If you plan on visiting Bakersfield Museum, California Living Museum, Eagle Mountain Casino, and Buck Owens Crystal Palace it would be good to know how to rent a car in Bakersfield, California. http://www.rentalcarmomma.com/cities/bakersfield.htm

Cheap car rental rates, hidden fees, car rental coupons, car rental discounts, rental car promo offers and deals are all factors that you may have to deal with when renting a car. It's not just tourists that rent cars, Bakersfield residents might need rental cars at times also. If you need a car to replace your own car that is being fixed in the shop, a rental car can be the answer. Transporting large cargo can conveniently be done using truck rental. Even just for a night out on the town, a rental car can be used.

Websites like Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, Orbitz.com, Priceline.com and Hotwire.com all offer package deals that can include your rental car together with airfare and/or a hotel stay. Often these package deals are less expensive than when you book everything separate.

Many people often go with the trusted car rental companies like Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Avis and Enterprise. However, you might want to consider going with a local neighborhood facility since they are more flexible on their regulations and rates. You will find more information like this below. Hopefully it will be beneficial to you when you rent your Bakersfield car.

WHEN TO RENT: When you rent a car is a big influence on the rate you get. If you know days or weeks ahead of time that you will be traveling to Bakersfield, you might want to reserve your car right away. Car rental rates are lower if you book your car a minimum of a week ahead of time. The rates you get depend on how many cars are in the lot at the time you make your reservation. Keep in mind, that once you make your reservation, you can always call back a few days later to ask what the current rates are. If they are lower, have them adjust your rental reservation.

WHERE TO LOOK: The Internet should be your fist step towards finding a good deal on a rental car. Not only is the Internet easily accessed 24/7 right from home, but you can also avoid having to deal with pushy sales representatives. You might also occasionally find offers, discounts and promotions that are only valid when reserving your car online. Another benefit of online bookings is that you can easily compare rates of various different car rental companies. If you were to walk into a car rental facility or reserve a car by phone, you would only have one choice of company to go with. http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/116640/article.html

AIRPORT PICK UPS: Avoid picking up your rental car from the airport. Sure, it is convenient to walk over to the car rental counter at the airport, but keep in mind that you will end up paying airport taxes and fees. It is cheaper to go with the local neighborhood car rental company.

PREPAYING FOR GAS: Avoid prepaying for gas. Fill up the car before returning it to the lot. Car rental companies charge a lot more for gas by the gallon than you would pay at the pump. If you prepay for gas and don't use the whole tank, you will have still paid for a full tank of gas. The only benefit prepaying has is that you don't have the hassle of looking for a gas station.

AGE PENALTIES: Avoid having to pay a penalty if you are younger than 25 years old. There are some companies that don't charge penalties if you are under 25. Usually these are the independent neighborhood facilities. Do your research ahead of time.

ADD-ONS: Avoid having to pay daily rental fees for additional items like child safety car seats, GPS devices and roof racks. Instead, bring your own. It will save you money.

INSURANCE: Avoid taking the car rental insurance that is offered. You can do this by looking into your own insurance company because they may already cover you in case of a collision in a rental car. Also check with your credit card company since they sometimes cover collisions also.

MEMBERSHIP: Major car rental companies like Hertz, Budget, Avis, Alamo and Enterprise have clubs you can join. Membership can be free or cost a yearly fee. Benefits of joining include usage of the members' line at the airport and faster service. You also get discounts on various rates. https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/emember/join/overview.do?learnMore=all

EMAIL: You can also stay up to date of the many car rental promotions, discounts and offers that are ongoing by registering your email with the major car rental companies. http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/intresImage.do?imageId=28443.4&key=996.en.US.......&page=HOM

COUPONS: When reserving your rental car online for your Bakersfield visit, there are certain coupons you can use that can save you some money. Websites like rentalcarmomma.com and retailmenot.com have many coupons in the form of coupon codes and direct links. Promo codes can be redeemed by entering them online while reserving your vehicle. Direct links instantly take you to the web page with the discount Restrictions and exclusions might apply, so check the small print on the coupons. Also, expired coupons are not accepted, so make sure the coupons are valid before redeeming them. http://www.retailmenot.com/coupons/carrentals http://www.rentalcarmomma.com/cities/bakersfield.htm

Besides the nationwide well known car rental providers there are also independently owned car rental facilities in Bakersfield, California. Sometimes it's easier to deal with an independently smaller company. For instance, if you are under 25 years of age other companies might charge you an age penalty. Independent car rental companies make their own rules and regulations and are more flexible when it comes to negotiating. Aside from this it is also said that they provide better service and have a better vehicle selection. Following you will find information on several independent car rental companies in Bakersfield, California.http://www.carrentalexpress.com/tips/car-rental-independent.html

INDEPENDENT CAR RENTAL COMPANIES:

• Matt's Paint & Body Repair
• 207 East Shady Lane
• Bakersfield, CA 93301
• Phone: (907) 276-1230

This car rental facility also does collision repair and offers free estimates. http://www.carcocollisioncenter.com/tom/Matts.html

• Rent one truck and car rental
• 1130 24th Street, Bakersfield
• CA 93301-2407
• Phone: (661) 337-9000

This company doesn't just rents cars but also trucks, SUVs, Vans, Limousines with drivers. They also sell used cars. http://www.bakersfieldwheels.com/