Car Rental Terms

Looking into getting a car rental for your next leisure or business trip? Car rentals are a great way to ensure reliable transportation while you are on vacation. It also eases the stresses of taking public transportation where it is easy to miss a stop or take the wrong bus and waste hours of your precious vacation time. If you are looking into getting a car rental there are some general terms that you should be aware of before you make your rental.

Age is always the biggest factor when renting a car. Because of the insurance expense a car rental company typically has a policy that the driver must be over 25 years of age. Some car rental companies will make an exception if you are 21 years of age. You can also sometimes pay an underage driver fee (which is typically per day and can as much as double your car rental fee) if you are 18 years of age.

You must be aware of the car seat rules for children in the state that you are traveling. The car rental company should be able to tell you the weight requirements of that state and car seats are available to rent for a nominal fee.

While most car insurance companies will try and sell you extra insurance in case you get in an accident, most insurances (assuming you have car insurance on your own car) will cover any damages to the rental car. You should call your insurance company to verify that you will be covered before declining the rental insurance.

If you are renting a car internationally, or if you are driving the rental into another country, you may need to obtain an international drivers license. You should check with the car rental agency to see if an international driver’s license is necessary for your car rental needs before making your reservation.

Typically car rental companies will charge a small deposit when you are booking a car rental. This deposit will be applied toward your reservation and is only used to ensure that you follow through with your reservation. Typically cancellations are accepted and a full refund of the deposit is given if cancellation is made within 24 hours of the reservation.

For more terms and conditions you should talk to your car rental agency or go to their website before making a reservation.