If you're in Newcastle and looking for the cheapest and easiest way to get around, why not consider renting a car? It might be a better option than you think.

For regular travelers car hire is more of a necessity than a luxury. However, in Newcastle, renting a car can save you the hassle of expensive taxi rides and time wasted waiting for them to collect you - and let's face it, hiring a taxi anywhere in Australia is not a cheap exercise and public transport outside of the big cities leaves a lot to be desired. However, the rental car market can be fiercely competitive so you can often get a very good deal.

Now, some companies will try to rent you something that will not be suitable - remember Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region is a big place so you may need something a little bigger to get you around (plus you can share the costs of a bigger car with other travellers). Just so you do not get caught out with your rental car I have decided write up some advice that may be of assistance.

Consider one of the many websites that have lists for budget car rental. Some will even let you specifiy your budget for a search. Often these sites will get you a great deal and some may find companies that throw in an unlimited mileage so you can really explore the whole Hunter Valley. Package deals like fly-drive and fly-drive and stay often discount the car rental element of the package too. Most people landing at Newcastle airport go to the car rental counters not realizing that these are not the cheapest places to rent a car and it is the same for their online car rental listings.

There are some solid car hire deals on the internet that can give you a great bargain in Newcastle. Some websites even go as far as internet only discounts which can save a great deal of money. Do not always take the first offer that comes your way, unless you are limited on time because there are bound to be other discount offers available if you have the time to take a look. Don't forget that the only effort required to find these rental deals is to check out a few sites.

Another thing to ask is whether your credit card company has negotiated special discounts with the budget car rental company you are going to use! It is becomming more common these days for a company to have made an arrangement with other companies to give discounts to their employees or members so you may be lucky enough to find a way to save money that way. Be sure to check your car for damage, before you drive it away and make sure you note any scratches or bumps on the condition report no matter how small they are. Be as thorough as possible as rental companies in Australia are not shy about charging your for minor damage should you return the car with a scratch or bump that was not noted on the condition report. In addition to a physical check for collision damage, make sure everything works as it should or you might find yourself paying for something that you are not getting.

Remeber to consider the total cover the rental car insurance needs - most rental companies offer a comprehensive insurance with a small excess. This is often a good idea. Rental car insurance doesn't cost much and it can save you a lot of headaches. Another money saving tip is to pick up your car early in the morning, make it so that the firm is just opening, this is because at this time most of the rental cars haven't been returned yet, and you may get an upgrade for a lower price. They will ask you if you want an upgrade, but insist that you will only pay for the smaller model that they advertise. They will be forced to upgrade you to a larger car at a lower price.

Theses are just a few of the things to consider when you are looking to rent a car in Newcastle. It isn't as expensive as you think, but it lets you see a lot more of the beautiful Hunter Valley.