Car rental tips may help travelers avoid frustration

Renting a car can be easy if you know the ins and outs, but it can also be confusing and frustrating especially at the end of a long day of flying. Here are some tips for making car rentals go smoothly.

If you are traveling with another person, divide and conquer: While one traveler waits for the baggage, the second traveler can be waiting in line for the rental car.

If you are under 25 years old, let your travel agent know before you make any reservations. Some rental-car companies require that the driver be at least 25. For others, the minimum age is 2l. The rental counter is not the place you want to find out you are not old enough to rent a car.

Decide before you get to the counter what insurance you will require. Most of the time you will not need additional insurance from the rental company. If you have full coverage on your personal car with a major insurer, that policy will probably cover you in the United States. To be sure, call your insurance company before you go.

Also, many credit cards provide insurance protection if you charge the rental. Check with your credit card company before traveling.

Most cars are rented with unlimited mileage, and you pay for the gas. You take it out with a full tank, and you bring it back with a full tank. As you are leaving the airport, scout around for a gas station where you can fill up.

Be sure to allow extra time, and if you're returning the car on a Sunday or a holiday, stop in and ask if they will be open at those times.

Verify the rate before you leave the counter, and know what the restrictions are.

If you reserved an economy car and one is not available, ask to be upgraded at no additional charge. Most of the time you will get the free upgrade if you have a reservation.

If you just walk up to the counter, you will probably have to pay the regular rate for the available car, but it never hurts to ask.

Know where you are going and how you are going to get there. If you get lost, use common sense. Most rental car companies will provide you with maps and directions be wary of any that do not.

Before you pull away from the lot, be clear about where you are going. Don't worry if you have to get directions three times. Write them down if you have to. If you get lost, keep moving. Do not pull over to the side of the road and study a map. Instead, drive to a well-lighted, public place such as a restaurant or a service station.

Before you leave the lot, check three things:

?Make sure that any damage to the car is noted and you get a copy