Hotwire.com Reveals Top Five Summer Car Rental Tips

Prices Are Hitting Record Highs, Know How To Keep Costs Down When Renting a Car

Car rental prices are skyrocketing across North America, so Hotwire.com®, a leading travel discount site, has announced five car-rental savings tips that will help you drive off the lot with a full wallet. Hotwire® works with top rental car agencies to fill unsold cars that would otherwise sit empty on the lot, bringing deep discounts that consumers won't find anywhere else. And with years of experience getting deals for customers, Hotwire has some suggestions that will help car renters save money.

Car rental companies normally upfleet to meet summer demand, but have been unable to do so this year due to the credit crunch and struggling economy. With less inventory and a higher demand for rental cars this summer, consumers are seeing higher rates than normal for this time of year. Car rental rates have risen 15 percent* over the past year. Consumers can expect rates to peak in July, but should expect to see relief beginning in late August as prices start to retreat.

"Car rental firms have cut their fleets by almost 15 percent in the last year, creating an artificial shortage that has raised car rental prices," said Clem Bason, president of the Hotwire Group. "The game has changed for consumers, so they need to be smart when renting a car."

Despite inventory reductions and rising prices, Hotwire is still seeing good inventory and represents some of the lowest going rates in the market. By working with top brands to fill their unsold rental cars, Hotwire can deliver deep discounts.

In addition to checking Hotwire for great rates, here are five tips to help consumers lower their car rental expenses this summer:

1. If you see a good rate, reserve it right away. Prices are expected to continue rising through July and are expected to stay high all the way through August.
2. Rent on the weekends. When business travelers have gone home for the weekend, there is more inventory and lower prices for the consumer.
3. Rent away from the airport if possible. Off-airport and local rental centers can often be cheaper due to lower taxes and fees. Often, by sacrificing convenience, you can save money.
4. Make sure to fill up the tank before returning your car. Rental centers charge a much higher rate than you'd find at the pump for those who forget to fill up. If you don't want the hassle, many rental car companies will also allow you to pre-purchase your tank of gas to avoid fees, but it's still cheaper to fill it up on your own.
5. Book opaque. Although prices are expected to spike this year, by booking through opaque sites such as Hotwire, consumers can save big. Hotwire Hot Rates allow you to choose your car category and pick up and drop off times without knowing the exact car rental company in exchange for deep discounts - up to 40 percent and rates from $14.95 a day.