Renting a car is getting trickier by the day, and finding a good deal has gotten harder. Automakers have cut back on discounted sales to big fleet buyers, causing rental companies to raise their rates. Local governments have piled on new taxes. In addition, many franchises are charging fees for things that used to be free. Here are some ways to protect yourself and pay less

1) Limit your search

There is no single website that always has the best deals, and there is no single car category that is always the cheapest. Start with a major travel site like Expedia, Travelocity or Orbitz, then check out the prices at Hotwire and Priceline. Finally, look for specials on some of the rental companies' sites. Once you have booked, check back at the various sites periodically to see if you can get a better deal. Start early and book in advance to avoid future price increases. You are not locked in if rates should drop. In most cases, there is no penalty for canceling a reservation if you find a cheaper rate later.Don't assume that smaller cars are always less expensive. Some agencies may offer better rental rates on SUVs and larger cars as customers frown at the expense of filling bigger gas tanks.

2) Not factoring in taxes

Some of these fees relate to the cost of building and maintaining airports, but others subsidize municipal projects that a driver might never visit. Make sure the booking site allows you to see all taxes and fees before you commit. Consider renting off-site, as the cost of tax and fees are likely to be less than that of the airport site.

3) Letting add-on fees empty your wallet

Most agencies use a 24-hour clock that starts when you pick up the car. If you get the vehicle at noon, you are expected to return it by noon on the final day of your contract. Many agencies offer a 60-minute grace period, but after that you will face steep hourly rates. Be late enough, and you will be charged for an extra day. Check local traffic conditions and leave plenty of time to get to the airport to prevent late fees.If you fail to fill your tank before returning, the agency could charge you $4 or $5 a gallon for the missing fuel. Prepaying for a full tank is not usually the best alternative, since any gas you do not use is essentially a donation to the car rental company's bottom line. Make sure the tank is full when you get the car. If it is not, insist that the agency representative note the fuel level on your rental contract so that you do not wind up paying for the last driver's gas as well as your own.Some agencies allow you to add another driver at no charge; others slap on a fee of $25 or more. Drivers under 25 often face a surcharge that can range from $10 to $80. These fees may not be disclosed before you book; you will need to ask.If you are not going to drop the car off at the same location where you picked it up, you may pay a lot more, or you may not. The cost depends on factors, such as the agency, the cities involved, and the type of car. Smaller agencies and specialty rental companies may charge mileage fees. Inquire about mileage limits and try to stay within them. Or, better yet, opt for an agency that offers unlimited mileage.Most rental agencies reserve the right to charge you a premium for any deep cleaning that is required before they can rent the vehicle to another customer. Be sure to clean up and discard any garbage before returning the car. Navigation systems, ski racks, child car seats and satellite radio can each boost the cost of a rental by $3 to $10 a day. Whether the convenience is worth the cost is an entirely personal matter. You should also know that your request for a certain item does not guarantee its availability. If it is really important, like that car seat, consider bringing your own.

4) Paying for damage that is not your fault

Most major car rental agencies now hold renters responsible for damage caused by "acts of nature," including hail storms, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other disasters, even if you could not have predicted the act or prevented the damage. Do a careful walk around your vehicle and report all existing damage to the company before driving away to prevent from paying for damage caused by the last driver. When you return the car, consider taking a few photos or a short clip with your camcorder or video-enabled phone as proof you brought it back in good shape.

5) Getting lost in the insurance maze

In general, the coverage you have on your personal vehicle will carry over to a rental. Your homeowners or renters policy probably covers your personal property if it is stolen from the car. But if you dropped comprehensive and collision coverage on your own car, you do not have that coverage for your rental. Thus, you could be held responsible for damage to or the theft of your rental. Consider taking the rental car agency's coverage if you had an at-fault accident recently or a series of other claims against your auto insurance.

Written by “Thao” FreeLance Writer for BuyersEguide