The best place to begin when thinking about renting a car is by shopping around. Assess your needs. Consider whether you're traveling alone or with your family. Decide whether you need a compact car, a luxury vehicle, an SUV or truck. Take into account where you want to travel and your budget for travel expenses. Next, research the rental companies available in the area that you're going to be traveling. It's fairly quick and easy to look up these companies on the Internet. Try to go with companies that answer your questions the best and have good reputations. Like most companies, a car rental companies reputation can often be gauged through the Better Business Bureau and online travel web sites.

If budget is your primary concern, companies like Rent a Wreck provide low rates on used cars instead of new. In the process of getting ready for your rental, collect all the documents you will need to have on you when you make your reservations. You will need to have a valid, unrestricted license, a credit card and insurance, either your own or you may buy a policy issued at the car rental establishment. Check with your insurance company to see if your insurance covers a rental. The credit card requirement is to pay a deposit. In some countries, you may need an international driver's license. Once you have determined your transportation needs, chosen a car rental company and gathered the information and documents you need, you are ready to book your car. You can walk in most car rental companies and rent one on the spot, but there are advantages to booking the vehicle in advance.

Making advance reservations can reduce stress and save you money. If you make your reservation ahead, you may be able to save by locking in a package or special offer. Ultimately, you save time and reduce anxiety because you know you have it all arranged and are confident that the car rental you want is available and reserved for you. You may make your reservations by visiting the rental location in person, by phone or online. Many people prefer to shop online to be able to look over prices and specials at their leisure. Some reduced rates are only available through online reservation. Arrange to arrive to pick up your rental car with time to spare. Doing so can prevent unexpected delays that would cause you to miss an appointment or cause undue aggravation. Before driving away, thoroughly check the contract, review the charges, and inspect the vehicle. If there is any damage inside or out on the rental car, make sure that the employee duly notes it on the contract and signs off on them.  Also, ensure that you understand where all gauges and switches are located (lights, windshield wipers, cruise control, etc.). This is especially important at night, when it will be difficult to see where the windshield wipers are located. Finally, before you head off into the sunset, be sure you are comfortable with the rental terms, deadlines and restrictions. Make sure you have the appropriate contact numbers in case of emergency or other concerns with your rental car.

Before you "Hit" the rental desk....

Before You Hit The Car Rental Desk, before you rent a car, it can be helpful to check individual car rental companies' requirements and to know in advance what you will need to have with you when you rent a car. Further, investigating international requirements can help avoid delays or disappointments. Most companies have a basic set of requirements you will need to rent a car. For instance, all car rental companies will require a valid drivers' license in good standing. Rental companies usually run a check on your license for your record and relevant restrictions imposed on it. Some infractions on your driver's license can keep you from getting a car. Seat belt infractions, suspensions, alcohol-related tickets or careless driving all might be problems. In addition, car rental companies will need to be notified if anyone else will be driving the car, and if their record will pass scrutiny.

Additional Drivers and Age Requirements: Some companies add an additional charge for multiple drivers. When traveling to a foreign country, you may be required to produce an international license and meet another set of requirements. These qualifications can be viewed on websites of rental car companies operating on foreign soil. Car rental companies may have additional stipulations and restrictions based on your age. Young drivers between 20 and 24 may encounter difficulties in renting a car or higher rates with some companies. This may be avoided by shopping for companies that don't impose age sanctions.

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