How To Find the Best Car Rental Deals in California

California: the Golden State, home to the Pacific Highway and the final stop on Route 66. It's a beautiful place to visit, and to see it right, you're going to want a car — especially in Los Angeles, where driving is a way of life. California's national parks, ski resorts, and beaches are unbeatable, and they tend to be difficult to reach using public transportation. Whether you are driving the coast, touring San Francisco, heading for a ski weekend in Tahoe, or packing a cooler and heading for the San Diego beaches, here are some tips to get the best deal on your California wheels:

For the best rates, pick up and drop off your car at the same location. Renting a car is easiest at airports, where various companies compete for your business. This will save you the headache of finding a taxi or shuttle to your rental car location. In fact, there are so many rental car companies that you'll benefit from comparison shopping. Car Rental Express shows you real-time prices for all available rental companies in your desired location.

On the other hand, renting a car at the airport can incur extra fees. If possible, look into renting from smaller companies away from the airport grounds.

Of course, if you are taking a road trip, you may want to pick up in one location and drop off in another. Be aware that this will cost a good deal more, but if it's a question of cross-country driving, it's better than making the same drive twice!

Often, there are coupons available for specific companies and/or locations. Take a few minutes to search for online coupons; alternatively, if you are booking through Car Rental Express, just click on Car Rental Discounts to find the current deals in cities throughout California.

Any time you rent a car, check the gas gauge and make sure you fill it up to the same level before you return it. Don't return it too empty, but don't return it too full, either! For the best gas prices, opt for the self-service pumps. Keep your eyes peeled for Arco gas stations, and have cash on hand —at Arco, if you pay in cash, the prices are often a good deal cheaper than at other gas stations. Economy cars, aside from being the most affordable option, have the added bonus of saving on gas; they tend to get the best mileage. If your car is primarily a way to get from here to there, consider going for the cheapest option. It will save you money in more ways than one.

In addition, if you're choosing between a daily and a weekly rate, round up if you can. Weekly rentals tend to be a better deal.

Navigating the add-ons when reserving a car can be daunting. You are required to show financial responsibility for your rental car; however, this doesn't mean you have to purchase rental car insurance, which can add upwards of $20 to your daily fee. Your own car insurance is probably all you need. Check to make sure that it covers rental cars. It is also possible that your credit card will cover you, so check with your credit card company.

There are a few fees that, unfortunately, cannot be avoided. California charges state sales tax and a tourism surcharge on all car rentals; this should appear on your quote, before you reserve the car. In addition, if you are under the age of 25, you will pay a higher rental fee.