Common Questions About Car Rental

Common Questions About Car Rental

What kinds of credentials do I need?
Since rental terms can vary from location to location,it's a good idea to read the specific terms and conditions on your rental confirmation page/e-mail. Or find your location to review your rental center's required credentials.

The preferred second required credential is a major credit card. Some locations will accept a debit card instead of a credit card, but then we might either check your credit report or require you to present a third form of ID as indicated in the “Debit Card User Instructions” below.

Will you check my driving record?
Once a customer opens a rental agreement, but before the transaction is completed, some CarsOnRent corporate-owned locations might contact the issuing Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to perform a driver's license verification for primary and additional drivers. CarsOnRent reserves the right to deny rental if the driving history reveals any of the following:

* invalid, suspended or revoked license
* one or more convictions for reckless driving within 48 months
* one DUI, DWI or DWAI conviction within 48 months
* failure to report/leave scene of accident within 36 months
* possession of stolen vehicle or use of a vehicle in a crime
* expired license
* three or more convictions for moving violations within 24 months (excluding seatbelt violations)
* two or more accidents within 36 months

What if I have traffic infractions?
CarsOnRent will check renters' and additional drivers' licenses to ensure that they are valid. If the driving history reveals any of the following issues, CarsOnRent is unable to rent:

* invalid, suspended or revoked license
* one or more convictions for reckless driving within 36 months
* one DUI, DWI or DWAI conviction within 48 months
* failure to report/leave scene of accident within 36 months
* possession of stolen vehicle or use of a vehicle in a crime
* expired license
* three or more convictions for moving violations within 24 months (including seatbelt violations)
* three or more accidents within 36 months

Can someone else drive a car that I rent?

Yes, you may add additional drivers to your rental agreement when you pick up your rental. At corporate-owned locations, additional drivers must present a valid, acceptable driver's license, a valid and acceptable credit/debit card, be at least 25 years old (see below for underage exceptions), complete an Additional Driver Form, and may be required to pay an additional driver's fee. At corporate-owned locations, exemptions from the additional driver fee include:

* The renter's spouse. To qualify for this exemption, at the time of rental, if the renter states that the additional driver (regardless of gender) is his or her spouse, mate, life companion, significant other, or domestic life partner, the additional driver will be treated as a spouse.

* A qualified employer or co-employee, while engaged in a business activity with a renter renting on their employer's CarsOnRent Corporate Account Number (BCD).

* The licensed companion driver of a non-licensed renter with a disability. All other additional drivers will be charged $10 per day with a maximum charge of $50 per additional driver per rental (except at New York locations where the fee will be $3 per day, and Nevada where the fee will be $5 per day). There's no additional driver fee in California.

* When an insurance company is accepting billing for insurance replacement, drivers that are the spouse/significant other, company employee/co-worker (for company vehicle replacement rentals), or family member on the policy of the insurance company accepting billing, may be added if at least 21 years of age –18 years of age if the company is Allstate, American Family, Bristol-Myers Squibb, CCRG Claims, Progressive, State Farm, Travelers.

Exceptions to the underage policy for additional drivers: At corporate-owned locations, the minimum age for an additional driver is 25 with these exceptions:

Rules at licensee-owned locations and locations outside of the U.S may vary. It's always best to check the terms and conditions on your online reservation confirmation or on the location information page to see which rules apply for your selected location. Then, if you still have questions, please contact us.

Can someone else drive a vehicle rented by a driver with a disability?
Drivers for a renter with disabilities must have a valid driver's license, be at least 25 years of age, meet driver qualifications in effect at time of rental, and accompany the disabled renter to the rental location at time of rental. At no extra charge, they will be authorized to drive the rental vehicle for the renter with disabilities. The renter with disabilities must present an acceptable method of payment, and meet credit qualifications in effect at time of rental. At time of reservation, please inform the reservation agent that you are disabled and will be accompanied by a licensed driver.

Do you offer hand controls?
*CarsOnRent cannot provide hand controls on every make or model of vehicle, and cannot confirm a reservation for a particular make or model of vehicle on any rental.

Is CarsOnRent.com the best way to reserve a car?
Our lowest rates, always available on CarsOnRent.com, won't be beaten. And we back this up with our Lowest Rate Guarantee Promise. CarsOnRent also offers several discounts through this CarsOnRent.com site. Visit our CarsOnRent.com deals pages to see what's currently available – and while you're there, sign up for our exclusive, money-saving Hot Deals mailing. We also offer special rates to associations, small businesses, corporations and affinity groups. Check with your organization to find out which specials are available to its members through CarsOnRent Rent A Car.

Car rental pricing is like airline pricing – if you travel at off-peak times or make a reservation seven or more days in advance, you often can get a better deal. If you have an upgrade certificate, note that upgrades are subject to availability at the time of rental. You should reserve the smaller vehicle online, and then upgrade at the counter if available. Check the terms of your upgrade to see which car classes are included.

Can you reserve a specific make/model car for me?
Unfortunately, no. Once you're behind the wheel of your rental car, if you decide to keep your vehicle for a few more days, that's no problem at all. But, since CarsOnRent offers each customer this same flexibility, please understand that we can't guarantee a specific make, model or color since some of our renters undoubtedly will decide to keep their cars longer than they originally planned.

However, we can promise that, if you order an intermediate size, for example, we'll have an intermediate available for you – or upgrade you to a larger vehicle at no extra charge. And you may request a specific make or model of car at the rental counter upon pick-up and we’ll try to accommodate your request.

Do any special terms or conditions apply to my rental?
Sometimes. For example, in some particularly rugged parts of the country, and on specific gravel and dirt roads not regularly maintained, CarsOnRent prohibits use of its vehicles. At most locations, interstate travel is permissible, while other locations require that the vehicle does not cross state lines.Or, at some airport locations, the quoted rental rates might apply only to airline passengers flying within 72 hours before rental. Be sure to read the helpful terms and conditions that appear on the online confirmation page when you make your online reservation or on your confirmation e-mail. And when you pick up your car, the rental counter agent can answer any additional questions.

Rules at licensee-owned locations and locations outside of the U.S may vary. It's always best to check the terms and conditions on your online reservation confirmation or on the location information page to see which rules apply for your selected location. Then, if you still have questions, please contact us.

What types of vehicles do you offer?
Our standard fleet features Ford and Lincoln products. However, we also have many other fine car and truck types depending on the location where you’re renting. For this reason, our online reservation process is the easiest way to see available cars at your particular location.

When you pick up your car, we promise that if you reserved an intermediate size, for example, we'll have an intermediate available for you – or upgrade you to a larger vehicle at no extra charge. We cannot promise, however, that you will receive a certain make, model or color because these specifications are based on availability at time of pickup. When necessary, we will substitute another brand of car within your car class with similar amenities. Upon pickup, however, you may advise the counter representative of your car preference and, if possible, we will be happy to accommodate your request. And you'll be glad to know that any CarsOnRent car you rent at a corporate-owned location is guaranteed to be less than one year old.

Do you offer new hybrid vehicles?
Presently we don't offer a "green" line, but we will soon at select locations. Many of our current vehicles get great fuel mileage. You'll especially want to check our selection of compact and economy cars. To save gas, consider these simple tips*:

* Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town.
* While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
* Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2%.
* Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
* Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2%.
*These and other gas-saving tips available at fueleconomy.gov

Can I pick up at one location and return at another?
Yes – you have the freedom to rent in one place and return in another – with unlimited mileage. Drive from coast to coast if you like, with no mileage surcharges, and off-airport sites. Not only that, but the longer you rent, the lower your daily rates. Reserve your one-way rental online today by simply deselecting the "I'll return car to pick-up location" check box and entering a different return location than your pick-up location.

Do you rent cars by the hour?
We require all customers to rent the vehicle for a minimum of 24 consecutive hours. If you return the vehicle prior to meeting the 24-hour requirement, you will be charged for the full day regardless of whether you return the vehicle early.

Do you deliver vehicles?
No. However, at many locations, we offer a pick-up service to those in need of local transportation to our rental facility. Please contact the location directly to determine if it offers this service. Search for your desired location to obtain the phone number for that CarsOnRent facility.

Do you offer a pick-up service?
At many locations, we offer a pick-up service to those in need of local transportation to our rental facility. Please contact the location directly to determine if it offers this service. Search for your desired location to obtain the phone number for that facility.

Do you provide cab or bus reimbursement to get to your CarsOnRent location?
No. However, at many locations, we offer a pick-up service to those in need of local transportation to our rental facility. Please contact the location directly to determine if it offers this service. Search for your desired location to obtain the phone number for that facility.

Can I rent a car to take a driving test?
No. Due to potential liability, you must have a valid driver's license to operate a rental vehicle.

Can I take the vehicle out of the state in which I'm renting?
On occasion, permission for border crossing must be acquired from the rental office directly. Since specific restrictions may apply, it's always best to ask about any cross-border restrictions. Inquire either at the rental counter or, simply contact us.

May I use a CarsOnRent car to tow?
No, towing is never permitted. Doing so could irreparably damage the rental vehicle.

How do I determine the business hours of a particular CarsOnRent location?
Just go to CarsOnRent.com and access "locations" at the top of the page. Simply choose your country and state, and then select your city. There you'll find addresses, maps and driving directions. Just click "additional information" for business hours.

How can I get driving directions or a map for a particular CarsOnRent location?
Just go to CarsOnRent.com and access "locations" at the top of the page. Simply choose your country and state, and then select your city. There you'll find addresses, maps and driving directions. Just click "additional information" for business hours. How is my rental rate calculated?
Your total rental rate is calculated based on the information provided at time of reservation. Quoted total rate will include any options you select during the reservation process. Our helpful counter agents will review all charges with you to ensure that your total charges meet with your approval when you pick up your car.

Why do you charge so much to refuel the car?
Unless a customer has chosen the fuel service option, which is competitive with local gas prices, we prefer that renters stop at a local station and refuel the car before returning it. If the customer chooses not to do so, we charge a premium for providing this refueling service to them. That charge takes into account both direct and indirect costs of having to refuel and maintain our refueling infrastructure for customers who prefer this service. The charge also is intended to strongly motivate customers to save by refueling the car themselves.

What are surcharges?
Taxes, fees and other charges always vary by location. A breakdown of all surcharges is listed in step 3 of the online reservation process.

Is there an extra charge to brings pets in the rental car?
Housebroken pets are invited to travel in your rental car, just as they do in your personal car. Although CarsOnRent doesn't assess an extra fee for pets, pet owners will incur an additional charge for any damage caused by animals, or any special cleaning required as a result of shedding or accidents.

Can I rent additional accessories?
Depending upon your rental location, there are many options and accessories available to help make your trip safer and more enjoyable. However, we don't offer trailers or luggage compartments/racks, and seats cannot be removed from a mini van or from any other vehicle. So, if you need more space, consider renting a CarsOnRent truck or van.

What's the cost of a child safety seat?
Rates vary by location but average about $10 US per day with a maximum of $60 US per rental. You can obtain the exact price of the child safety seat for your rental on step 3 of the online reservation process.

Does CarsOnRent rent vehicles equipped with DVD players?
While some of our vehicles have DVD players, most don't. Although we're unable to accept reservations for this type of equipment, you may request it at the rental counter and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Is a credit card needed to hold my reservation?
At most locations, no. However, some CarsOnRent locations require a credit card to secure reservations – either for a specific make/model vehicle (usually for high-demand cars or in instances where only one vehicle is available within a popular make/model), or for every car at that location. At these locations, you may cancel up to 48 hours in advance of your designated pick-up time without penalty. If you cancel less than 48 hours before your pick-up time, a $75 US fee will be assessed.