Traveler's Know How

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Car Rental Tips & Advice

Booking Basics

Book at least a week in advance and earlier if possible. Auto rental companies now adjust their rates up and down based on demand.

Understand the auto insurance lay of the land. Before buying insurance from the rental car company, see what's covered by your personal auto policy (and, in some cases, credit card). Also, are you buying comprehensive coverage for your entire trip? Based on what you already have, do you really need more? Probably not.

Decide on a vehicle (mid-size, full-size, SUV, hybrid etc.). If anyone in your party can't drive a stick shift, make sure you're selecting automatic transmission. Beware that many rental cars in foreign countries have manual transmissions.

If offered the choice, decide whether you'd rather pick up your rental car at or away from the airport. Please note: Rental car companies must pay a concession fee to airports, which they'll pass along to you if you pick up your car at or near the airport. The amount varies from 10-25 percent of your total bill, sometimes more. Solution: If possible and if the cost of getting to a non-airport pickup station doesn't outweigh the savings, avoid picking up your car at or near the airport.

If you are offered a prepaid fuel plan, don't accept it. You'll save money by filling the tank yourself before returning the car. Also see "Returning the Car" below.

If you're an occasional or frequent car renter, consider joining a loyalty program, which provides special privileges and discounts to repeat customers.

Read the Terms and Conditions thoroughly before submitting your reservation. Understand any penalties, the policy for late pickups or no shows, various surcharges, special fees and taxes, and whether or not there's a fee for early returns (see below). Understand how you'll be charged for mileage, as this varies. See if there are any restrictions on interstate travel. If so, you should choose a rental company with offices in the states you're visiting.

Keep your reservation-confirmation number. If you're unexpectedly delayed, call the rental car company's customer service line (with your confirmation number and scheduled arrival time) to find out how long your car can be held.

Picking It Up

What if the class of car you reserved isn't available after all? It happens, mostly because other customers don't return their cars on time. If you're offered a "free" upgrade to a car that consumes more fuel, you'll be stuck with a higher fuel bill. If that's not okay with you, the agent should make arrangements with a competitor to satisfy your original choice. Many companies maintain these relationships with competitors.

Do a walk-around inspection to check for any body damage. Report any defects before driving off.

Be sure everything is working as you familiarize yourself with the car's lights, wipers, and turn signals. Learn how to open the gas tank, hood, and trunk. Also note the odometer mileage.

Returning the Car

Beware of possible added costs for returning your car either late but early. Amazingly, if you return your car early, you may be charged an early return fee. Also, the rate structure of your contract could be changed from weekly to daily, for example, which would trigger yet another added cost.

Assuming you didn't buy a prepaid fuel plan, fill the tank yourself so you're paying only for the fuel you use. If you're returning your car to the airport, buy your fuel a few miles away, as gas stations nearest the airport are usually more expensive. Alternatively, if you were offered the option of buying a full tank upon pickup, you're normally allowed to return the car with whatever is left in the tank.

Remember to check the trunk when removing your belongings.

Have the check-in representative inspect for any damage in your presence.

Need an International Driving Permit?

Make sure to find out before leaving the U.S. The IDP translates your information into multiple languages and is recognized by more than 150 countries. Print the follow the instructions, and take it to your local America Automobile Association (AAA) along with your state driver's license and two passport photos signed on the back. To apply by mail, send everything plus a $15 fee to:

AAA/IDP
1000 AAA Drive, Attn: Mailstop #28
Heathrow, FL 32746

Quick Summary:
Extra Costs You May Incur

Rental rates and surcharges go up and down depending on demand and vary from city to city.

Picking up your vehicle at or near an airport adds a hefty airport concession fee to your total bill, so consider an off-airport pickup station if any choices are offered.

Stiff age penalties or surcharges usually apply to drivers under 21, and overseas, to drivers over 70.

Additional drivers usually incur costly surcharges. Some companies waive this for your spouse or life partner.

State license fees might be added as a percentage of your total bill.

Mileage policies vary from "unlimited" to "by the mile," so be sure you know what's best for you.

Requesting frequent flyer miles for your rental may incur a small daily fee.

Items like child seats and roof racks will incur an extra daily charge.

Accepting "free upgrades" if your chosen car is not available isn't a good idea. You'll probably have higher fuel costs to go with it.

24-hour billing rules vary. When returning your car, some companies allow a short grace period, while others charge for another full day.

Dropping your car off at any location other than the office at which you picked it up can result in an added fee.

Some rental car companies actually charge extra if you return your car early.

Tips for Renting Cars Abroad

If possible, avoid hassles caused by things like language barriers by booking and paying for your rental car before leaving the U.S.

Many European rental cars have manual transmissions. If you prefer automatic, make sure to specify your wish and expect to pay more.

Driving in certain foreign countries can be challenging. Consider adding an extra driver to the rental contract (for an extra cost).

Drivers under 25 and over 70 may incur surcharges (if they are allowed to rent at all).

Understand all Terms & Conditions before submitting payment. Look closely for things like penalties, fuel charges, surcharges, drop off fees, and taxes.

There may be no grace period for late returns, adding an extra day to your final bill.

Please note: Many of the costs and cautions found elsewhere on this page also apply overseas.