How to Rent a Car

This is a guide on how to rent a car. From booking to return to payments and insurance, here's exactly what you need to do to successfully rent a car.
Written by Brady Klopfer
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Renting a car is as easy as reserving your rental car, paying the fee, choosing renters insurance, and returning the vehicle. Renting can be incredibly practical. Even if you have a car, chances are you’ll need to rent one at some point or another.
Maybe your
car is in the shop
and you need a temporary replacement. Maybe you simply need a different car than the one you have, or you’re going on a road trip and you don’t want to put the wear and tear on your vehicle. Or perhaps you flew somewhere, and you need a car while you’re there.
Whatever you need a rental for, you’ll have to go through the process of getting the rental. Renting a car can seem a little bit daunting if you’ve never done it before, but the process is usually straightforward. Read this guide by
car insurance
broker
Jerry
to learn how.
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How to reserve a rental car

The first part of renting a car is reserving it, which can be done in one of three ways.

1. Reserving the car online

The most common way to reserve a rental car is online. Visit the rental agency’s website, choose the location and date and time that you would like to pick up the car, and then select the style of car. Many websites will also let you save some time by putting in one of your personal information.

2. Reserving the car on the phone

Reserving a rental on the phone is pretty similar to doing it online. Find the office for the rental agency that you’ll be visiting and give them a call. Tell them what type of vehicle you’d like to rent, and when you’ll be there to pick it up.

3. Reserving the car in person

Reserving a rental car in person has its ups and downs. It saves you the hassle of having to go online or make a phone call, and it can be great if you’re in a hurry. However, if you wait until you’re at the agency, they may not have a car ready at that moment, or they may not have one in the size that you’re looking for. You might have to wait, or get a more expensive vehicle.

How to rent the car

Once the car is reserved and you’re at the rental agency, it’s time to rent the car.
Step 1: Give them your information. The rental agency will need your driver’s license, and some other information.
Step 2: Pay. You’ll need to pay for your rental car with a major credit card that matches your driver’s license. You’ll also have to pay a deposit, which will be refunded when you return the vehicle.
Step 3: Examine the car. Before you go, the agency will walk you around the rental to show you the quality of the vehicle. Check for dents and scratches, so that you’re not responsible for pre-existing damage.
Step 4: Choose your insurance package. After the car checks out, you need to choose your
insurance
package. Most agencies offer two or three different insurance options.
After you’ve done that, you can sign the contract and you’ll be ready to get driving.

How to return a rental car

Returning your rental car is easy: just bring it back to a rental agency. If you can’t bring it back to the same location that you picked it up at, call the rental company and let them know so alternative solutions can be figured out. They might have a nearby location for you to return your rental car.
When you bring your car back, they’ll check the gas level and body of the car to see if there’s any damage. Assuming everything’s fine, they’ll give you back your deposit, and you can be on your way.
Renting a car doesn’t need to be a hassle. It’s usually a very easy process, and you can get on the road in a great rental in little to no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be good to go.

FAQs

How much does it cost to rent a car?

The cost to rent a car depends on a variety of factors, including the length of time you're renting, which car you're renting, where you're renting, and more. A typical cost to expect for a standard car rental is $30 a day.

How old do you have to be rent a car?

The minimum age to rent a car in the U.S. is typically 21 years of age.
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