Don’t spend more than you need to on a rental vehicle. By taking the below steps ahead of your vacation, you won’t miss out on the best rates:

• Browse and compare different available rates and vehicles. It’s easy to run a comparison on the CarRentals.com website;
• Book as far in advance as possible. Not only will this save you money, but it will save you standing in a queue at the rental counter or calling around several companies;
• Plan your driving routes as much as possible, so that you can search for your vehicle on the basis of your mileage and fuel requirements.

A mid-size rental car or mid-size SUV rental is great for a group of friends going on a long trip or weekend getaway. If you plan on going camping with your family, a mid-size SUV rental is the perfect solution for you. Medium SUVs provide enough room to fit your camping gear yet allow a considerable amount of legroom for everyone in your group, and can save you a lot on gas money.

There are a range of SUVs available to rent, some of which may include:

• Hyundai Ix35
• Chevy Tahoe
• BMW X5 or similar vehicles

Remember, you are renting a category, not a specific car model, though.

Many companies require drivers of their vehicles to be 25 and over, though this could differ depending on the car type. Drivers under 25 may be required to pay a surcharge or buy additional insurance if they want to rent a car.

Yes, you must be covered by insurance to rent a car. In the U.S., your existing car or credit card insurance may already cover rentals, so check with your provider. If you’re not covered and you’re a U.S. Citizen, you can purchase insurance at the checkout when you book through CarRentals.com.

Outside the U.S., the rental company will ask to see your proof of coverage or request that you purchase your insurance through them. It’s worth noting that, in certain countries, namely Mexico and Cuba, you will need to buy additional local insurance.

When you touch down in your vacation destination and head for the rental counter to collect your car keys, you’ll need to have your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and credit card to hand. Check the car rental company’s terms and conditions before you arrive, just in case they require you to bring any other forms of identification.

Yes, one-way rentals can be arranged, though sometimes this means paying an additional fee. We remind you that cross-border one-way rentals may be forbidden in some locations, so check with your supplier when making your rental reservation.

A full-to-full fuel policy means that you’ll receive the vehicle with a full tank of gas, so you don’t need to worry about clocking up the miles and facing extra costs. Just remember to refill the tank upon returning the vehicle to avoid being charged a penalty fee.

Unlimited mileage might be your best bet if your vacation plans involve a lot of driving. Some local rental companies have mileage restrictions, so check when you arrange your booking.

No, debit cards are not widely accepted for rental car reservations. You’ll generally need to use a credit card. Remember that cash, pre-paid cards, and gift cards are not accepted either.