Frequent travelers are often the greatest users of budget car rental as they know the convenience it provides; if you use taxis regularly you will not need reminding how expensive this form of transportation is, so perhaps it is time you tried something else. The problem is finding a company that doesn't rent budget cars, you know, the sort that sound like they should be mowing the lawn. Perhaps a slight exaggeration on my part but when renting a car you do have to be careful. That said; here are a few ideas you can use when organizing your rental car.

If the type of car you want to drive is of no real concern to you, use a budget car rental web site that allows you to dictate your own price level. Do not dismiss this type of sites because they want your business and sometimes offer other incentives like unlimited mileage for example. Look for package deals, fly-drive-stay, or fly-drive, most of these packages give great discounts for rentals, but don't do it with an airline. The convenience of renting your car online at the airlines web site is usually offset by the higher charge you will pay.

There are some excellent budget car rental deals on the internet that can give you a great bargain. Internet only bookings are fast becoming the only way you are able to receive a discount on your car rental. Aside from that you can easily get upgrades and depending on the season, at least one rental company is bound to have a special offer that can help you save money. In addition to that, you can rent a car in the comfort of your own home, now beat that!

Don't forget to ask for any special offers if you are making a booking over the phone because if you do not ask, you are less likely to be given a discount and you may even find your credit card company has incentives with particular budget car rental agencies. The frequent flyer program is still available or perhaps you are a member of an organization that has preferential rates arranged. Most rental cars are low on maintenance so when you rent a car, check all sides for damage. I mean every side and every nook and cranny of that car, make sure to inform the renter of these so that you wont have to pay for damages once you return the car. In addition, try to check out all the accessories, wipers, radio, brakes, seat belts etc, to familiarize yourself with them, and also to check if they work, like the previous tip, you might be charged for this if you don't inform them.

Before you decide to use the rental company's insurance plans, take a look at your own policy as you will probably find that it covers rental car insurance as well. Although the rental car insurance isn't going to be costly, there is no point in paying out twice if your current auto insurance will cover you; always make sure you have auto insurance anyway, as the penalties for driving without adequate cover are severe. If like me you like to have you car upgraded, then try arriving at the rental car company's offices as they open and you may find that owing to the number of cars that have not been returned at that time, you may be offered an upgrade at no charge.

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