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'Tis the season for high rental car rates, and that’s well before those pesky fees are added to the bill.

"Rates can jump three, four, five times around Christmas time, the week between Christmas and New Year's," says President Jonathan Weinberg of Autoslash.com. "The rental car agents, typically, they work on commission. They’re incented to get those add-ons on there. That includes upgrading the car for you. You can pay up to $10-15 a day for a GPS. Many companies will charge the additional drivers' fee."

Something called a “loss of use” waiver might be lobbed, so that drivers will not be liable when a damaged car is at the shop.

"The rental car company has to prove that that car would have been rented had it not gotten into an accident, so they have to provide utilization reports," says Weinberg.

When it comes to insurance, a personal policy will generally extend to a rental. Drivers who do not own a car, should have their credit card kick in for collision coverage on standard model rentals.

The need for supplemental liability protection, however, is a gray area. According to the New York State Attorney General’s website, companies are required by law to automatically provide the renter "same minimum levels of liability insurance which all vehicle owners in New York must have."

Avoiding duplicating coverage is just one way to save. Remember to book early but do not pre-pay, as renters should reserve the right to re-book if rates drop at the last minute.

Also, scout out secret savings that can reduce a rental rate.

"These coupons exist everywhere. Many people get these coupons via email, they’re actually on the rental companies' websites. We are signed up for every mailing list out there," says Weinberg.

Finally, always ask for a full tank going out and fill 'er up before returning it.

For more information, visit www.autoslash.com