Summer is the season for travel, and for many people that means booking flights, rental cars and hotels in far off places. Planning ahead and asking the right questions can help you avoid transportation headaches when you should be enjoying your much needed vacation. These tips for car rental can help make your vacation travel more affordable and devoid of unnecessary hassles.

-Make reservations early. Like airline tickets, the price of car rentals can increase as travel dates grow near and vehicle availability decreases. Especially during peak travel season, such as summertime, reserving a rental vehicle in advance can save you money and give you peace of mind that the vehicle will be available when you need it. Also, ask about the company’s cancellation policy at the time you make your reservation so that you will not be surprised later by owing undisclosed fees.

-Compare rates online. Shopping around for the best price and availability of the vehicle you prefer is the best way to get what you want. To avoid wasting too much time calling around, seek reputable websites that do the work for you. Good comparison sites allow you to see the rates and other details about different companies, and can save you both time and money. Make sure to take advantage of any online discounts that are offered.

-Seek a company that can accommodate your schedule. Make sure to find out the hours of operation for the rental company you are dealing with. Many are not open 24 hours, and you will probably need to be able to pick up and return the rental vehicle during a designated time frame. If you are flying and renting a car at your destination, check your arrival and departure times to ensure that the rental company will be open at the time of day that makes sense for your travel plans.

-Cover your bases. Upon picking up your vehicle, perform a thorough inspection with the rental agent, and make note on the contract of any existing damage. This precautionary measure will alleviate you from responsibility for damage to the vehicle that you did not cause.

-Comply with mileage restrictions. It is in your best interest to read the fine print of your contract to avoid surprises upon returning the vehicle. For instance, many contracts contain restrictions on the number of miles permitted with your contract as well as stipulations like a requirement to stay within the state. Failure to comply with your contract can result in extraneous charges or can negate the insurance coverage should something happen to the vehicle.