How to rent a car in the United States
Find out how to easily rent a car in the United States. Our comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the rental process, including tips for getting the best deals and avoiding common pitfalls. Start your journey today and explore the country on your own terms.
To rent a car in the United States, you will need to present the following items at the rental company:
- Identification to prove you meet the minimum age restriction
- Valid driver’s license (some rental companies require the license to be issued at least 1 year before the rental)
- Valid form of payment, including a credit or debit card with available funds
- Young driver fees paid in advance at the rental company
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States varies by rental company and state. In general, most rental companies require the driver to be at least 21 years old, but some allow rentals from 18 years old. However, it is common for rental companies to charge an extra fee for drivers under the age of 25, which can range from US$10 to US$30 per day.
The Brazilian driver’s license is accepted by most rental companies in the United States, as long as it is valid and in good condition. However, it is recommended to also take the International Driving Permit (PID), which is a translation of your license in several languages and can be requested at the Detran of your state. The PID may be required in some states or in case of a police checkpoint.
The credit card is the most accepted form of payment by car rental companies in the United States, as it serves as a guarantee in case of damages or fines. Some car rental companies accept debit cards but may require a security deposit or credit check. The ideal is to consult the conditions of the rental company before booking the car. Also remember to unlock your card for international use and check the available limit.
Young driver fees are charged by rental companies to compensate for the increased risk of accidents involving drivers under 25 years of age. These fees are paid directly to the rental company, when picking up the car, and can significantly increase the rental price. Therefore, it is worth researching the rental companies that offer the lowest rates or that exempt young drivers in some situations.
How to book a car in the United States
The best way to book a car in the United States is online, using sites like KAYAK, which allow you to compare prices and conditions from the main car rental companies in the country. You can filter results by car type, location, time, mileage, fuel, insurance and extras.
When choosing the type of car, take into account the number of people, the amount of luggage, the type of terrain and fuel consumption. Cars in the United States tend to be bigger and more powerful than in Brazil, but also more expensive. The most common types are:
- Economy: small and economical cars, ideal for up to two people with little luggage, such as the Chevrolet Spark or the Ford Fiesta.
- Compact: cars that are slightly larger and more comfortable than economy, suitable for up to four people with moderate luggage, such as the Nissan Versa or the Hyundai Accent.
- Intermediate: medium and versatile cars, which accommodate up to five people with luggage, such as the Toyota Corolla or the Honda Civic.
- Standard: medium cars with more space and power than the intermediate ones, which offer more comfort for up to five people with luggage, such as the Volkswagen Jetta or the Ford Fusion.
- Full-size: large and luxurious cars, which have a lot of space and power, perfect for up to five people with a lot of luggage, such as the Chevrolet Impala or the Toyota Camry.
- SUV: sports and robust cars, which have four-wheel drive and can tackle more difficult terrain, great for up to five people with luggage, such as the Ford Escape or the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- Minivan: spacious family cars that can accommodate up to seven people with luggage, such as the Dodge Grand Caravan or the Chrysler Pacifica.
- Convertible: convertible and stylish cars, which have a retractable roof and are ideal for enjoying the sunny weather, such as the Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro.
- Pickup truck: utility and powerful cars, which have an open bucket to transport large loads, such as the Ford F-150 or the Chevrolet Silverado.
When choosing a location, prefer rental companies located at or near airports, as they tend to have more options for cars and schedules, in addition to offering free transportation to the agency. Car rental companies located in the city center or in outlying neighborhoods may have lower prices, but they may also have less availability and charge extra fees.
When choosing the time, be punctual and avoid delays, as rental companies can cancel your reservation or charge fines if you don’t pick up the car at the agreed time. Also, try to return the car at the same time you picked it up, as rental companies usually charge the rental for periods of 24 hours. If you return the car before or after the allotted time, you may pay more than planned.