Car Rental Basics
Reservation Procedure
Vehicle Types
At Counter
Vehicle Return
Fees
Saving Tips
Online Deal Finder
Insurance Tips
International Car Rental
When You Have Troubles
Major Rental Companies
 



Basics

Requirements for Car Rental

Introduction

Renting a car can be confusing and many people do not understand what the requirements are in order to rent a car. Here are some things to consider and some questions to make sure and get answered to find out if you can rent a car.

Minimum Age Requirements

All rental car companies have a minimum age requirement to rent a car and it is usually 25 years old. There are a few who will rent to those that are 21 years of age but if so there will be an additional surcharge of anywhere from $5 to $25 a day added to the fee. On some rare occasions a car will be rented to those who are 18 years of age if they are government or military personnel on official business or if the rental car is an insurance replacement vehicle.

Additional Drivers

Rental companies also want to know any additional drivers of the vehicle so it is important to find out about the company’s additional driver policy. Find out who else is allowed to drive the car and what the additional costs will be? You will want to ask what requirements will need to be met for the additional drivers in order to be listed on the contract. Additional drivers must usually also be present to present their valid driver’s license to the rental car representative.

Driving Records

Rental car companies will check driving records of potential customers. You will want to make sure that your rental car company will accept your driving record before you go to the counter to pick up your car and often they will check your record at that time and you may be rejected. You can be disqualified for renting a vehicle if your driving record doesn’t meet the company’s standards. Moving violations within the last few years, seat belt violations, previous accidents whether it was your fault or not, convictions for driving while intoxicated or under the influence, reckless driving or driving with an invalid or suspended or revoked license are some of the reasons to rejected.




Car Return Location

Some of the other requirements that car rental agencies need to be asked are if the car needs to be returned to the same location? Some rental car companies allow you to drop off the car at other locations in your town, in other cities or even other states. But each rental company has different requirements. It also depends on each particular situation and case to find out if it is allowed. Quite often there is an additional fee charged for this privilege so find out what fee will be charged. Some rental companies have low cost shuttle rates between their local sites that are popular locations.

Free Upgrades

Another requirement of car rental agencies is the free upgrade if the car you have confirmed is not available. If you are renting a car from a smaller rental location make sure and reserve a compact car. Most people renting a car do not want a compact so the rental companies have only a few at their locations. The majority of cars that they stock are mid to full-size so on some days they may not have any compacts left which is good for you because you will get a mid to full-size for the price of a compact at no additional cost to you.

 
    
 
© 2007 CarRentalABC.com.All Rights Reserved.