Rent a car from the airport only as long as it will take to get to your first destination. Drop off the car, or arrange to have it picked up. Rent a new vehicle closer to your destination.
Read the entire contract before signing at the rental kiosk. Travelers are often in a hurry to get to their destination, so they will skip over the legal documentation and agree to pay fess for services they don't need.
Hire a taxi to take you to a car rental location that is near the airport. The money you save on the rental may more than make up for the cab fare. Ask the local cab drivers where a reasonably priced rental location is.
Arrange for a half-day rental instead of a full day rental. These arrangements have more restrictions in terms of time and drop-off locations, but they help the rental companies, which lowers the price on your end.
Prepay for the vehicle rental and gas charges if you know what the exact dates of your stay will be. You can do this on the Internet or at a local branch of the car rental company. This method will ensure that there are no surprise charges added onto your bill when it is returned for example; cleaning charges, gas surcharges and return fees.
Waive the extra insurance fees which are charged by the rental company if your personal insurance covers rental liabilities.
Ask for discounts for memberships you hold, such as AAA or AARP.
Ask about the rental company's policies on gas levels when the car is returned. Companies that require a full gas tank upon return may charge you substantial fees if the tank is not filled.
Return your vehicle at the exact time specified in your contract. Late fees, and sometimes even early fees, are charged when a vehicle is brought back at a different time.
