Deciding to rent a car for your journey across the United States can be a great way to have the freedom to go wherever you want. However, there are a few things you need to know before hitting the open road. Here are some tips regarding renting a car while travelling in the US.
Before You Start
It would help if you had a few things in order before you could even start thinking about renting a car.
At least 21 years of age is required: In the US, you must be 21 years or older to rent a car. Some companies may allow you to rent if you are 18 years old but will likely charge an additional daily fee.
A valid driver’s license is required: You cannot rent a car from your home country without a valid driver’s license. A valid international driving license (IDP) is also required if your license is not in English. An IDP is available through your local automobile club or AAA office if you are a member.
You will need a credit card: To rent a car, you must have a credit card in your name. While some companies may allow you to pay with a debit card, most require a credit card. If you do not have a credit card, you can look into getting a prepaid debit card or finding a friend or family member who can put the rental car on their credit card.
How to start looking for rental cars
Follow the steps below to start looking for the perfect rental car for your road trip:
Start by searching online: A great way to find good deals on rental cars is by searching online. Compare rates from different companies and read reviews from previous customers before making your final decision. You can also use websites like Expedia or Kayak to compare rates and find the best deal.
Look for special promotions: Many rental companies offer special promotions or discounts, so make sure to enquire about any deals that might be available. You may be able to get a discount if you are a AAA member, if you rent for a week or more, or if you pay in advance.
Check the mileage: When renting a car, you will likely have to pay for unlimited mileage or a set number of miles. If you anticipate driving a lot, paying for unlimited mileage may be worth it. However, if you only plan on driving a few hundred miles, then opting for a set number of miles may be the better choice.
Which companies are the most popular to rent a car in the US?
Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise are the three most popular companies to rent a car from in the United States.
Hertz: Hertz is among the leading vehicle rental firms in the United States, with over 7,000 locations nationwide. Hertz offers a wide selection of rental cars, including economy, compact, intermediate, standard, full-size, SUV, and van models.
Avis: Avis is another sizeable rental car company in the US, with over 5,000 locations across the country. Avis offers a variety of rental cars to choose from, including economy, premium economy, luxury, SUV, and minivan models.
Enterprise: Enterprise is a smaller rental car company than Hertz or Avis but still has over 5,000 locations nationwide. Enterprise provides a diverse selection of rental cars, including economy, compact, intermediate, standard, full-size, SUV, and van models.
What is the cost of renting a car in the United States?
Rental rates vary depending on the type of car you want to rent, the length of your rental, and the location. You may generally expect to pay between $30 – $50 per day for an economy car, $40-$60 per day for a midsize car, and $50-$70 per day for a full-size car. If you want to rent an SUV or minivan, you can expect to pay around $60-$80 daily. Prices may be higher during peak periods, such as summer or holidays.
What is the best way to find a cheap rental car in the US?
The best way to find a cheap rental car in the US is to search online and compare rates from different companies. You can also seek special promotions or discounts that may be available. Another option is to rent for a more extended time, as weekly or monthly rates are usually cheaper than daily rates. Finally, you can try to avoid renting during peak periods, such as summer or holidays.
Other alternatives
Other transportation options are available if you don’t want to rent a car. For example, you could use rideshare services like Uber or rideshare car rental. Or, if you’re travelling with others, you could carpool. These options may be cheaper than renting a car, but they may not be as convenient.
In conclusion, renting a car is a great way to get around the US, especially if you want to drive a lot. Be sure to research before renting, as rates can vary depending on the company, the type of car, and the length of your rental. And remember, you may be able to find discounts or special promotions that can save you money.
