Confessions of a rental car agent: Smart and simple tips to save you money

PHOENIX - It's beginning to look a lot like the holiday season and if you are planning a trip to grandma's and that includes booking a rental car we can help save money and time with a few smart and simple tips.

Philip Reed , Senior Consumer Advice Editor for Edmunds.com . wrote a really wonderful article on Edmunds called "Confessions of a Rental Car Agent." So our first question was...

SF: "How did you get him to talk?!"

Philip Reed: He had been very tired of taking the public for a ride and once he got out of the industry decided to share information he thought would be important for the public to know, with me. The interview was eye opening. 

SF: He gave you several money-saving tips, let's start with timing. Is there a good time to book a car when prices are typically lower?

Philip Reed: You can book anytime. The farther out you book often the better the prices. However I encourage you to check back as your travel date nears. Sometimes the rental agency will lower their prices because they didn't rent as many vehicles as they expected for that time period and you can get a lower price. 

SF: Do we need extra rental car insurance?

Philip Reed: Very few customers actually need extra rental car insurance, and at as much as $26 a day it can almost double the cost of the car rental. Check your existing insurance policies and your credit card services to learn what coverage you already have before reserving a rental car. 

SF: Should we take an upgrade on a car if its offered?

Philip Reed: If the agent is offering you a car upgrade, it may be because they don't have the class of vehicle you want on the lot. Decline the offer and you'll probably get the upgrade for free. Stay focused on the "out-the-door" total. An upgrade that costs $5 a day can add up fast over the length of the rental and probably isn't worth it. 

SF: Should we fill up the car ourselves or just let them do it when we return the vehicle?

Philip Reed: Always say 'no' to the prepaid gas option. Unless you drive back onto the lot with a completely empty tank, it's a waste of money. 

SF: If we don't like the price being offered can we play hard ball?

Phillip Reed: Keep in mind that rental car agents are salesmen who have a stake in selling you upgrades and extras that you don't necessarily need.The rental car business is very competitive, so if you aren't happy with what you're being offered, stay firm and threaten to go elsewhere, you will probably get the offer you want.

Philip Reed, is the Senior Consumer Advice Editor for Edmunds.com.