Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rentals

Finding cheap car rental options depends on several factors including booking timing, location, and vehicle type. Economy car rental and compact car rental categories typically offer the best value for budget-conscious travelers. Companies like Budget and Thrifty specialize in affordable rates, while Dollar often provides excellent weekly deals.

For the best rental car rates, book at least two weeks in advance and compare prices across multiple providers. Alamo frequently offers competitive pricing for vacation rentals, and National provides value through their Emerald Club program. Don't overlook Zipcar for short urban trips where hourly rates might beat daily rental costs.

Consider that even premium brands like Hertz and Avis run promotional deals that can match or beat budget rental car companies, especially during off-peak travel periods. Always check for discount codes through memberships like AAA or corporate partnerships.

Airport car rental locations offer convenience but typically charge premium rates due to additional fees and taxes. To find better deals, compare prices between on-airport facilities and nearby off-airport locations. Many rental car companies provide shuttle service to off-site locations where rates can be 20-30% lower.

Major providers at airports include Hertz, which offers Gold Plus Rewards members expedited service, and Avis with their Preferred program for faster pickups. Budget and National also maintain strong airport presence with competitive pricing. Sixt has been expanding their airport locations with attractive rates on premium vehicles.

Book your airport rental car as early as possible, as last-minute airport rentals are significantly more expensive. Alamo targets leisure travelers with inclusive rates, while Thrifty and Dollar focus on value-conscious customers. Check if your airline partnership offers discounts with specific rental companies.

One-way car rental services are widely available, though fees vary significantly by route and company. Most major rental car companies accommodate one-way trips, with some offering better deals than others depending on vehicle repositioning needs.

Hertz and National typically have the most flexible one-way rental policies with extensive location networks. Avis and Budget, being sister companies, share inventory which can make one-way rentals easier to arrange. Popular routes like Florida to Northeast often have promotional rates with waived drop-off fees.

Alamo caters to vacation one-way rentals with competitive pricing, while Dollar and Thrifty may offer lower base rates but higher drop fees. For unique vehicles or specific routes, Turo's peer-to-peer platform sometimes allows one-way trips. Sixt provides good one-way options for luxury and premium vehicles between major cities.

Standard requirements for rental cars include a valid driver's license held for at least one year, a major credit card in the renter's name, and meeting minimum age requirements which vary by company and location. Most rental car companies require renters to be at least 21 years old, though some locations rent to drivers as young as 18 with additional fees.

International visitors need their home country license plus an International Driving Permit. Hertz, Avis, and Budget have standardized documentation requirements across most locations. National and Alamo may have slightly different policies for international renters. Debit cards are accepted by some companies including Dollar and Thrifty, though with additional verification requirements.

Alternative rental options like Zipcar require membership verification through their app, while Turo uses a peer-to-peer verification system. Sixt follows European standards which may differ slightly from American rental car companies. Always bring proof of return travel for airport rentals and be prepared for a security deposit hold on your credit card.

Luxury car rental options have expanded significantly, with most major companies now offering premium vehicles. The selection ranges from luxury sedans and SUVs to convertibles and sports cars, with availability varying by location and season.

Hertz operates their Prestige Collection featuring high-end vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Cadillac. Avis counters with their Signature Series including premium SUV rental and luxury sedan options. National's Executive Selection guarantees you'll have premium choices available at major airports. Sixt specializes in European luxury brands with newer model years.

For more affordable access to premium vehicles, Budget and Alamo offer limited luxury inventory at competitive rates. Thrifty and Dollar focus more on full-size and premium categories rather than true luxury. Turo provides access to unique and exotic rental cars from individual owners, while Zipcar includes some premium models in urban markets for hourly rental.

Rental car insurance is optional but important to understand. Your personal auto insurance may extend to rental cars, and many credit cards provide collision damage waiver coverage when you pay with their card. However, coverage varies significantly, so verify your protection before declining rental company insurance.

Each rental car company offers similar insurance products with different names. Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers vehicle damage, while liability insurance protects against third-party claims. Hertz and Avis offer comprehensive packages, National includes some coverage options in their rates, and Budget provides tiered insurance levels.

Value-focused companies like Alamo, Dollar, and Thrifty offer basic coverage at lower rates. Sixt often includes more insurance in their base European-style pricing. Zipcar includes insurance in membership fees, while Turo offers multiple protection plans through their platform. Consider that declining all coverage could leave you responsible for thousands in damages.

Long-term car rental and monthly car rental rates offer significant savings compared to daily rates, often 30-50% less expensive. These extended rental options work well for temporary relocations, insurance replacements, or extended business assignments.

Hertz offers dedicated long-term rental programs with maintenance included, while Avis provides flexible monthly rates with the option to swap vehicles. Budget specializes in affordable long-term solutions, and National caters to corporate extended rentals. These programs typically start at 28-30 days minimum.

For budget-conscious long-term needs, Dollar and Thrifty offer the lowest monthly rates on economy and compact rental cars. Alamo provides good value for monthly vacation rentals, while Sixt offers newer vehicles with European leasing-style programs. Zipcar monthly plans work for occasional users, and Turo hosts often negotiate monthly rates directly.

Peer-to-peer rental cars through platforms like Turo offer a different experience from traditional rental car companies. While you might find unique vehicles and competitive prices, the service model differs significantly from established providers.

Traditional companies including Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, and Alamo provide standardized service, 24/7 support, and predictable vehicle conditions. Their rental car locations at airports and cities offer convenience for business travelers. Dollar and Thrifty focus on consistent value pricing, while Sixt brings European-style premium service to the market.

Turo excels for finding specific vehicle types or longer-term rentals in residential areas. Zipcar bridges the gap between traditional and peer-to-peer with membership-based hourly rentals. Choose traditional rental car companies for reliability and corporate travel, but consider alternatives like Turo for unique experiences or when traditional inventory is limited.

Rental car loyalty programs vary significantly in benefits and earning potential. The best program depends on your rental frequency, preferred vehicle types, and whether you value points or immediate benefits like upgrades and faster service.

National Emerald Club stands out for business travelers with guaranteed upgrades and the ability to choose any car in the aisle. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards offers points toward free rental days and President's Circle elite status with premium benefits. Avis Preferred provides expedited service and exclusive member rates, while their higher tiers include guaranteed upgrades.

Budget Fastbreak and Alamo Insiders focus on faster pickup processes and member-only deals. Dollar Express and Thrifty Blue Chip provide basic benefits with free rental day earning. Sixt partners with airline programs for mileage earning opportunities. Zipcar membership itself is a program with included gas, insurance, and reserved parking benefits.

Rental car companies offer diverse vehicle categories to meet different travel needs and budgets. From economy car rental options perfect for city driving to spacious SUV rental choices for family trips, the selection has expanded significantly in recent years.

Standard categories available from most providers include compact and economy vehicles for budget-conscious renters, midsize and full-size sedans for comfort, and various SUV sizes from compact to full-size. Minivan rental serves families and groups, while convertible rental and luxury vehicles cater to special occasions. Truck rental and cargo van rental options handle moving and hauling needs.

Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National maintain comprehensive fleets across all categories. Alamo focuses on vacation-friendly vehicles, while Dollar and Thrifty concentrate on economy through full-size options. Sixt emphasizes premium and luxury segments, Turo offers everything from classics to exotics, and Zipcar provides practical urban vehicles including hybrids and compact SUVs.

Weekend car rental specials offer some of the best values in the rental car industry. Many companies run Friday-to-Monday promotions targeting leisure travelers, with rates significantly lower than weekday business rentals.

Budget and Dollar frequently advertise weekend rates starting under $20 per day for economy rental cars. Thrifty runs "Wild Weekend" deals with extra day free promotions. Alamo and National offer weekend specials that include unlimited mileage and sometimes waive young driver fees. These deals typically require Thursday or Friday pickup with Monday return.

Hertz and Avis also participate in weekend promotions, often bundling GPS or additional driver fees. For urban weekend trips, Zipcar's daily rates cap at reasonable levels with gas included. Turo hosts may offer weekend discounts to increase bookings. Book mid-week for the best weekend rental car selection and rates, as waiting until Friday dramatically reduces options and increases prices.

Understanding rental car fuel policies helps avoid unexpected charges and choose the most economical option. The full-to-full policy, where you receive and return the vehicle with a full tank, typically offers the best value since you only pay for fuel you actually use.

Most rental car companies including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National default to full-to-full policies. This requires finding a gas station near the return location but ensures you pay market rates for fuel. Prepaid fuel options from Alamo and Dollar can be convenient for early morning returns but usually cost more than filling up yourself.

Thrifty's EZ Fuel and similar programs offer slight convenience with competitive prepaid rates. Sixt often uses a same-to-same policy in European style. Zipcar includes fuel with membership using provided gas cards, eliminating fuel concerns entirely. Turo fuel policies vary by host. Returning a rental car without refueling triggers premium charges of $6-10 per gallon at most companies.

Adding additional drivers to your rental car agreement allows others to legally drive the vehicle. Policies and fees vary significantly between rental car companies and locations, with some offering free additional drivers under certain circumstances.

National includes free additional drivers for Emerald Club members, providing excellent value for families or business teams. Hertz charges daily fees but waives them for spouses and AAA members in many states. Avis Preferred members receive discounts or free additional drivers depending on tier level. Budget and Alamo charge standard daily fees around $13-15 per additional driver.

Dollar and Thrifty offer package deals that include additional drivers with other add-ons. Sixt policies vary by location but often include one free additional driver with premium rentals. Corporate agreements frequently include free additional drivers. Zipcar allows members to add authorized drivers to their account, while Turo requires all drivers to be verified through their app with separate fees.

All major rental car companies provide 24/7 roadside assistance for mechanical issues, flat tires, lockouts, and dead batteries. The key is contacting the rental company immediately for authorized assistance to avoid coverage issues or additional charges.

Hertz offers comprehensive roadside support with rapid response times and replacement vehicles at major locations. Avis and Budget share emergency services infrastructure, providing nationwide coverage. National and Alamo guarantee replacement rental cars within hours at airport locations. Contact numbers are typically on the rental agreement and key tag.

Dollar and Thrifty provide basic roadside assistance with towing to the nearest location. Sixt offers premium European-style roadside service. Zipcar handles all maintenance issues through their app-based support system. With Turo, contact the host first, then Turo support if needed. Never authorize repairs without rental car company approval, as this may void damage coverage and result in full payment responsibility.

Most rental car agreements include unlimited mileage for standard rentals within the country of origin. However, certain promotional rates, specialty vehicles, and one-way rentals may have daily mileage restrictions with excess charges.

Hertz, Avis, National, and Alamo typically include unlimited mileage on standard rental cars in the continental United States. Budget offers unlimited miles on most daily rates but may restrict deeply discounted promotional deals. Dollar and Thrifty generally provide unlimited mileage except for certain specialty vehicles or promotional rates.

Luxury and exotic rental cars from Sixt or through Hertz Prestige Collection might limit daily mileage to 100-150 miles. Zipcar includes 180 miles per day in their rates, charging for excess. Turo mileage policies vary by individual host but typically include 200 miles daily. Always verify mileage terms when booking, especially for long-distance travel or extended rental periods.

Booking your rental car 2-4 weeks in advance typically yields the best combination of price and vehicle selection. However, optimal timing varies based on destination, season, and rental car company inventory patterns.

Major providers like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National use dynamic pricing that fluctuates with demand. Booking too early might mean missing promotional rates released closer to travel dates. Alamo and Dollar often release deals 3-4 weeks out targeting vacation planners. Thrifty's best rates appear during their weekly Wednesday sales for upcoming travel.

Peak travel periods including summer and holidays require booking 6-8 weeks ahead for reasonable rates and vehicle availability. Last-minute rental cars cost significantly more, though Zipcar offers consistent pricing for members booking even hours ahead. Turo availability depends on individual hosts but generally requires 2-3 weeks advance booking for popular vehicles. Sixt rewards early booking with guaranteed rates on premium vehicles.

Electric car rental and hybrid rental options have expanded significantly as rental car companies invest in sustainable fleets. Availability varies by location, with major cities and airports offering the best selection of eco-friendly vehicles.

Hertz leads the industry with thousands of Tesla and Polestar electric vehicles available at major locations. Their charging infrastructure partnerships make EV rental practical for longer trips. Avis offers hybrid rental cars including Toyota Prius and Camry Hybrid models nationwide. National provides electric vehicle options through their Executive Selection at select airports.

Budget and Alamo have limited but growing electric and hybrid inventory focusing on popular travel destinations. Sixt features premium electric vehicles from BMW and Mercedes-Benz at select locations. Zipcar includes many hybrid and electric options in urban fleets with charging costs included. Turo hosts offer various Tesla and EV rental options. Dollar and Thrifty currently focus on fuel-efficient gasoline vehicles rather than alternative fuel rental cars.

Rental car cancellation policies vary between prepaid and pay-at-counter reservations. Understanding these differences helps maintain flexibility while securing the best rates for your travel needs.

Pay-later reservations with Hertz, Avis, National, and Alamo allow free cancellation up to the pickup time without penalty. This flexibility makes them ideal for uncertain travel plans. Budget and Dollar match this policy for standard reservations. Thrifty and Sixt also permit last-minute cancellations on pay-at-counter bookings.

Prepaid rental car deals offer lower rates but restrict cancellations, typically requiring 24-48 hours notice for refunds. Some deeply discounted rates are non-refundable. Zipcar allows cancellation up to 30 minutes before reservation start. Turo cancellation policies vary by host but generally become stricter closer to pickup. Always book pay-later rates when flexibility matters more than small savings from prepaid options.

International car rental requires additional documentation but major rental car companies operate worldwide with consistent service standards. Requirements typically include a passport, international driving permit, and globally accepted credit card.

Hertz operates in over 150 countries with seamless international rental car service and Gold Plus Rewards benefits working globally. Avis and Budget share extensive international networks with strong presence in Europe, Australia, and Asia. National focuses primarily on North America but partners with international providers for global coverage.

Sixt dominates European car rental markets with premium fleets and competitive rates. Alamo caters to international leisure travelers visiting the United States and Canada. Dollar and Thrifty offer international rental cars through franchise partners. Zipcar works across multiple countries with single membership. Turo currently operates in the US, Canada, and UK. Research local driving laws, insurance requirements, and cross-border policies before booking international rental cars.

Rental car companies offer various accessories to enhance your travel experience, though availability and pricing vary by location. Reserving accessories in advance ensures availability, especially during peak travel periods when GPS units and car seats are in high demand.

Standard accessories from Hertz and Avis include GPS navigation systems, infant and child car seats, and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. Both companies also offer ski racks, cargo carriers, and satellite radio. Budget and National provide similar add-ons with competitive pricing on child safety seats and navigation systems.

Alamo bundles accessories attractively for family vacations, while Dollar and Thrifty offer basic add-ons at lower daily rates. Sixt often includes premium features like GPS in higher-tier vehicles. Zipcar vehicles include XM satellite radio but don't offer additional accessories. Turo accessories depend on individual hosts and vary widely. GPS rental typically costs $10-15 daily, while car seat rental runs $10-13 per day across most rental car companies.