HM USA Travel Guide - Car rental in the USA: Information

Most car rental companies will only rent a car to persons of 25 years or older. Some companies do rent cars to persons from 21 years or older but often charge a supplement of about US$ 10 or 20 a day. You might get a better deal with local companies which charge "only" USD 5 per day. If you are under 21 years then it will proof to be difficult to rent a car.
See also Underage Car & Auto Rentals, Renting Cars Under 25, rental cars

When you rent a car a basic insurance is often included. In my opinion this basic insurance is insufficient because it offers only a limited coverage of damage. Also an own risc is often applicable. Because every state has its own legislation the exact coverage depends on the state where you renting/driving. Rental companies will offer additional insurances.

LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) or CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
A LDW or CDW insurance takes care of your own risc. When for instance your rental car gets stolen or damaged then the LDW will cover the costs. When you rent a car via a travel agent in your home country LDW/CDW is often included in the rental fee. I strongly recommend that you take this insurance.
LIS (Liabillity Insurance Supplement)
A LIS is often not included but is recommended. LIS covers you for the costs of any damage or injuries that are a result of an accident you are involved in. A LIS insurance will cost about USD 6-8 per day.
Other types of insureance
Other insurances are PAI (Personal Accident Insurance), UMP (Un- and Underinsured Motorist Protection)

Insurance is expensive so check if you really need to accept any type of insurance. Your rental car may be covered by your car insurance, your travel insurance or any other insurance you have. Also credit card company sometimes include a rental car insurance if you pay with that credit card.

Anyway you should make sure that you are not under insured. Otherwise If you are involved in an accident you might end up paying for any damages.

All rental cars in the USA have air conditioning, a radio and an automatic gear. Depending on the type the car may also be equiped with air bags, cruise control or a radio/cassete player. When you rent a car you can choose between different types of cars.

Economy car
- a 2 door car like a Ford Aspire or Geo Metro
- has room for 2 adults and 2 children and 2 small suitcases
Compact car
- a 2/4 door car like a Ford Escort or Chevrolet Cavalier
- has room for 2 adults and 2 children and 1 large and 2 small suitcases
Mid size/Intermediate car
- a 2/4 door car like a Ford Tempo or Buick Skylark
- has room for 4 adults and 2 large and 2 small suitcases
Full size car
- a 2/4 door car like a Ford T-bird or Buick Century
- has room for 4 adults and 2 large and 2 small suitcases
Luxury car
- a 2/4 door car like a Ford Crown, Lincoln Towncar or Pontiac Bonville
- has room for 5 adults and 4 large and 2 small suitcases

Convertibles and vans are also available.
I recommend to rent at least a mid size type car. The engine power of the economy and compact types is often insufficient. When you are driving in the mountains with the airco switched on, the engine can hardly provide the power you need. Larger cars often have power brakes, power steering and airbags, which makes them saver. You will probably be driving over large distances and a decent car really pays off then.
I always rent a Ford T-bird because I really like that car. Lots of space, a decent engine (3 liter V6 or 6 liter V8), cruise control, power steering and breakes, and so on. But unfortunately the T-bird is now out of production. In 2002 the new T-bird will arive. During my 1998 holiday I got a ford Taurus.

Compared to the Netherlands (where I live) renting a car in the USA is inexpensive. If you are living outside the USA you often get better rates when you hire a car via a travel agent in your home country.
The exact charge depends on many factors: Type of the car, season, location, and so on. The location where you pick up your car is an important factor for the charge. Florida has the best rates while renting a car in New York is much more expensive. To give you an idea about the rental fees I will give some examples (rented via a travel agent in the netherlands).
* Economy car, CDW included, taxes excluded
- Florida: $100/week
- California: $130/week
- New York: $180/week
* Full size, LDW included, taxes excluded
- Florida: $150/week
- California: $170/week
- New York: $220/week

When you want to drive across the USA it is less expensive to go from for instance Los Ageles to New York than the other way around.
In 1997 (Los Angeles) I payed about $260/week for a full size car, including LDW, LIS, all taxes and a full tank of gas.

In general you must return the car to the location where you did hire it. However there are some exceptions. Many rental companies allow you to pick up a car in Los angeles and return it in San Francisco (or the other way around) without any extra charges. Also picking up and returning a car in different locations within Florida is without an extra charge. Depending on the rental company other one-way rentals without extra charges are possible.
When I would make reservations via a dutch travel agent Hertz charges only $50 for a one-way rental between Los Angeles and Seattle v.v. But otherwise an extra fee, up to $750, may be charged.

Before you drive off with your rental car check the car for any damages. If you find any damage or scratches report this to an employee and they will make a note of it on your rental agrement. If you don't report any damages then they may charge you for that damage after you have returned the car.

When you are stopped by a police officer then he will ask you for your drivers licence and the car registration. Since you don't have a car registration you should show him your rental agreement.

RV and motorhome rentals
Car rentals: links

Your resource for USA travel and tourism information - Car rental in the USA