Car Rental Tips: What to Know Before You Hit the Road
- LeeAnn Shattuck
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
Most of us don’t think much about renting a car until we’re standing at a counter, jet-lagged, staring down an agent trying to upsell us on every add-on under the sun. By then, it’s too late—you’re already signing your life away for the last beige econobox on the lot.
It doesn’t have to be that way. With a little insider knowledge, renting a car can be painless, sometimes even fun. After all, why not turn the dreaded “rental experience” into a chance to drive something different—or at least avoid driving a rolling dumpster with questionable stains?
I sat down with my friend and client, Doug Hofer, who has rented hundreds of cars (yes, really) over the past 20 years. Together, we pulled together the best tips, tricks, and “whatever you do, don’t do THAT” lessons to help you win the rental car game.
The Best Time to Rent a Car
Rental fleets aren’t infinite, and they don’t magically restock themselves every hour. Timing really does matter.
Monday mornings: Prime time. Fleets are full again after weekend returns.
Tuesday and Wednesday: Risky. Business travelers grab everything that moves.
Thursday afternoon onward: Better again. Cars start flowing back in as those same road warriors wrap up their trips.
Pro tip: Mid-week, if you book a smaller car, you might just get bumped into something nicer for free because “that’s all they’ve got left.” Not a bad problem to have.
Renting a Car from the Airport vs. Local Branches
Airport rental lots usually have newer cars with fewer miles. You’ll pay more in taxes and fees, but the selection is better. Local branches can be cheaper, but you might end up with a worn-out model that’s seen too many road trips to Daytona Beach.
If you want choice, go airport. If you want bargain basement, go local.
Why Rental Car Loyalty Programs Are Worth It
Even if you rent a car once or twice a year, sign up for the loyalty program. Seriously.
With National’s Emerald Aisle, for example, you don’t just get “a midsize sedan”—you get to choose from whatever’s sitting on the lot. That could mean driving away in something far more interesting than the beige blob you reserved.
And here’s the kicker: most major travel credit cards give you free access to these programs. So stop waiting in the “cattle line” with everyone else and go straight to the good stuff.
Don’t Get Scammed on Rental Car Insurance
Here’s where rental companies make their real money. They’ll try to sell you “must-have” coverage for a car you’ll only be driving for three days.
The truth:
In the U.S., your personal car insurance usually covers rentals. Many credit cards also provide primary rental coverage if you pay with them. That means you can usually skip the overpriced policy.
Internationally, all bets are off. In places like Mexico, liability coverage is mandatory. In Europe, your U.S. insurance won’t apply. That extra cost might sting, but sometimes it’s worth the peace of mind.
Rule of thumb: Call your insurer before you travel so you know exactly where you’re covered. That five-minute call can save you hundreds.
How to Avoid Getting Dinged for Damage to a Rental Car
Rental companies are notorious for “discovering” scratches and dents when you bring the car back. Sometimes they’re real, sometimes they’re… optimistic.
Protect yourself:
Walk around the entire car, even the roof.
Inspect the windshield and bumpers carefully.
Take photos and a quick video before leaving the lot.
Don’t forget the interior—if the seat looks like someone smoked three packs a day in it, document it.
Today’s fleets are starting to use automated scanners that don’t miss a thing. Better to have proof before you get stuck paying for someone else’s fender bender.
Should You Rent an Electric Car?
More agencies are sliding EVs into their fleets, and sometimes it’s the only option left. Driving one for a day or two is fine if you’re staying local, but be warned: finding chargers on vacation can turn a relaxing trip into a scavenger hunt from hell.
If you’re not familiar with EVs, try to avoid them unless you’re ready for the learning curve (and the possibility of range anxiety).
Pro Car Rental Tips
Don’t rent from shady companies just because they’re cheap. That bargain rental might come with “free” upholstery stains and a transmission that’s one gear away from implosion.
Skip the prepaid gas option. Unless you’re returning the car bone dry (and good luck with that), you’re just giving them free money.
Be picky. If they try to hand you the keys to something you really don’t want, ask what else they’ve got. Sometimes all it takes is asking nicely.
Always, always, always inspect the roof. Nobody does, but it’s one of the most expensive areas to fix—and yes, they’ll charge you for it.
Final Thoughts
Renting a car doesn’t have to be a battle of wits with a counter clerk. With a little prep work, you can avoid the scams, score an upgrade, and maybe even enjoy the ride.
So remember: book smart, document everything, don’t get suckered into overpriced insurance, and for the love of horsepower, don’t get stuck with a Chevy Malibu if you can help it.
Want the full inside scoop, hilarious rental car horror stories, and even more strategies straight from my chat with Doug? Click here to listen to the full podcast episode of The Straight Shift.
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