Guide to car rentals

As the economy reopens, customers will again be lining up at airport rental car counters — and navigating a maze of prices, fees and insurance coverages. A number of factors can affect rental car rates, meaning there are a number of ways you can score a deal.

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Look beyond the big chains. Rental companies such as Payless and Fox Rent a Car often offer rental rates of 15% to 30% less than rentals from big chains.

Comparison-shop at an aggregator. Searching for a rental car through an aggregator such as

Kayak, Orbitz or Expedia can be a convenient way to shop around instead of checking rates at several rental car agencies one by one. But these websites may have less-flexible cancellation policies and fewer opportunities for upgrades than if you book with a rental car company directly.

Avoid renting a car at the airport. The rental car company has to pay taxes and fees to the airport authority and local tourism authority to rent counter space at the airport, and they pass on those costs to customers.

Get a one-week rental. A weekly car rental is often cheaper than a four- or five-day rental, says Gary Leff, founder of the travel deals site Viewfromthewing.com. Also if you know you’re taking a short trip, you may be able to save money by choosing a limited-mileage rental plan instead of a rental with unlimited mileage.

Bundle your rental car with hotel stays. Travel packages that combine rental cars and hotel reservations can offer significant savings. Priceline and Orbitz offer such deals.