Until recently, renting a car was something I never had attempted on my own. It was always my parents responsibility to rent the car at airports and on far away vacations. This week after taking my car into the body shop I was all on my own.
 
Here are a few tips to be aware of when renting a car:
 
- Insurance: Each rental car company is going to try to sell you their insurance coverage and while insurance is a necessity, you probably don’t need theirs. Most auto insurance policies extend coverage onto the rented vehicle you are driving. Check with your insurance professional to see if you are covered. This can save you $10-$20 per day.
 
- GPS: Most rental cars now are equipped with GPS devices. While GPS devices are typically used when a vehicle becomes lost or stolen, GPS can alert the company if you drive the car out of the state. Check your rental agreement for any restrictions on what states you may or may not be able to drive to.
 
- Condition of the rental: Make sure you take a good look at your rental vehicle for any dings, dents, or scratches before it leaves the lot. If you find anything, make sure the rental company is aware of the damage. The rental company will check the vehicle when it come back onto the lot and could hold you liable for any damage.