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Car Rentals

• To get the best deal, book a car when you book your flight. Then re-check before you leave to see if there's a cheaper rate. Check car rental Web sites for bargains at both times.

• When you rent a car, don't accept the insurance options the company wants you to buy. Check with your own auto insurance agent to see if you're covered under your policy, or use a premium credit card that offers travel insurance.

• Check the rental car carefully before you leave the rental lot. If you see any damage, have an official of the company note it on the rental contract before you leave.

• If you're planning to go somewhere during peak season, make sure you can find an affordable car before you buy a non-refundalble airline ticket.

• Rent the smallest car available at the cheapest rate. About half the time, the rental company won't have the small car you ordered and will have to give you a larger car at the small-car price.

• Always take the car out with a full tank of gasoline and return it with a full tank.

• If you're renting for five days or more, a weekly rental will provide a large discount.

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Listen to The Clark Howard Show and visit ClarkHoward.com for more money-saving car rental advice.

Renting out your home or car comes with insurance hassles

Renting out your home or car for extra cash could leave you in a lot of financial hot water with your insurer. I've talked in the past about sites like VRBO.com, HomeAway.com and Airbnb.com as way to get a deal if you're looking for a rental, but also as a ...

Startups that let you rent your ride for extra cash

Do you have a spare vehicle sitting around collecting dust? Try renting it out. Kiplinger  magazine reports there are several new websites that can help you get started as a 1-personal rental agency, with the possibility of generating several hundred dollars in extra income each month. The reality is most ...

Website auto-checks your car rental for price drops

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Website auto-checks your car rental for price drops

Want to save money on your next car rental? There's a website that automatically re-shops your rate on a continual basis after you've booked.

Customer no-service car rental company taken to task

There are some companies you never hear me talk about no matter how good of a deal they offer. Why not? Because I know their reputation has historically been sullied with serious customer no service issues. Fox Rent a Car is one such company. Fox Rent a Car is an ...

Listen to The Clark Howard Show and visit ClarkHoward.com for more money-saving car rental advice.

Save money on car rental booking

I have a method for saving money on car rentals that's a bit cumbersome but has worked for me. Now a new website promises to automate my clunky old process. My method is tested and proven. When I book my flight weeks or months before the actual date of travel, ...

Consumer Reports rolls out annual auto issue

Every April, Consumer Reports makes a special effort during car buying season to give advice for new and used buyers in their annual auto issue. This year, the overall most reliable brand for new cars is a real sleeper of a brand that has a pretty minor presence in the ...

Prices headed up in all sectors of auto industry

CLARKONOMICS: Just a few years ago at the height of the recession when Americans were reluctant to buy anything, auto dealers simply couldn't move their inventory. And cars were a screaming deal.  But now, purchasing is up,  manufacturing is up and cars are moving off the lot as fast as ...

Finding the best price on a car

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Finding the best price on a car

Clark shares his favorite methods for landing the best price on a new or used car. And he has a special heads up for potential Honda buyers.

Prevent unfair rental car damage fees

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Prevent unfair rental car damage fees

Renting a car soon? Here's a simple, effective tip to protect yourself from damage charges...and save you on insurance fees at the same time. Don't get ripped off.

Using your cell phone camera to document rental car damage

You're used to using your smart phone to save you money in your everyday life, right? Well, I have a suggestion about how it can help keep more money in your pocket when it comes to rental car insurance. In the course of my travels for the show, I rent ...

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