Are you planning to rent a car in the USA? You’re in the right place!
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a road trip pro, my step-by-step guide covers everything you need for a smooth rental experience.
From booking online to a hassle-free drop-off, I’ve got all the essential tips you need to navigate American roads with confidence.
Ready to hit the road? Let’s get started and make your adventure stress-free with this must-read guide!
Table of Contents
Step 1: Making a Reservation to Rent a Car in the USA
Start by securing a reservation with a car rental company.
For ultimate convenience, book online—platforms like rentalcars.com make it easy to compare options and find the best deals.
In this guide, we’ll take you through booking a car for a two-week period at LAX airport, so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.
Step 2: Choosing Your Vehicle
We’re going for a full-size sedan—usually the most cost-efficient choice.
As you can see, it’s only a bit more expensive than the intermediate option, so it’s definitely worth the upgrade.
Step 3: Checking the Conditions to Rent a Car in the USA
This is super important—especially when using aggregators like Rentalcars—to double-check all rental conditions.
For the car we initially selected, there’s a $500 deposit (which is pretty standard), but there’s also a restriction on the areas where the car can be driven.
Since we’re planning to spend a few days in Utah, this turned out to be a deal-breaker for what seemed like a great offer.
Some deals might look fantastic at first (this one had a base price 50% lower than others), but you could end up with surprise fees from the rental company.
After a bit of scrolling and comparing, we finally found a car without any driving limitations.
Step 4: Checking the Total Price to Rent a Car in the USA
Here’s a quick breakdown of the fees and taxes for the car rental.
The initial price was around $700, but with additional fees and taxes, it’s an extra $250. Just a heads-up, insurance isn’t included in these totals.
Step 5: Choosing the Right Insurance Coverage
On the next screen, you’ll be asked about insurance.
While $180 looks good, there’s a catch: it only covers up to $35,000 if you have your own car insurance (only available for US residents).
For foreigners, that option doesn’t apply, so you’ll need to add extra insurance at the counter, which will likely cost $35-$50 per day, totaling $490-$700 for 14 days. I recommend skipping this option and getting the insurance directly from the rental company.
After that, you’ll enter your personal and payment details. Once everything’s set, you’ll get a booking confirmation via email—be sure to print it out and bring it to the counter.
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Step 6: Heading to the Car Rental Facility
After landing at the airport (LAX in this case), you’ll go through immigration, grab your luggage, and head to the car rental facility.
It might be within walking distance (just follow the car rental signs) or require a free shuttle bus from the terminal. Be prepared for possible wait times during busy hours.
Step 7: At the Car Rental Counter
When picking up your rental car, make sure you have the essentials: a valid driver’s license, a credit card in your name for payment and security, and any extras like an International Driving Permit if you’re from overseas.
I’ve never been asked for an International Driving Permit, but it’s a good idea to have one just in case. If you don’t have time for it, you’ll probably be fine without it.
Once your documents are checked, you’ll choose your insurance options.
You’ll need to buy the minimum liability insurance (it’s required by law), but I’d also suggest adding coverage for potential damage to the rental car.
You can also insure things like tires, windows (glass), and choose road assistance. It’s up to you—just think about it beforehand to make your decision easier. I usually skip tire and window coverage but grab road assistance for longer trips.
After that, you’ll swipe your card to pay, and they’ll block a deposit on your credit card for the rental period.
Step 8: Picking Up Your Rental Vehicle
No keys at the counter? Don’t worry, it’s totally normal!
In the USA, you often get to pick your own car. The staff will give you a parking area code, and you can choose any car in that area. The keys will be inside.
Take your time to check out a few cars before making your decision.
Sometimes, higher-class cars are parked in lower-class spots, so you might be able to grab a better car for the same price. I once drove off in a Chevy Suburban instead of a Mazda 3!
Before you leave, inspect the car for any damage. Look for scratches, dents, or anything unusual, and make sure the rental company notes them down. This way, you won’t face any surprises later on.
They don’t usually check the car when you return it, but if you bring it back missing a bumper, they’ll notice. Small scratches, though, tend to go unnoticed!
Step 9: Heading Out with Your Rental Car
Once you’ve picked your car and checked its condition, load up your luggage and head towards the exit.
At the exit gate, the staff will review your car documents, give you the final papers, and ask to see your driver’s license. Once that’s all sorted, you’re free to hit the road!
Step 10: During Your Rental
While you have the car, you’re responsible for it. Make sure to refuel and follow all traffic rules.
Any speeding tickets are on you, not the rental company. Keep in mind, they may charge an extra fee to process the ticket.
If your route includes tolls, be aware that passing through automatic toll lanes might come with a processing fee from the rental company.
Stay on top of these details to avoid surprise charges and enjoy a hassle-free rental experience!
Step 11: Returning Your Rental Car
To make your return smooth, bring the car back on time and refuel to the specified level (usually a full tank).
You don’t have to refuel right at the airport—just within a 31-mile range (50 km) from the rental facility works fine.
As long as the fuel gauge shows a full tank, you’re good to go!
The rental company will do a final inspection, and if everything checks out, you can settle any extra charges and get your deposit back.
What is The Cost to Rent a Car in the USA? Summary of All Expenses
The total price for renting a car in the USA for 2 weeks is $2231.35, which works out to about $160 per day. Here’s how it breaks down:
- $703.50 – Base car rental cost
- $248.95 – Fees and taxes
- $578.90 – Insurance
- $700 – Fuel cost (based on 250 miles per day and $5/gallon gas price)
Can I Rent a Car Cheaper in the USA?
Yes, it’s possible to find a cheaper car, but remember, the lowest price isn’t always the best deal.
Cheaper rental companies might offer lower customer service or add extra fees for incidents. While I haven’t had issues with most companies, complaints are common online for all of them.
My advice: read the rental conditions carefully, ask staff about any unclear points, drive safely, and you should have a smooth rental experience.
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How to Rent a Car in the USA: Summary
That’s all you need to know about renting a car in the USA!
It’s a straightforward process, but being prepared makes all the difference. With these tips, you’ll have a smooth and stress-free rental experience!
I hope this guide helps make things easier for you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments. And if you found this post helpful, please share it with others!
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