Renting a Car: What You Need to Know

The process can be easy and you can save with the right preparation and research.

Elliot Rieth | 

Jun 13, 2024 | 6 min read

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If you're going on a trip and need transportation, your best option may be to rent a car. You might wonder not only how much it will cost but how to make the process as seamless as possible. With the right preparation, renting a car can be an opportunity to get behind the wheel of a car you've never driven.

It's important to know the right questions to ask the rental company, such as what documentation you will need, and where you can find savings to ensure you're not paying more than you should.

What You Need to Rent a Car

To rent a car in the United States, you need a valid driver's license and a credit or debit card. Many rental companies only accept payment in the form of one of these cards and may have additional requirements for payment with a debit card. If you make a reservation in advance, you may also want to have your confirmation number on hand to make picking up your vehicle easier.

While it used to be required that renters be 25 or older, most rental car companies now offer younger drivers the opportunity to rent for an additional fee. This typically only applies to 21- to 24-year-olds, but depending on state laws, ages 18 and older may be able to rent a vehicle.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car?

The cost of renting a car will vary depending on the city, rental car company, vendor location, rental length, and any add-ons you opt for during your trip.

According to estimates from NerdWallet, a personal finance site, a weeklong rental can range from less than $500 to more than $700. Researching and comparing your options in advance can help you find the best deal for your itinerary.

How to Rent a Car

The car rental process starts with researching your options and comparing available prices. Checking out which companies have availability on your travel days, which vehicles are at which locations, and whether there are any special deals currently being offered will all help you get a clear picture of your options. You may choose to search for prices from each of the rental companies individually, or you can use comparison tools such as Kayak, Expedia, and Priceline to aggregate your options on one platform.

While doing your research, check to see if there are any add-ons you may be interested in, such as a car seat or even additional rental car insurance. However, you may not need rental car insurance if your personal insurance or credit card offers rental car coverage, so be sure to check beforehand. If you feel the need for additional protection, you can opt in for either additional coverage through the company or sign a waiver that will protect you from damage payments in the event of an accident.

Once you've chosen a company and clarified your rental needs, you can make your reservation online by selecting your pickup and drop-off dates, location, vehicle, and any additional options. You most likely won't need to pay at this time, as most rental companies wait until your rental date to fully charge your credit card.

Your rental company may place a hold on your card, and the amount will vary by company, so don't be alarmed if you see a pending charge from them on your statement.

When you go to pick up your rental, make sure to have your payment method on hand.

After filling out any necessary paperwork and receiving your rental car, give it a quick scan to check for any potential damage. If you spot damage on the vehicle, take pictures to ensure your rental company doesn't charge you for it at the end of your reservation.

What To Ask When Renting a Car

Knowing the right questions to ask during the car rental process, both at pickup and when it comes time to pay, can help you avoid any fees after returning the vehicle.

The first thing you should ask about is your rental's mileage policy. Some rental companies offer unlimited mileage, but on the off chance yours does not, you could end up being charged by the mile over a certain limit.

Rental car companies often have a variety of other potential charges you could be responsible for, including:

• Late or early return fees
• Gas charges for returning a car without a full tank
• Mileage fees
• Additional location-specific taxes
• Fees added for automatic toll payments
• Roadside assistance fees
• Out-of-state fees
• Fees for dropping off at a different location
• Equipment rental fees
• Young or additional driver fees

Some of these costs may be avoidable, so it's important to discuss them with your rental agent so you can make decisions during your rental period that help you avoid any additional expenses.

Car Rental Tips and Tricks

Renting a car can be a significant expense, but there are some ways to potentially save.

Choosing a smaller vehicle, commonly known as economy cars, or looking for current specials may allow you to save on upfront costs. Renting an electric car may cost you more upfront, but could help you save on fuel, especially if you plan on driving a long distance.

Avoiding airport rentals is also an easy way to shave a small amount off your daily rate. According to NerdWallet, airport rentals cost around 26% more than those done off-site. Keep in mind that airport rental fees may still apply if you are shuttled from the airport to an off-site location.

Another potential savings method is to research any potential rewards programs you have access to before renting. Some credit cards and organizations hold partnerships with rental companies that can help you save, earn rewards for future rentals, or even add perks such as straight-to-lot pickups.

To get the best deal on a rental car, it's also important to book early. Early booking typically equals more availability, which means your car will be priced at less of a premium. Many rental car companies also don't require upfront payment, which means you can reserve a car early on in your planning process and rebook if you discover the price has gone down later as long as there isn't a cancellation fee.

Elliot Rieth

Elliot Rieth is a writer who was born and raised in Michigan, the center of the American automotive industry. With a background in the industry that spans from sales to digital marketing, Elliot has years of experience working directly with dealers and OEMs to create digital content and educate potential customers. When Elliot isn’t writing about horsepower or EVs, he can be found with his two greyhounds enjoying a new book or record.