Complete Guide to Car Rental Booking
Renting a car gives you freedom to explore at your own pace, access remote destinations, and avoid expensive taxi fares. Our comparison tool searches rates from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, and local providers to find you the best deal. Understanding rental car pricing, insurance options, and common fees helps you avoid surprises at the counter.
How to Find the Best Car Rental Deals
Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand, location, and season. Book early for popular destinations during peak travel periods—rates can double during holidays. Compare airport vs. downtown locations; airport pickups are convenient but may include facility fees ($10-30/day). Off-airport locations are often 20-30% cheaper if you can arrange transportation.
Car Rental Comparison Table
| Company | Best For | Avg. Daily Rate | Loyalty Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | Neighborhood pickups, free additional driver | $45-65 | Enterprise Plus (Free) |
| Hertz | Premium vehicles, Gold Plus skip-counter | $50-75 | Gold Plus Rewards |
| Budget | Budget-friendly rates, frequent deals | $35-55 | Fastbreak |
| Avis | Business travelers, Preferred service | $48-70 | Avis Preferred |
| Sixt | Luxury cars, European travel | $55-90 | Sixt Rewards |
| National | Emerald Aisle pick any car, business | $50-72 | Emerald Club |
*Rates vary by location, season, and vehicle class. Prices shown for economy/compact cars in major US cities.
Car Rental Pro Tips
Understanding Rental Car Insurance
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW): Costs $15-30/day but waives your liability for vehicle damage. Check if your personal auto insurance or credit card provides rental coverage—many premium cards include this benefit for free.
Liability Insurance: Covers damage you cause to other vehicles/property. Required by law but often covered by your personal policy. Verify coverage limits before declining.
Personal Effects Coverage: Insures belongings stolen from rental car. Your homeowners/renters insurance likely covers this already. Skip unless you're traveling with expensive items.
For international rentals, consider comprehensive travel insurance that includes rental car coverage, as your domestic policies may not apply abroad.
Booking Strategy
- Book Early, Check Often: Rental rates change daily. Book early to secure availability, then re-check weekly—cancel and rebook if prices drop (most bookings are free cancellation).
- Join Loyalty Programs: Free to join and unlock member-only rates, free upgrades, and skip-the-counter service. Enterprise Plus, Hertz Gold, and National Emerald Club are top picks.
- Avoid Airport Fees: Airport rentals add 10-30% in facility charges and local taxes. Consider Uber to off-airport location if staying nearby first day.
- Fuel Policy Matters: "Full-to-Full" is fairest—pick up and return with full tank. Avoid prepaid fuel (overpriced) and definitely don't return empty (rental companies charge $8-10/gallon).
Inspection and Documentation
Before driving off, inspect the vehicle thoroughly and photograph existing damage (scratches, dents, windshield chips). Check that damage is documented on rental agreement. Test lights, windshield wipers, air conditioning, and check spare tire/jack. Take photos of odometer and fuel level. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
- Additional Driver Fee: $10-15/day per extra driver. Some companies waive for spouses or loyalty members.
- Young Driver Surcharge: Drivers under 25 pay $20-30/day extra. Unavoidable but compare companies—some have lower youth fees.
- One-Way Rental Fee: Returning car to different location costs $50-500 depending on distance. Plan round-trips when possible.
- GPS/Equipment: Navigation, child seats, Wi-Fi hotspots cost $10-15/day each. Use your smartphone GPS and bring your own car seat to save $70-150/week.
International Rental Tips
Renting abroad requires extra preparation. Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA for $20—required in many countries. Verify if your insurance covers international rentals; if not, purchase CDW at counter. European rentals are typically manual transmission—specify automatic when booking (limited availability, higher cost). Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, parking regulations, and toll systems before driving.