While traveling, it often becomes necessary to rent a car; but doing so can sometimes be expensive. Mahalo's guide on how to get a cheap car rental will provide you with some tips and strategies to help you rent the car you need at a reduced price.

There are numerous car rental companies, and also numerous sources through which rental cars can be booked. Prices can differ dramatically from source to source. Putting some time in to search online, shop around and simply ask for reduced rental rates can be well worth the effort, as it may save you a substantial amount of money. Here we will go over some of the steps that can help you land your rental at as cheap a rate as possible.

Some rental agencies will offer discounts depending on when you rent a car. Car rentals are often more expensive during the weekend, especially long weekends, than they are during the week. If possible, plan your trip so that you will be renting a car mid-week, when rates are usually cheaper.

You may also be able to save money if you book your rental several weeks, or even months, in advance.http://www.nationwide.com/about-us/rental-car-tips.jsp Depending on the agency, you may get a reduced rate for an advance booking. If you do book in advance, keep an eye out for deals that are offered between the time you book and the time you are picking up your rental. If you see any advertised deals that would result in you getting a cheaper price for your rental than what you have agreed to, call up the agency you have booked with and ask them to match the offer—chances are that they will.

The Internet can be a great resource when it comes to finding cheap deals. Do a few Google searches to see if you can find any coupons or coupon codes that will help reduce your car rental rate.

You can also check with online travel agencies such as Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz for coupons and cheap car rental rates. If you're feeling lucky and are not traveling for awhile, you may want to consider bidding on car rentals at an auction sites such as Priceline and Hotwire.http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/7-ways-to-save-on-a-car-rental-1.aspx

Be sure to visit websites of the major car rental agencies in the area where you will be renting. Check to see if they are offering any promotions or special deals. Some rental agencies will offer discounts:

1. For veterans
2. For seniors
3. If you book online
4. To AAA members

• Sometimes getting a reduced rate or upgrade on your car rental is as simple as asking for it. Call around to rental agencies and ask them straight out what kind of discounts they will offer you.http://couponing.about.com/od/budgettravel/a/aarentalcar.htm You can also mention that another agency offered you a cheaper rate than the one they have quoted you and ask them to match or beat it.

• Although it may be easier to just agree to the first rate a car rental agency offers you, if you spend some extra time looking for coupons, researching on the Internet and making a few calls, you will likely be rewarded with savings that will result in some extra money in your pocket to spend on other aspects of your trip.

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