out if it'll really work for you. To find out where you can rent a particular type of car, do a search online.

As a general rule rental car contracts are tricky especially if you are not aware of all of the terms and conditions. All it takes in most cases is to read the agreement carefully and make sure you know what the total cost will be. It's important to be aware of all of your options with regard to type of car, fuel costs and surcharges. Keep these tips in mind the next time you shop for rental cars in order to save money and enjoy this experience more.