Things to remember when renting a car, based on my Mistakes!

My Crazy Day With A Rental Car (VIDEO)

Yesterday almost cost me an extra $200!!! I tried to save some money by renting from 2 different rental car places. When I got sick, I almost blew the whole thing! here is my SNAPCHAT Story: SnapChat username: WhoIsScott

Things to remember when renting a car:

1) Book ahead of time: If you book far enough ahead you can get excellent rates. Book the day/week of it can cost you Hundreds more!

2) Book through rewards programs

I book using 2 different rewards programs.

The First one is COSTCO TRAVEL, their prices are usually half the price as going through the original rental car website.

The Second one is though my Southwest airlines rewards program. Its not always a lot cheaper, but it does give me rewards towards my flights.

So always look for ways to maximize you purchases, put them on credit cards that get you rewards (then pay that card off) or book through 3rd parties that offer benefits such as Costco travel or Bundling with hotels and airfare

3) Bring your phone cord

Most the time when you are renting a car, you do not know where you are going and have to use your phones GPS. That can drain your battery! Then you are Screwed!! Make sure you have your phone charging cord handy and not packed away in the trunk of the car. Also most cars now have USB ports, but just incase have a cigaret lighter plug available.

4) Connect your Phone and set your stations!

The first thing I do when I rent a car is connect my phone via bluetooth to the car. The last thing you want to do is be fumbling with your phone when it rings in a new car, and on roads you aren't familiar with!

Same thing goes for your radio stations! Take a second and set the presets so you can relax and drive stress free!

5) FILL YOUR TANK!!

When you rent a car you must fill your tank before returning the car! If you don't, the rental car facility will charge you close to $10 per gallon!! You only need to be 10 miles out, so research where the gas stations are close to the rental facility and stop on your way in!

6) DON'T FORGET YOUR STUFF!!

When driving a rental car I like to make it feel like my car. I have an extra phone charger that stays in the car, my sunglasses, rental car paper work, some gum, etc. When you return your car, if you do not take everything out, it is gone forever! I have lost 3 pairs of sunglasses because I left them in the car. I called the "lost and found" but it is always just lost!! Double check the car and GET ALL YOUR BELONGINGS OUT!!!