Renting a car can offer freedom and flexibility, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure. However, understanding the rental requirements and payment policies is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free experience. This guide breaks down the essential policies you need to know before you pick up your rental vehicle. Effectively “Car Reading”—understanding all the details of your rental agreement—ensures you avoid surprises and hidden costs.
Renter Requirements: Who Can Rent a Car?
To rent a car, there are some standard requirements you’ll need to meet. These primarily revolve around age and driving credentials.
Age Restrictions
The minimum age to rent a vehicle is generally 21 years old. However, renters between 21 and 24 years of age are often subject to an underage surcharge, typically around $25 per day. This age group may also have restrictions on the types of vehicles they can rent. Usually, they are limited to:
- Economy through Full Size cars
- Cargo and Minivans
- Compact, Small, and Standard SUVs (with seating for up to 5 passengers)
Driver’s License and Debit Card Acceptance
A valid driver’s license is mandatory for all renters and additional drivers. Learner’s permits or instructional permits are not accepted. When using a debit card for payment, specific conditions often apply:
- Address Verification: The address on your driver’s license must match your current home address.
- Location Proximity: Your address must be within 50 miles of the rental branch, OR your driver’s license must be from the same state as the rental branch.
- Utility Bill Requirement: You’ll need to present an original utility bill (dated within 30 days) with no past due balance or disconnect notice.
- Additional Documentation: You must also provide one of the following original documents (dated within 30 days):
- Cellular phone bill
- Paycheck or paystub
- Original declaration page from an active auto insurance policy
Active duty military personnel are usually exempt from the address requirements. It’s also important to note that when using a debit card, only the renter’s spouse or domestic partner can be listed as an additional driver. Vehicle classes available for debit card rentals are typically the same as for the underage group: Economy through Full Size cars, Cargo and Minivans, and Compact, Small and Standard SUVs (up to 5 passengers).
Using a debit card means that any amounts owed, including potential overdraft fees, will be deducted from your account. Always ensure sufficient funds are available to cover the rental costs and deposit.
Insurance Verification for Certain Vehicle Classes
For premium or luxury vehicles, renters may need to provide proof of transferable auto collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance. This typically applies to vehicle classes such as:
- Full Size Luxury Sedan
- Premium Luxury Sedan
- Midsize Sport Luxury Sedan
- Electric Luxury Sedan
- Premium Luxury SUV
- Extended Luxury SUV
- Electric Luxury SUV
- Limo Van
- Corvette
Forms of Payment Accepted
Understanding the accepted forms of payment is essential for a smooth transaction. Generally, the following payment methods are accepted for car rentals:
- VISA®
- MasterCard®
- American Express®
- Discover Network®
- Debit Card (under specific conditions, as outlined above)
When you reserve your rental online or receive an email confirmation, the estimated total will be charged to your provided payment method. If you modify your rental, the total amount may change, and the updated amount will still be charged to the original payment method. Upon rental pickup, you will sign a rental contract detailing all terms and conditions.
Deposit Amount: What to Expect
To cover potential additional charges during your rental, a deposit is usually required. The standard deposit amount is $300. However, a higher deposit of $850 applies to certain vehicle classes, including:
- Performance Sport vehicles
- Full Size Luxury SUV
- Electric Luxury SUV
- Full Size Elite Electric Sedan
- Midsize Sport Luxury Sedan
- Full Size Luxury Sedan
- Premium Luxury Sedan
- Electric Luxury Sedan
- Premium Luxury SUV
- Extended Luxury SUV
- Limo Van
- Corvette
This deposit must be made using one of the accepted payment forms listed above. The deposit amount will be held and will not be available for your use until the vehicle is returned. Any additional amounts owed, such as for extra mileage or damage, may be deducted from the deposit. If not deducted from the deposit, these charges will be applied to your payment method on file, unless you provide an alternative accepted payment method.
If a debit card is used for the deposit or any other charges, your account’s available funds will be reduced accordingly, and you are responsible for any overdraft fees. Money orders and prepaid cards are not accepted for payment at the time of rental or for the deposit, but they may be used to pay any outstanding balance when returning the vehicle. Cash is generally not accepted.
Credit cards listed on your renter profile or loyalty accounts (like Emerald Club or E Club) can also be used for all amounts owed under the rental contract. All charges will be authorized and held against your credit or debit card, or directly charged to your debit card.
Additional Important Information
Always remember to read the complete renter requirements and forms of payment policies provided by the rental company for full details. “Car reading,” in this context, means carefully reviewing all provided documentation to ensure you are fully informed and prepared for your car rental experience. Understanding these policies in advance will help ensure a smooth rental process and avoid any unexpected issues.
