by There are several important things to understand before renting a car in the US. First and foremost, you’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country. Make sure to bring it with you, as rental companies will require seeing the physical license before allowing you to drive off in a rental. You may also be asked to provide a major credit or debit card in your name to serve as a deposit in case of damages. It’s best to have these documents readily available at the time of rental.
In the US, most major rental companies allow drivers aged 21 or older to rent, though some may charge extra fees for younger renters. Be sure to check individual company policies on minimum driver age requirements. You should also know the rental period you need, as daily, weekly and monthly rates will vary. Most rental agreements have strict policies on returning the vehicle by or before a designated date and time, so plan accordingly.
Choosing A Company And United States Car Rental
The major car rental brands in the US include Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget and Alamo. All have large national networks with locations in major cities, airports and some rural areas. When selecting a company, consider availability, locations near where you’ll need a car, daily rates and added amenities like free additional drivers. Some perks like unlimited mileage may cost extra with certain companies too.
Most major brands have pickup locations right at major airports for easy access. However, on-airport locations tend to be more expensive due to convenience pricing. You can sometimes save by renting off-airport from the same company’s nearby downtown or neighborhood locations instead. Be sure to factor in potential transportation costs to an off-site rental location into your decision.
Getting Acquainted With Rental Policies
US rental companies tend to have extensive policies covering everything from liability and damages to additional driver fees, mileage and drop-off restrictions. Be sure to thoroughly read the rental agreement before signing to understand your obligations and potential costs. Pay close attention to allowed mileage limits, as going over can result in high per-mile charges.
Also note restrictions on taking vehicles across state lines without permission. Policies vary on areas the vehicle can and cannot be driven, like certain parts of large cities. Check if pre-paying for additional coverage like collision damage waivers makes sense for your trip. And find out about drop-off options, as some charge high fees for returning a car to a location other than where rented.
Picking Up Your Rental
When picking up your rental, allow extra time for paperwork processing and walk-throughs. Bring your driver’s license, rental confirmation and credit card. Agents will inspect the car for existing damage and note it before your rental period begins. Take photos yourself too in case of claims later.
Sign all rental agreements without hesitation and get details clarified upfront if unsure. Request upgrades if available and affordable. And familiarize yourself with basic controls, mirrors adjustment and radio/GPS before leaving. Don’t forget accessories like floor mats, spare tire kits and roadside assistance numbers if offered. Stick to indicated fuel level policies for refills to avoid extra charges.
Driving And Returning The Rental
Follow all traffic rules when driving with special care near large cities known for aggressive driving. Use GPS to navigate if unfamiliar with routes. Lock valuables securely in the trunk each time parking. And fill up gas as per rental policies to waive fuel charges at return. Some companies allow topping off with credits.
When returning the car, inspect it again jointly with agents and note any new damage incurred for records. Return all rental documents, accessories and keys. Pay extra charges if applicable such as for non-refunded fuel costs or extended rental periods. Get receipts and confirm fees charged match the quoted estimate or agreed policies. Overall, maintain good rental condition as per contract terms for smooth returns.
Additional Expenses And Surcharges
While daily rental base rates may look affordable, be aware of potential extra costs companies can charge. These may include underage driver fees, location surcharges, one-way drop-off fees if dropping off in another city than rented, extra baggage, child/booster seats if needed and more. Check prohibitive mileage limits and rates for exceeding them too.
During peak seasons and holidays, daily rates may double or even triple, so verify special event bookings in advance. Airport location pickups are usually higher priced than nearby off-airport rentals. And prepaying for collision damage waivers does add daily costs but eliminates liability risk in case of accidents. Estimate all potential additional costs sensibly when budgeting.
The doing proper research on rental company policies, allowed regions, peak period pricing and potential surcharges factors into getting best overall value. Taking time to understand requirements upfront helps avoid surprises later. Renting a car in the US allows freedom of movement conveniently. Just remember safe driving practices and maintaining vehicles as agreed for hassle-free experiences.
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
