CAR RENTAL

CUTTING COSTS

To get the best deal, book through a travel agent and shop around. When pricing cars, ask where the rental lot is located. Some out-of-airport locations offer lower rates---even though their lots are only minutes from the terminal via complimentary shuttle. You may also want to price local car-rental companies, whose rates may be lower still, although service and maintenance standards may not be up to those of a national firm. Also ask your travel agent about a company's customer-service record. How has it responded to late plane arrivals and vehicle mishaps? Are there often lines at the rental counter, and, if you're traveling during a holiday period, does a confirmed reservation guarantee you a car?

Always find out what equipment is standard at your destination before specifying what you want; do without automatic transmission or air-conditioning if they're optional. In Europe, manual transmissions are standard and air-conditioning is rare and often unnecessary.

Also in Europe, look into wholesalers---companies that do not own their own fleets but rent in bulk from those that do and often offer better rates than traditional car-rental operations. Prices are best during low travel periods, and rentals booked through wholesalers must be paid for before you leave the United States. If you use a wholesaler, know whether the prices are guaranteed in U.S. dollars or foreign currency, and if unlimited mileage is available; find out about required deposits, cancellation penalties, and drop-off charges; and confirm the cost of any required insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

When you drive a rented car, you are generally responsible for any damage or personal injury that you cause as well as for damage to the vehicle. Before you rent, see what coverage you already have by means of your personal auto-insurance policy and credit cards. For about $14 a day, rental companies sell insurance, known as a collision damage waiver (CDW), that eliminates your liability for damage to the car; it's always optional and should never be automatically added to your bill. California, New York, and Illinois have outlawed the sale of CDW altogether.

SURCHARGES

Before picking up the car in one city and leaving it in another, ask about drop-off charges or one-way service fees, which can be substantial. Note, too, that some rental agencies charge extra if you return the car before the time specified on your contract. To avoid a hefty refueling fee, fill the tank just before you turn in the car.