Renting a car at your next meeting destination doesn’t have to cost you as much as buying a new one. In their book, Guerilla Travel Tactics: Hundreds of Simple Strategies Guaranteed to Save Road Warriors Time and Money (AMACOM, 2004), authors Jay Conrad Levinson and Theo Brandt-Sarif share these tips to help save you money when renting your next vehicle.

Use online reservation Websites (examples: Orbitz.com, Priceline.com or Hotwire.com) to find the greatest savings. Important: Be aware that some car rental companies are located at off-airport sites – important if you are running short on time.

Know that car size is not always uniform across all car rental companies. For example, a Pontiac Grand Am may be considered full size at one company and midsize at another.

Consider "express programs" or corporate programs from car rental companies to save money and time.

Check for hidden costs such as taxes, airport fees (high but unavoidable at certain airports), transportation or shuttle charges, or drop-off fees if you are returning the car to a different airport. Bottom line: ask what the total charge of the rental will be, say the authors.

Don’t use the prepaid gas purchase option. The authors say that it is unusual that you will be able to return the car having used a complete tank of gas (fuel gauge at empty). The authors advise filling your gas tank before returning the car at a gas station close to the airport. If you choose to fill it at the car rental company, it may cost you two to three times at much as the normal price of gas.

Confirm with your insurance provider that rentals are covered (especially abroad). You may not need additional insurance coverage on domestic and most international rentals.

Verify to be sure that your vehicle rental contract states "unlimited miles" especially if you are driving significant distances. You could be in for an expensive surprise if you exceed the average number of miles per day.

Check for any damage before driving off the car rental lot – you could be charged for damage that was already there.

Know some of the unique caveats when booking rental cars abroad. These include paying more for a vehicle that has an automatic transmission or air conditioning, value-added taxes, and size of car (European cars are traditionally smaller).

Consider these savvy travel tactics the next time you rent. They may help save you money and frustration down the road – literally.