How to Rent a Car

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The process of renting a car is sometimes expensive, time-consuming and full of hidden fees and surprising requirements. Shopping for the best price and ensuring you understand the rules and regulations before and after you use the car will help. Rent a car by making a reservation, ensuring you have all the required documentation and returning it in the same condition that you rented it.

1

Compare prices online before you rent.

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    Check travel websites like Kayak, Hotwire, Expedia, and Priceline as well as agency websites like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and Alamo. Compare their rates for their most basic, economy-size cars. Find the best deal for your location and the period of time in which you'll need a rental. [1]
    • In the majority of situations, you're best off sticking with one of these agencies, as they are the most widely used and reputable: Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National. [2]
    • Before you decide on an agency, look into and/or ask about their additional fees. These fees can change what agency provides the best deal all things considered. Some common fees include:
      • Underage-driver fees: Additional charge for a driver under 25.
      • Airport surcharges: Additional charge for picking up a rental at the airport.
      • Mileage fees: Additional charges for going over a certain miles per day cap.
      • Additional driver fees: Additional charges for having more than one person drive the rental.
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2

Add features you'll need on your reservation.

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    These additions can be factored in while you're going through the online rental process. Different car models will have different options, so keep that in mind as you choose a car size and model
    • In most cases, you'll be much better off financially by providing these kind of extras yourself, instead of renting them. Avoid extra features unless you absolutely need them and can't provide them yourself. [3]
3

Make your reservation.

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    Most rental car companies will hold your reservation without any form of payment, while others may require a credit card number. You can make your reservation by phone or through the rental car company's online system.
    • Make sure to include the cost of insurance in your total. [4]
    • Expect to pay for insurance and other upgrades on a daily basis. For example, collision insurance might cost you $9 per day of your rental.
    • It's often recommended to pay with a credit card when possible. Credit card companies will often cover some of your insurance, which makes using a credit card in this instance a smart option for many. [5]
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4

Pick up your rental.

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    If you're renting a car after flying into an airport, follow the signs to rental cars. Oftentimes, the agency's policy will include a large surcharge for picking up at the airport, so consider taking a shuttle to your hotel or the downtown area instead, and picking up a different location. [6]
    • Find out if the rental car company will pick you up. Call and ask about this service. Local car rentals can sometimes be arranged so that a customer service representative will pick you up at home or work and drive you to the rental car company to get your car.
5

Review your rental contract.

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    Double-check that the price you were quoted when you reserved is reflected in the contract. Discuss any questions with the customer service agent. [7]
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6

Check the car carefully before you leave.

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    This way, you won't be held liable for these when you return the car. Be thorough here. You want to look for problems both big and small. Make sure the windows work properly. Make sure there are no loose parts, dysfunctional lights, leaks, or anything that could be considered damage. If there is, record and take a picture or video of it. [8]
7

Return your rental car.

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    Do not be late; some agencies will charge you for another full day if you bring the car back even 30 minutes later than you said you would. Check with the agency beforehand to find out their exact policy on late returns. [9]
    • Also be aware that some agencies will even charge a fee for returning the car too early. Once again, it's best to ask for their policy regarding this sometime before the time comes to return the car.
    • Fill the car with gas and make sure to return it in pristine condition, cleaning it out before you hand over the keys.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How much will I pay if I rent a car for three days?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the company, its location and how far the car is driven, as there is a tracking device on each one and a meter of how far you go.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 15
  • Question
    Can someone else drive the car aside from the person who rented it?
    Community Answer
    Normally, everyone who plans to drive the car should be registered with the rental company. They would likely need to see-- at a minimum-- a driver's license from each person who plans to drive the car. You may not be allowed to drive the car if you're under 25, even if someone else rented it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    How much does it cost to rent a car on average for a long trip?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how long you’re rental term is, where you’re going and if they charge for going over the excess mileage limit.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0208-renting-car
      2. ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/07/02/how-to-rent-a-car-without-having-an-aneurysm/
      3. ↑ http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2013/05/13/what-need-to-know-before-renting-car.html
      4. ↑ http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/travelers-ed/10-things-not-to-do-when-renting-a-car
      5. ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/07/02/how-to-rent-a-car-without-having-an-aneurysm/
      6. ↑ http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0411/8-things-you-need-to-know-before-renting-a-car.aspx
      7. ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/07/02/how-to-rent-a-car-without-having-an-aneurysm/
      8. ↑ http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/travelers-ed/10-things-not-to-do-when-renting-a-car
      9. ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/07/02/how-to-rent-a-car-without-having-an-aneurysm/
      1. ↑ http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0411/8-things-you-need-to-know-before-renting-a-car.aspx
      2. ↑ http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0208-renting-car
      3. ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/07/02/how-to-rent-a-car-without-having-an-aneurysm/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      When renting a car for your trip, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. Always compare prices from different companies to find the best deal. Check any additional fees for things like mileage, additional drivers, underage drivers, and child seats. You can usually make a reservation online or by phone. When you’re ready to collect your car, head to the pick-up location, sign the contract, and pay the fee. It’s best to use a credit card if you can, since they’ll often cover some of your insurance. Also, some companies only accept credit cards for car rentals. Before you drive your car, check it over and take a photo or video of any existing damage so they can’t charge you for it. For more tips, including how to return your rental car, read on!

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        Jun 24, 2017

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