Knowing how to rent a car in San Diego will come in handy when visiting the city. If you are visiting San Diego Zoo, Coronado Island, or one of the many restaurants, theaters, shops, gardens and museums in Balboa Park, a rental car is sure to navigate you from one to the other. http://www.rentalcarmomma.com/cities/sandiego.htm

Rental cars are often associated with vacations and tourists. However, nowadays its not just tourists that use rental cars. San Diego residents might use a rental car to replace their own car when it's in the shop. They can also use rental cars when they need to transport more people than fit in their own car. If you are in San Diego, California on business, a rental car can also take you to that business meeting you have scheduled. Whatever your reason is for getting a rental car, it will give you more independence. You will not have to rely on public transport and you will be able to go by your own schedule instead of a bus or train schedule.

Booking a rental car doesn't have to be expensive. National car rental companies like Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, Avis, and Hertz all want your business. They have competitive rates and discounts that you can take advantage of. Some of their offers include extra free rental days, discounts on rates and free upgrades to larger vehicles. Deciding which car rental company to go with can be quite a task. The following steps might be of some help to you when making that decision. http://www.rentalcarmomma.com/

SURF THE INTERNET: When looking for a good deal on a rental car in San Diego, it's recommended to surf the internet. You want to know what rates are being offered and which vehicles are available for rental. Many car rental companies offer different kinds of vehicles. You can find anything from compacts and minivans to luxury cars and pick-up trucks. Some companies only specialize in high end, exotic vehicles. Searching the internet, you should be able to find a wide variety. You can reserve a rental car by phone, in person or online. The benefit of booking your car online is that you can do it in your own time. You are not bound by the hours of operation of the rental car facility. The internet car rental companies are 'open' 24/7 and some even have special discounts that are only available online. You can take your time to search different car rental company offers without being harassed by a pushy salesperson trying to get you to commit to a certain rental car. http://www.exoticcarrental.com/ http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/showVehicles.do

BOOKING A RENTAL CAR WITH HOTEL STAY: If you require a hotel stay during your visit to San Diego, California, make sure to check for package offers. A package offer is when you book a hotel stay together with a rental car. You can find these offer on various travel websites like orbitz.com. http://www.orbitz.com/App/DisplayCarSearch6 http://www.rentalcarmomma.com/7

CAR RENTAL RATES: Try reserving your rental car for a weekend. Many companies offer discounts on weekends. If you plan on staying in San Diego for five days or longer inquire about their weekly rates. The weekly rates are often more favorable than their daily rates. http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/116640/article.html8

ABOUT INSURANCE: When you rent a car, you will be asked whether or not you want to include insurance. The insurance they offer, covers you in case of a collision and it covers the loss of the rental company. Car rental companies charge high rates for their insurance. If you have your own car insurance, you might want to check with your agent to see if you are covered in the event something happens while driving the rental car. If you are, there is no need to accept the insurance from the car rental facility. You don't want to have double-insurance. Many people make this mistake and end up over-insured. If your own insurance company covers you, you will be able to save some money here. If you are paying for the rental car with a credit card, It's also a good idea to contact the credit card company. Sometimes credit card companies will cover vehicle damage from accidents. http://www.usatourist.com/english/tips/carrental.html9

RESERVING YOUR RENTAL CAR EARLY: The rates to rent a car usually depend on how many vehicles are on the lot of the car rental facility. Therefore, the earlier you book your car, the cheaper it will be. If you know you are going to visit San Diego a week or more ahead of time, it's good to make the reservation right than and there.

FREE UPGRADES: When you pick up your rental car, you may be asked if you would like to upgrade to a larger vehicle. Rental companies often offer free upgrades because it's the compact cars that are really in high demand. It sounds like a good deal, but keep in mind that a larger vehicle requires more gas. If you are on a budget, you might want to consider declining this offer.

AIRPORT PICK UPS: Picking up a rental car up from the airport seems convenient, but it is also more expensive taxes and fees are charged. If you can, try picking up the vehicle from a local neighborhood car rental facility. It'll save you money.

PAYING FOR GAS: If you opt to prepay the gas of your rental car, keep in mind that car rental companies often charge higher gas prices than you will find at the pump. The only benefit here, is that you can return the car without having to worry about filling the gas tank. However, you will be paying for a full tank of gas, even if you end up using less gas. To save money, it's better to fill the car up before returning it to the rental car lot.

HIDDEN COSTS: Car rental companies charge anywhere from $5 - $25 per day for additional items you might need, like child safety seats, roof racks and GPS devices. If you can, bring your own items along. http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=29&category=2&page=210

COUPONS: You can find coupons for car rentals in San Diego at various websites such as rentalcarmomma.com and retailmenot.com. The coupons are either coupon codes, direct links or printable coupons. Coupon codes can be redeemed by entering them online while reserving your vehicle. Direct links will apply the discounts when reserving the vehicle online and printable coupons can be printed, clipped and redeemed at the participating car rental facility. Some coupons might only be valid if the renter is a certain age or for the rental of select vehicles. Other restrictions and exclusions might apply also, so check the fine print on the coupons. Since expired coupons are not accepted you want to make sure the coupons are valid before redeeming them. http://www.rentalcarmomma.com/cities/sandiego.htm http://www.retailmenot.com/view/foxrentacar.com

EMAIL UPDATES: Keep up to date of car rental promotions, discounts and offers by registering your email on the website of the major car rental companies. Once you do, you will start receiving updates by email. http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/intresImage.do?imageId=28443.4&key=996.en.US.......&page=HOM12

MEMBERSHIP: Joining one of the membership programs offered by the larger car rental companies is another way to get discounts. Some companies charge a fee, but there are also free membership options. Once you are a member you can enjoy faster service and various discounted rates. At airports you won't have to wait in long lines because you will be able to use the special members' line. https://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/enterprisePlusPickYourPath.do11