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Amy Nutt asked:


Rental car companies vary drastically in the type of service they provide. Some are out to scam you from the very beginning, while others are more interested in providing quality service. Obviously, you want to go with the rental car company that will offer you good service at a decent price.

1. Look for a rental car company that have a club you can join to get discounts. Some will offer discounts if you have AMEX Gold or Platinum and it’s worth checking out if there is a particular club for a chain rental company. This can allow you to get better discounts and make car rental more affordable for you.

2. A rental car company that offers you the option of using your own vehicle insurance is another thing to watch for. This can save you a lot of money and hassle, if your own insurance company covers rental cars. Check ahead of time to make sure it does. If not, your credit card may do so.

3. Rent your car at a non-airport location to get a break in taxes. Taxes are rising quickly on car rentals, thanks to local politicians who don’t have to worry about out of towners voting. The taxes can be up to 45% higher at the airport, so take a taxi or shuttle downtown, instead.

4. Look for special offers. Many companies offer special rates during slow seasons, so take advantage of this and save some cash.

5. An established brand is probably the best way to ensure that you aren’t gyped. Hertz or another big brand name in car rentals will be more responsive to your complaints because their reputation depends on it. Going with a smaller company could cause problems later on, so try to avoid it unless you can get several recommendations and know that the company is reputable.

6. Get a car from a rental company that lets you buy your own gas off-site. They will overcharge you for providing a full tank of gas. While nice and convenient, this is not the best option finance-wise.

7. Online rental options are even better. This way you can reserve your car ahead of time online. Many websites even allow you to do this in conjunction with a hotel rental. Combining the two could be easier on your wallet. Also, booking online allows you to find the best deals possible.

8. Get a rental company that allows you to drop the car off at a different location. This is very handy if you are catching a plane or heading somewhere and leaving from another location. You can rent in town, and then drop the car at the airport when you leave, very useful.

9. Look for unlimited free mileage. Not every car rental company offers this, so you will need to check before booking. Otherwise, you’ll end up with just a few free miles and then you will have to pay extra for any mileage you put on the vehicle after the limit.

10. If you are a younger driver, you will need to find a car rental company that will rent to you. Most have a limit of 21 years, but some go as high as 25 and require that you have your license for a minimum of 5 years.

Knowing how to find the right car rental company can really save you quite a bit of money and you will find that you can drastically drop the stress of renting a car, too.

The Internet Car Guy asked:


Saving money on car insurance requires a combination of techniques that improve your insurability, decrease the rate of insurance for your vehicles, and provide you with a unique advantage when it comes to purchasing car insurance.

This article will outline seven techniques that will ensure that you receive the lowest possible car insurance rates.

1 – Choosing the Best Insurer

Cost is certainly one factor when considering car insurance, but your insurer selection should be weighted more heavily on reliability. You could easily call a number of insurance companies, ask for quotes, and simply select the lowest bidder. However, even if the lowest cost insurer saves you hundreds of dollars a year in premium payments, that savings does you no good if you find yourself in an accident, needing car repairs or medical attention, with an unreliable and unresponsive insurance company. A good company is crucial. It’s not just about car insurance best rates.

#2 – Customize Your Policy

Before you begin calling around, it’s important that you determine the level of insurance coverage you need. Not everyone’s insurance needs are the same. Some families own two or three very expensive vehicles, while other families own only older used cars. Some people are members of AAA, while others are not. The specific terms of a policy should be determined by your life situation and the value of the items being insured.

#3 – How to Become Highly Insurable

Whether you’ve already purchased car insurance, or you are getting ready to start looking, one of the best things you can do to obtain the lowest possible rates is to improve those things that car insurance companies look at when they calculate your insurance premium. There are several things you can do in the short term to improve your insurability standing, and there are also things you can do over the long term to improve it as well. This section will describe four major elements of this technique to save money on your car insurance.

#4 – Reduce Your Car’s Insurance Rate

Another extremely effective technique to obtain the lowest possible insurance rate is to improve those things about your car which car insurance companies value the most when they calculate your insurance premium. There are several things that you can do before buying a car that will dramatically decrease your insurance premium. If you’ve already bought a car, however, and are looking for ways to decrease your existing insurance costs, there are still methods you can use that will substantially cut your premium costs.

#5 – Gaming the System

In addition to all of the techniques already listed in this article, there are also additional ways that you can use the insurance industries rating rules and premium calculation system in ways that will reduce your costs. Again, use the industry’s rules to get car insurance best rates.

#6 – Constantly Update Your Policy

One of the most important things that you can do to keep your insurance premium at a minimum is to always remember to update your insurance provider of any changes in your life that can reduce your insurance costs. Forgetting to do this can be very costly.

#7 – Deciding on Liability Only

There comes a point in the life of a car when the decision needs to be made whether or not it is worthwhile to maintain collision and comprehensive insurance coverage.

Getting Rock Bottom Insurance Rates

If you carefully follow each of the sections outlined in this guide, you are guaranteed to receive the lowest possible insurance rates for anyone within your calculated risk bracket. No one should ever overpay for car insurance – especially given the fact that there are so many insurers in the industry competing for your business.

Most people overpay for car insurance out of sheer laziness. However the consumer that understands how car insurance works, and is clever enough to take advantage of all of its loopholes, will save significantly on their premium in the long run.

Before you step foot into another insurance office, or visit another insurance website, make sure to print this guide and follow it carefully in order to ensure that you get the best insurance deal possible. Remember, car insurance best rates are achievable.