How does one get the best/cheapest rental car deal?

I have always looked at the agencies' websites for the best deals.How does one get the best/cheapest rental car deal?
call around to smaller rental companies and ask for the total price with all fees included (taxes,v.l.f. vehicle licencing fee, insurance,mileage charge,etc.etc.)and tell them you are shoppingHow does one get the best/cheapest rental car deal?
I've found memberships like AAA or USAA offer discounts. You can also look for coupons that will take some off or combine it with other travel offers on sites like www.travelocity for a discount. My step-mother got a discount when she told the guy she and my father were newly married. You should go for the smallest car you can use (and keep in mind if you wont be traveling with luggage its better to suffer for a bit then pay for more space the whole trip). Also, one driver is cheaper than mulitple. Many car insurance companies will have rental insurance covered so don't pay extra for that. You should also compare the car company websites before getting one and don't try and book it at the last minute, that'll usually cost more.