car rental discounts- Getting the Biggest Bang for Your Buck

When every dollar of savings counts, car rental specials can help save you money on your rental this summer. If you go to company websites you will often see a tab for deals or specials, and they often have their best or current offers advertised right on the home page. Because summer is such a busy travel time and many companies are downsizing their fleets, it's important to plan ahead.

When you're looking to save some cash on weekend or weekly car rentals this summer, you'll want to do some research to make sure that that any available specials or deals will work with the rental that you want to do.

Some weekend and weekly specials are location specific. The offer may only be available at an airport location , some only at off airport or neighborhood locations. Many weekend specials will only be available in certain cities or even at participating locations in certain states.

Make sure that you know exactly what is required to qualify for a weekend rate for the particular car rental company you choose. For some companies you can pick up as early as Thursday, while some will only allow pick up on Friday or a Saturday.

For all weekend car rental deals there will be restrictions about when the vehicle must be returned; generally on Monday. If you return the vehicle later than Monday, you will be charged a higher rate. Most weekend deals will only be offered on certain size or classes of vehicles. Make sure that your vehicle preference is included.

Make sure to verify exactly what is required to qualify for a weekly rate for that particular car rental company. As a general rule, a weekly rental will require a 5 day minimum and usually must include a Saturday night overstay.

Keep in mind that with most weekly deals, the value may only apply to the first week. For example, if you see a special that advertised $35 off a weekly rental and you want to rent a car for 2 weeks, the $35 will only come off once, not for each week. However if the special includes a percentage off a weekly rental, the percentage savings will generally apply to the full period of the rental, as long as the vehicle is returned before the maximum rental period that is specified.

Lastly, make sure to carefully research and read all terms and conditions that are listed with any specials or booking that you make. Verify if there are any blackout dates, advanced booking requirements and don't forget to check the expiration date of a special. For most companies a special or deal will list an expiration date, which will be either when the rental needs to be reserved by or the date by which you must pick up the car.

Remember, if you can't find a car rental special to meet your needs this summer, make sure to check to see if you at least qualify for a car rental discount code from an association or professional membership that will help lower your rate. There are hundreds of programs that offer car rental discounts to their members.