Rental Car Policies

As summer approaches, more and more people will be renting cars. Before you visit the rental company, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the common policies that rental companies may have in place. These policies may concern payment, requirements, or other special concerns.

First, there are certain requirements that are common among rental agencies. These requirements can include a credit card, age requirement, a valid drivers license, and a clean driving record. These of coarse are common requirements but may not include certain requirements for all rental agencies. Likewise, this list may include requirements that are not applicable to all rental agencies.

Age Requirements. Most rental agencies require that the renter be at least 21. A very few agencies require that you be at least 18 years of age, while others may charge extra if you are less than 25 years of age. Again these vary, but it is something you should be aware of before you visit the rental company.

Credit Cards. You must not only present a credit card to the rental company, the card must also meet requirements. That is, it must be in your name and it must have available credit. You signature will also have to match the signature on the card. Now there are a few companies that will still allow you to pay in cash, however they may still require that you reserve the rental with your card or hold the card information as a deposit. You may also note that some companies will not accept a debit card for the picking up of the rental. However, they may take it for the payment when returning the vehicle.

Driver's License. You must have a valid driver's license. This can not be a learner's permit. Also, you will have to have a clean driving record. Most companies will not rent to you if you have had one of the following violations in the last three years,:

• Reckless driving resulting in an injury or damage
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Driving with no insurance
• Possession of a stolen vehicle
• 3 or more moving violations
• 2 or more accidents
*The above may not include all violations that may disqualify you from being able to rent. Each rental agency has their own policy and you should check with each individual one.

Next, there are certain payment policies that may be in place at your rental company. These payment policies may include extra charges, or extra options. You should always check your rental company for discounts which may be available such as group and corporate rates, and special off season prices. You should also be aware of extra fees which may include late fees for turning a rental in late, no show fees for reserving and not following through, upgrades and insurance which will cost extra. You may also be charged if the car is not returned with a full tank of fuel, so find out what the policy is.

Finally there are some special concerns you might want to consider. These include border laws, authorized drivers, American's with Disabilities Act, child seats, mechanical problems and accidents, and added equipment.

Border Laws. If you are leaving the country to Canada or Mexico, there is some information you will need to know. For example, some rental care companies do not allow their cars to be driven across the border into Mexico. You must park at the border, walk across, and take a bus to your final destination. In addition, Canadian laws prohibit Canadian residents to take American owned cars into Canada.

Authorized Drivers. Usually all authorized driver's will need to present when picking up the car. They will also need to submit to the same requirements as the original driver. Depending on the company this may include the credit card requirement.

American's with Disabilities Act. This act requires companies and institutions to reasonably accommodate handicapped individuals. If you have a disability or impairment, you should inquire about certain accommodations.

Child Seats. These are part of the law and therefore, are required by most rental agencies. They may be required according to age or weight depending the on the rental company.

Extra Equipment. Extra equipment such as trailers and hitches are usually prohibited by rental car companies. If you are needing to add extra equipment, you should first check with your rental company.

You are now equipped with the required knowledge to check into renting a car. The key is to ask the right questions and never let a question go unanswered.