What do you need to rent a car?

Renting a car can be an efficient and convenient way to get around, but it also comes with its requirements and expectations. Knowing what you will need before you rent can help ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. 

This article outlines some items you must have to rent a car properly.

What are the benefits when you rent a car?

Renting a car is a useful way to get around without relying on public transportation or having your car.  Especially when traveling to countries like Iceland, car rental in Iceland gives you access to reliable, safe, and comfortable transportation that has been well-maintained by experienced professionals. It also saves you money since renting a car can be cheaper than owning one in the long run. You don’t have to worry about upkeep costs such as registration fees, insurance premiums, and gasoline expenses. 

Plus, this option leaves fewer responsibilities for you: the rental car company usually provides roadside assistance if something goes wrong and handles parking fees or toll paperwork. Renting a car makes life more convenient, economical, and hassle-free.

What do you need to rent a car?

Before renting a car you’ll need to be sure that you have the following.

Valid driver’s license and credit card

The first requirement when renting a car has a valid driver’s license or permit. Depending on the state, most rental companies require that drivers present either a regular driver’s license or an international driving permit (IDP).In some cases, renters without an IDP may be able to provide their passport numbers instead.

In addition to having a valid driver’s license and meeting the age requirements, renters must also provide a major credit or debit card when signing up for the rental agreement. The card should be issued in the renter’s name and have enough funds to cover the rental costs. Some companies may also require a deposit in addition to the rental costs.

Age requirements

The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21, although some rental companies may allow drivers as young as 18 to rent cars. Generally, when renting a car, if you are under 25 years old, you will have to pay an additional fee for the underage driver. Additionally, many states require drivers over 65 to bring proof of insurance or other forms of identification that prove they’ve had at least three years of driving experience to rent a car.

Insurance and personal identification

When looking for a rideshare car rental, you must know what type of insurance you already have. Many credit cards or personal auto policies will provide coverage for rental cars. However, if they don’t, most rental companies will offer various types of insurance that can be added to the rental agreement.

Most rental companies will also require some form of identification other than your driver’s license. This could include a passport, military ID card, state-issued ID card, or other government-issued documents such as birth certificates and green cards.

Payment and fuel options

Once you’ve selected the car type you want, it’s time to consider payment options. Most rental companies accept major credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks for payment. Some may also offer other payment methods, such as debit cards, prepaid cards, or even PayPal accounts, as an option when renting a car.

When renting a car, most companies offer three fuel options: full tank, empty tank, and prepaid tank. Full-tank means that the company refills the gas for you at no extra cost, and an empty tank means you are responsible for filling up the vehicle before returning it. Prepaid tanks let you pay for all gas upfront, so you don’t have to worry about filling up the car before you return it.

Cancellation policy

It’s always good to know the company’s cancellation policy before signing up for any rental agreement. Some companies may offer free cancellation if done within a specific time frame, while others may charge a fee for canceling your reservation altogether. Be sure to ask about this before agreeing to any rental agreement.

Roadside assistance

When renting a car, some companies offer roadside assistance in case of mechanical issues or breakdowns that may occur during your trip or vacation. This service can be beneficial if you are stuck on the side of the road and need someone to come out and help get you back on the road quickly.

Final thoughts

Renting a car for an upcoming trip or vacation can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the steps outlined above and researching what type of car is best for your needs, you can get the best deal and most enjoyable car rental experience. From payment options to discounts, these essential things to consider when renting a car will help ensure your rental experience goes as smoothly as possible.