With a little research and planning, you can save money and avoid hassles when you rent a car. These tips and tricks will get you on the right road.

Verify Your Reservation

Before you go to pick up your rental car, pick up the phone and double check that the rental car company still has your reservation. If you're on a flight that's delayed, make sure you call the rental car company and let them know the situation. Otherwise you may not have a car when you arrive at your destination (reservation or not).

Know the Difference Between In-Terminal or Off-Airport Reservations

Car rentals labeled as In-Terminal don't assure that you'll be able to walk to your rental car from the airport. In fact, many In-Terminal-labeled rental companies simply maintain a booth inside the terminal and require you to take a shuttle bus, sometimes miles away, to get your car.

The cheaper rentals can usually be found with those labeled Off Airport. These rentals require you to pick up an airport courtesy phone and request a shuttle (usually a 10-20 minute wait), but this may be worth it if you're able to save some money. Be sure and ask how far away the car rental location is and when that location will close.

If you really need the speed and convenience of a walk-up car rental, be sure to call the rental company to make sure they provide this level of service at the airport you'll be renting from.

Get All the Details

Before renting a car, make sure you know the answers to the questions below. If you do, you'll be a good way toward avoiding any problems or extra fees.

• Does the car rental company offer in-terminal of off-airport car rental access?
• Does the rental include unlimited mileage, or is there a cap?
• Does the rental include free driving privileges for a second driver, or is there an extra charge?
• What is the minimum age that a driver must be to rent or drive the rental car?
• How old is the car you'll be renting, and what is the make and model?
• When is the rental car office available for pickup, drop off, or emergency roadside assistance?
• Will the rental car company hold your vehicle if your flight is delayed?
• Does the rental car company accept coupons, such as those from AAA?
• Does the rental car company impose restrictions as to where you can take the car? For example, on many Hawaiian islands your rental car insurance coverage may be voided if you drive in restricted areas of the island. Other examples would be driving the rented vehicle into Mexico or Canada or simply a neighboring state.
• If you are planning to pick up the car in one location and drop the car off in another, will the rental car company impose a special drop off charge? If so, how much will it be?

Think Carefully about Refueling Charges/Pre-Paid Fuel

Rental car companies typically require a vehicle to be returned with a full tank of gas. The pre-paid fuel option they offer may be convenient, but it's a bad deal unless you return the car with a bone-dry tank. This is because you are not credited for gas you paid for but did not use.

Inspect the Car Before You Drive It

Here are some pointers:

• Look for dents and scratches. Report them to the car rental company before you drive off so that you won't be held responsible for them.
• Perform a safety check (especially on international rentals). Always check the tread wear on all tires. In addition, make sure that lights, turn signals, brakes, and the emergency brake function properly. Having clean windows, functioning windshield wipers, and well-adjusted mirrors are also important.
• Think about your personal safety. Make sure to wear your safety belt, and respect any airbag warnings. (Don't place children in the front seat because an exploding airbag can present a danger to them.)
• Examine the interior of the car. You have a right to a clean car. If you notice any problems, go back to the counter and request a clean and safe car. If you're lucky, you may end up with an upgrade.