Edmunds.com Provides Money-Saving Car Rental Tips

But First Snide's Remarks; I have found that you can save big bucks some of the time by using those web sites that let the buyer "Name your own price". The way I do it is to go the traditional Rent-a-Car sites, get their rate for the car(I always ask for an economy car... in these days of outrageous gas prices you will most likly be upgraded) and rental period I want and then go to the Name you own price site and have fun... If you need a car in a city during a very busy period you may just have to settle and pay what they want. msnide@theautochannel.com

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--Aug. 30, 2006--Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, today published a list of car rental tips that will help consumers save money.

"The choices offered at the rental car counter can be overwhelming," said Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor for Edmunds.com. "Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make your experience less stressful -- and easier on your wallet, too."

Some of Edmunds.com's car rental tips are:

1.  Rent by the Week -- If you're planning on having the vehicle for 
    five or more days, look for weekly rentals. You can save as much 
    as 30 percent paying the weekly rate compared with paying for a 
    seven-day rental on the daily rate.

2.  Research your Insurance Coverage -- Before going to the rental car
    counter, check your insurance and credit card coverage. Most 
    insurance policies offer liability coverage and others cover 
    rental car coverage via comprehensive and collision coverage, 
    while some credit card providers have a built-in protection for 
    rental car insurance.

3.  Think Twice About Prepaid Gas -- When you prepay for gas, you 
    agree that you will pay to fill the entire gas tank as if it were 
    empty. If you're sure that the entire tank won't be used, decline 
    the prepaid gas option and save money replacing only what you use.

4.  Be Careful of Upgrades -- Car rental companies sometimes offer 
    free upgrades to larger vehicles in order to save the more 
    fuel-efficient vehicles for specific requests from those aiming to
    save money on gas. Larger vehicles will cost you more in fuel 
    costs. If you want to save that money, decline the upgrade.

5.  Avoid Airports When You Can -- A 2005 Travelocity study showed 
    that travelers are charged 25.8 percent in taxes and fees when 
    renting at an airport location, while being charged only 14.1 
    percent at non-airport locations. Texas airports were the largest 
    offenders.

"Avoid sticker shock at the counter by researching the taxes and fees you will be charged," said Warren Clarke, Consumer Advice Editor for Edmunds.com. "It's a great idea to comparison shop using the car rental company Web sites and travel sites like Expedia, Hotwire, Orbitz, Priceline and Travelocity, but be sure you're comparing prices after taxes and fees have been computed."