Finding cheap car rentals for a vacation or a business trip can reduce the travel cost or allow funds to be spend on other needs or luxuries. Car rentals may be used when traveling or may be needed to supplement family transportation at home due to having a vehicle out of service or additional guests to transport. Cheap car rentals may allow car owners dealing with insurance claims after an accident to rent a vehicle within the authorized daily allowance.

There are many ways to lower car rental cost. By doing a little comparison shopping you may be able to find a rental car at a significantly lower rate.

Major rental companies based in the United States include: Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget Rent-A-Car, Enterprise, and Hertz.http://search.ezilon.com/united_states/travel_and_tourism/car_rental/index.shtml Cost of vehicles from National franchises which are not housed at an airport may be lower in cost. National franchise companies may offer coupons on the main company website or may offer discounts in conjunction with hotel rental or other rewards type programs.

Some of the car rental companies in Europe include: Auto Europe, Europcar, Europe by Car, Kemwel, Renault Eurodrive, and Sixt. Car rental companies Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget Rent-A-Car, Enterprise, and Hertz also have a presence in Europe also. http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=33&category=2

Priceline and Hotwire are the two websites where travelers can bid for a desired price to rent a car

Some advantages to using Priceline include:

1. Priceline only offers cars from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National typically available for pick-up at airports in the United States and Canada.
2. Always receive unlimited miles.
3. Savings are guaranteed. If the same company, car type, dates, and location are offered on another on-line site within a period of 48 hours, Priceline will refund 100% of the difference.
4. You only have to be 21 to rent a car, instead of 25.http://www.bidontravel.com/cars.html

When searching for a cheap car rental, check the official rental car company websites for special rate offers. Call the rental company directly and ask if they are offering any discounts. Try to rent on the weekend, when the rates may be cheaper. Cheaper rental car rates may be available for a senior, a member of the military or for those with AAA membership. AARP members may also be entitled to special rental car rates. Also check to see if special rates are available through any frequent flier programs.IndependentTraveler.com: Car Rental Tipshttp://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/116640/article.html

J. D. Power and Associates released their reports on the top and worst car rental companies in 2009. A 1,000 point system is used to rate these companies based on 6 factors: cost & fees, pick-up process, rental car, return process, reservation process, and shuttle bus/van. The industry average in points is 733.http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2009193

Top 3 Car Rental Companies in 2009:

1. Enterprise - 770 pts
2. National Rent-A-Car - 757 pts
3. Hertz - 747 pts

3 Worst Car Rental Companies in 2009:

1. Thrifty - 700 pts
2. Dollar - 686 pts
3. Payless - 668 points