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LONDON, England (CNN) -- Most of us have a rental car horror story that includes endless forms or the roadside service that never turns up.
Then there are the seemingly unending costs.
Many travelers pay more attention to their flight plans than car rental arrangements. If you want a clean car, helpful staff and plenty of airport locations, then do your research.
So when the rental agent tries to talk you into switching to a larger, more expensive vehicle, or buying unnecessary insurance, you already know what is worth purchasing.
Remember that rental firms make money on the extras and the add-ons they offer. This includes upgrades, prepaid fuel or car insurance, all of which they promote energetically -- though you may want to think twice before opting for the cheapest vehicle.
"If you are going to a meeting in a Ford Fiesta or a Mercedes C class -- consider which car is going to make the best impression," says Malcolm Ginsberg from the Air and Business Travel News Website.
"Always try and sort out a car deal before you go. You are then guaranteed the vehicle at the other end."
Like the major flag carriers, the multinational rental car firms, such as Avis, Hertz and Budget, all offer incentive programs.
Loyalty is the fastest route to upgrades and free rentals. It can also make a difference in the services that a regular user receives.
One major cost component is insurance. On average the charge is around $30 per day, which is a minor investment when you consider it could cover a major catastrophe.
Yet much of the hard sell from rental firms revolves around insurance. It is one of the most profitable extras for agents -- sometimes it can double the cost of car hire.
"The best advice for anybody renting a car is to buy a fully inclusive rate that has all the necessary insurances included. Do not get fooled by a 'too-good to be true rate,' because it usually is," William Jones of Hertz car rental says.
Rental firms have also become increasingly insistent that clients buy insurance, even when presented with evidence that the policy is not needed. In some cases the renter already has coverage on a credit card or on a regular policy -- this is worth checking before signing on the dotted line.
Do not forget to fill up the vehicle with gasoline before returning the vehicle. Rental firms can charge as much as one dollar more per litre to fill up an empty tank.
Many rental firms conduct checks between rentals, including maintenance, cleaning and washing the vehicle. But it is difficult for staff to catalogue all the dents, scratches or defaults a vehicle has, or whether it has been smoke-free.
If it smells of smoke when you get in, ask for another. If it has cosmetic scratches or dents make sure the rental firm knows about it and documents it before you drive the car off the forecourt.
