Car Rental Tips Archives

Car Rental Free Upgrade in the USA – Can I Get It?

Driving a car makes your holiday comfortable and enjoyable. Most of you think of renting a car as something annoying and money-taking. Others try to rent Ford Focus instead of Cadillac to save the budget for travel. How about getting a car rental free upgrade? There are a few easy tips that might help you to turn your economy class car into the elite car!

All you should know about car rental upgrade

What is vehicle upgrade?

To upgrade a vehicle means to change the car you have ordered before to a next class car. You can upgrade a small or budget car to a bigger one or to a car with a better engine, convertible roof, and other goodies.

How to ask for an upgrade?

Just ask for one! If you need a car bigger in size or a better car than you have been given, ask what other cars they have available. As a rule, you have to pay a daily charge for a better car. So, feel free to negotiate on charges. There is always an opportunity to get an unexpected car rental free upgrade.

How much does it cost to upgrade a rental car?

Do you want to drive a vehicle in a higher class than ordered? Check the cost for the upgrade and location first. If the car you have booked is not available at your location and the company offered you a bigger car, you would never be charged. If you need to change the car when your pick-up time is less than 48 hours away, please call the rental agency! There is no fee for changing your booking, but you will be offered a better car for an extra daily charge. This is a situation when the rental car upgrade codes and coupons will be not a moment too soon!

You are offered a bigger car FOR FREE! Why do the rental agencies need it?

First and foremost, the agency is ready to give you a better car when it is not possible to give you the car you have ordered for any reason.

Alamo, National, and other rental car giants have a number of cars that are free to upgrade from economy to a mid-size car or better. The companies often provide this system to unload cars that are rarely rented.

When a renter can ask for an upgrade?

It is an unpleasant surprise when the vehicle you have reserved is not available at the location. This is your chance to ask for car rental free upgrade. Also, you can ask for a rental car upgrade when:

Change the color
Change the car style
Change the way your car drives
You noticed a dent
The car is not clean inside or out

Just raise the issue to the rental car manager and ask for an attractive alternative. Remember, a free car upgrade is real and should be asked to pick a better variant.

Guidelines for car rental free upgrade in the USA

It is time to decide what car class is perfect for your trip. Driving in a city, it is better to think of smaller cars. Traveling with friends or family with plenty of luggage, full size or even a luxury car is perfect.

How to request for a car rental free upgrade at a company counter?

Of course, you should come to the manager and say something like “I want to change my car!” It is enough to get a new upgraded car for an additional fee. But if you come equipped with the rental car upgrade codes and coupons, it will be easy to upgrade a rental car for free. Again, you can join in Dollar Express or any other bonus program. You will be rewarded with a pleasant discount and upgrade benefits then.

A fast and sure way to get a free upgrade is following a special program:

Premium Club Alamo
Avis Preferred
Budget Program
EnterprisePlus Program
National Rent a Car Program
Gold Rewards from Hertz
Sixt Rental Program

All these programs will cost you nothing to join. The members are awarded the newer and nicer vehicles, loyalty points, elite status, and other tasty benefits.

Which elite status is better for upgrading?

First of all, it is better to check what status your credit card offers. You may already be a happy cardholder that gives you an elite status! It works simply:

Pick a good car for a better price;
Stop waiting in the line;
Drop & Go service for different locations;
Get free rental days, car upgrades, and other benefits;
The second driver for free.

Top popular programs to enjoy your special car rental status are:

Emerald Club from National for Mastercard and Amex Platinum.
Hertz Gold Rewards for Amex Platinum cards.
Avis Program for a credit card of little value holders.

Therefore, check your credit card status to get as many bonuses as you can, according to the program!

MasterCard World Elite bonuses to upgrade a car!

The reality is, Elite MasterCard gives you the privileges for National, Sixt, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo just for cardholders. To check the card status is MUST if you are hunting for a free car rental upgrade and other presents.

Car rental free upgrade coupon. How does it work?

ALWAYS use a discount code! Rental car coupons are the best option to score deals, especially if you haven’t joined in any car rental bonus program yet. Just apply this code for a one class upgrade. Simply, make a reservation and enter this code at the counter.

TOP car upgrade offers in the US

Rental agencies in the USA	Benefits when joining in a bonus program or use codes
Budget rental free upgrade supposes:	Free single upgrade codes; Free compact to a full-size car at Budget locations; Maximum upgrade coupons to a premium class.
Enterprise rental car upgrade supposes:	Free rentals and upgrades for Enterprise Plus members.
Dollar free upgrade supposes:	Free one class upgrade coupons.
Avis car rental upgrade supposes:	Free one-car-group upgrade coupons; Maximum upgrade coupons to premium class; Free weekend rentals and upgrades at participating Avis Airport Locations.
Alamo car rental upgrade supposes:	Free car class upgrade.
Hertz car rental upgrade supposes:	Free one car class upgrade for MasterСard holders; Free Double Upgrade when you rent an economy through a full-size vehicle.
Payless car rental upgrade coupons:	Free additional driver + free upgrade for AARP Members.
Fox upgrade supposes:	Free upgrade when you join the Fox Rewards Specials.
Thrifty car upgrade supposes:	Free one class upgrade coupons.
National car upgrade supposes:	Free upgrade of a compact to a standard-size car.

For more information about total rental cost, free upgrades, additional equipment, aged or young drivers, contact a car rental agency in the USA or visit their website.

First Time Car Rental in the USA – What to Check?

Why renting a car is a great idea?

There are so many reasons for that! Car rental for the first time can be often scary and confusing. Also, there are many pitfalls you want to prevent. Read about the benefits of the first time car rental and make sure you are ready for a trip.

Free choice & free move

Stop worrying about transportation, prices, public transport schedules. You are free to focus on what really matters, make stops where you want, and change your route according to your interests.

Save budget

Do you think you can save your budget by booking a taxi? Taxi seems to be turning into a thing of the past. It may be good ONLY to ride home from the bar. Let’s compare the prices! Economy rental cars will cost about $40-65 per day. The drop taxi charge is about $ 2.60 plus $ 2.70 per mile. If you are an active traveler, you cannot save money this way. Besides, you have a chance to get the cheapest prices and the most attractive car rental offers. It’s because of the hot competition between car rental agencies.

Comfortable trip

There are many specific places in the country you cannot reach by bus and very expensive to get by taxi. Car rental allows visiting hidden places aside from the popular touristic routes. Also, it is extremely comfortable when the car is waiting for you on arrival.

Affordability

Wherever you live, you can book a car online or with the help of our Rental24H mobile app. Also, if you only use a car for special occasions, you will pay less than owning a car.

Tips & hints for newcomers

What should you do when you first rent a car? Discover these simple tips about the first time car rental and enjoy a stress-free start to your trip.

Inspect the car carefully

Take your time to inspect the car you are going to take for rent. Car rental for the first time needs some time to check your vehicle for damages. When you find any damages, ask the agent to mark it in your contract or change the car. Pay attention to scratches, cigarette burns, dents or chips on the outside of the car and on the car seats.

Check fuel

Feel free to check the fuel. If you know nothing about the fuel, talk to the manager to find out which fuel the car takes.

Check dashboard

Renting a car for the first time you should know about a ‘full to full’ practice. That means you take the care with a full tank and return it with a full tank. Don’t forget to check the tank before you go.

Check GPS

Going for a trip, you may ask for GPS/sat navigation. If you don’t have any, you can use the navigation on your smartphone. Check the first time car rental discounts. They often give GPS, additional seats for a cheaper price for new renters.

Take some time to get used to the car

Get into the car and take a few minutes to move the seats, adjust the side mirrors, air conditioning, stereo system, and other options available.

Driving specific

First of all, it is important to learn the route you are going to follow to get to the city from the airport. Also, don’t forget to remind yourself which side of the road you should drive on, according to the local rules regulations.

Mark the nearest petrol station

It is important to look for a petrol station near here and mark it on the map. Also, you can mark the biggest petrol stations along the road you are going to travel on. It can save you from stress about filling the car up.

Thus, you are ready to sign up the contract! Wait for the manager!

What are the requirements for the first time renters?

To rent a car you should know a lot about the hidden charges, additional fees, mileage policies, insurance options, credit card information. This process can be simplified if you know the first time car rental requirements.

Don’t forget to bring to the rental counter:

Driver’s License

The driver’s license is required all over the US territory. You have to be 25 years old to rent a car. There are companies, where you can rent a car even if you are 21-24 years old. In this case, you will be additionally charged as a young driver.

Credit Card

Your reservation and driver’s license is not enough for renting a car. An active credit card is needed. Check if your credit card matches your driver’s license name for insurance purposes.

Car Insurance

All car rental agencies offer you to take auto insurance. It is optional but strongly recommended, especially if your personal auto insurance doesn’t cover rental car damages. According to the rental contract, the renter takes responsibilities for the car. You can read more about car rental insurance on the company’s website.

Different rental companies have different rental requirements. Also, there are many specific points that may be different from other companies. Before booking your car rental, it is better to call the rental agency to get the list of requirements.

Car rental companies’ discounts for the first time renters

Rental car agencies in the USA can surprise you with attractive proposals for all transportation needs. Browse the web and surprise yourself with the first time car rental coupons and extra discounts. Remember, many new interesting discount proposals appear every month.

Rental Agency	Rental Benefits & Discounts
Avis	Check Avis car rental for the first time deals! *also* 30% discount when you pay online; A free weekend day when booking a trip that lasts more than three days; $25 off base rates.
Alamo	Check Alamo car rental first-time coupons! *also* 5% off every day low prices when you are in Alamo Insiders; $20 off for next rental.
Budget	Check Budget car rental for the first time discounts! *also* 35% discount when participating in Pay Now Rates program; 30% off any rental.
Dollar	Check Dollar for the first time deals! *also* 10% off for AAA Members; 50% off for every booking.
Enterprise	Check Enterprise car rental for the first time sales! *also* Extra 5% off your rental.
Sixt	Check Sixt car rental first-time coupons! *also* 25% off car rental in the USA.
Thrifty	Check Thrifty rental car for the first time renter codes! *also* 20% off for prepaid rentals.
National	Check National rental car for the first time renter codes! *also* Free Rental Day for Emerald Club members; 10% – 30% any rental.
Payless	Check Payless for attractive discounts! *also* $15 off weekly rental in the USA and Canada.
Hertz	Check Hertz car rental to get 15% off for new customers.

Try to sign up for emails from the car rental agency. You will be informed about discounts and extra sales. Check them weekly for the most attractive discounts.

Car Rental for Disabled Drivers – Tips & Hints

Disable people are not limited in their travel plans anymore. Their physical restriction is not a reason to stay at home. There are many different rental companies that provide adaptive car rentals for disabled clients.

Car Rental Policies For Disabled Renters

While planning a trip, it is important to contact your rental car manager to inform the company about a specialty rental and inquire of disabled veterans car rental discounts. Try to contact the rental counter where you will take a vehicle from and not the city main office. Be attentive and ask as many questions as you have. Why? Not all clients know that the car rental for disabled persons with wheelchairs demands to take a two-door model with larger doors or vans.

Car rental companies that accept disabled veteran discounts

All big renters accept car rental for disabled drivers. They offer you to save money by getting special rates for leisure and business. The companies’ policies are available on their websites in details.

Alamo Rent A Car

More than 500 locations are available for disabled drivers with Alamo. The renter has special rental packages with the best car rental proposals for disabled drivers on business and leisure.

Avis Rent A Car

Avis offers you so-called disabled veteran rental car codes for American military veterans. The discount reaches up to 25% for all popular car brands.

Budget Rent A Car

The rental conditions for disabled clients and their family members can boast attractive sales of up to 25%.

Dollar Rent A Car

Dollar disabled veteran car rental discount reaches up to 5%, plus fee waivers for an additional driver or underage driver.

Enterprise-Rent-A-Car

Enterprise rental car rates for disabled veterans go down to about 5% at different locations.

Hertz

Hertz rental car disabled rates go down to 25% at participating locations.

National Car Rental

National gives special offers to all disabled clients. For example, they don’t charge additional drivers fee and underage drivers fee.

SIXT Rent A Car

SIXT rates go down to 5% for veterans on car hire.

Thrifty Car Rental

Thrifty rental car honors veterans with a free one-care class upgrade.

Before you book, always make sure the discount or quote is still active on the company’s website.

Reserve an auto with adaptive driving options IN ADVANCE!

Asking for a vehicle with the adaptive driving devices, don’t forget to check if needed equipment is available at your location. So that it is better to book a car in advance to be sure that it will be equipped properly.

Here you can read about how much time in advance you should book a vehicle with adaptive driving equipment:

Rental Agency	Terms
Alamo	Up to 3 days before pick up; 9-24 hours at the airport locations.
Avis	1 day before pick up.
Budget	48 hours before pick up.
Dollar	24 hours before pick up.
Enterprise	Up to 3 days before pick up; 9-24 hours at some major airport locations.
Hertz	9-24 hours before pick up.
National	Up to 3 days before pick up; 9-24 hours at some major airport locations.
Payless	72 hours before pick up.
Thrifty	24 hours before pick up.

All big companies available on the web will provide and install hand controls, removal seats, foot accelerator, and other adaptive driving devices upon the request of any renter with a disability.

Tips & Hints For Drivers with Disabilities

Disabled drivers may need to rent a specially equipped car or van and ask for disabled drivers discounts. Rental options vary in their cost and complexity. You can find a list of useful tips below. Continue reading if you need to know how to hire the wheelchair accessible auto for your trip all over the US territory.

Make a travel plan!

How to plan a road trip for people with disabilities? First of all, it is important to decide how you are going to get around on arrival. Think of renting a specially-equipped car or van. Adaptive driving devices vary depending on your special needs and will work very well for you. Also, it may be easier and even cheaper to use a car rental for disabled drivers for traveling between the cities.

How to book a handicap auto?

Such popular car vendors as National, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, and a number of others offer cars and vans with special adaptive tools without any problems. Drivers, who want to equip their vehicle with hand controlling and lift options, or wheelchair access should select the type of auto they need when calling rental car companies. The time limit you can book an option is 48 hours before you get to your pick-up location.

How much is it to hire a handicap van?

The procedure of hiring an auto takes some time when you need to compare different rental policies and ask questions. There is the main thing to keep in mind: handicap van rental rates will vary, depending on location. Check your region for rental rates in your area.

Texas & Midwest wheelchair van rates

Terms	Rates
Daily	about $130 a day
Over week	about $110 a day
Over month	about $80 a day
Weekend special price	about $230 per weekend

Is it possible for disabled renters to book a surrogate driver option?

You may ask the car hiring department you are directly dealing with for adding a surrogate driver option to your rental papers. You are not charged an extra fee for that in most cases. But you, as the main driver, are required to complete your reservation with your card number, and a copy of your surrogate drivers’ international driving license. This person must be not younger than 25 years old. On pick up, the surrogate drivers complete a special driver form to pin it to your rental contract.

How to equip the rented auto with adaptive driving devices?

All adaptive driving devices must be ordered beforehand and added to the rental contract.

- Hand control is the most popular of adaptive car rental tools. It helps disabled drivers to handle the car;
- Foot accelerator is a helpful option for amputees;
- Wheelchair ramps;
- The full wheelchair restraint system;
- Lap and diagonal seat belts for wheelchair and seated passengers.

All specific requests should be made and confirmed DIRECTLY with the rental car agency you will take a car from. Disabled veterans car rental discounts are available for all specific drivers on a list of wheelchair accessible vehicles and all equipment to suit their needs.

How to Drop Off Your Rental Car If the Counter Is Closed

Is It Possible to Drop Off a Rental Car When the Rental Office Is Already Closed?

After hours rental car drop off is very challenging and often stressful, especially if the rental spot is already closed. Of course, most of the rental spots in the airport zone work for 24 hours a day. The situation differs at the smaller airports or rental offices somewhere in the city. The counters are closed at night. You should leave your car in the parking lot and drop the keys in a special key box. The car will be checked the next morning without your presence. So, our Rental24H is able to provide you with all the information concerning after-hours car rental drop off.

What Should I Do to Return My Rental Car After Hours?

It is a usual practice to drop keys into the special box. In general, these drop boxes are situated near the car return area both in the airport and city locations. The rental offices in small towns or suburban areas are also equipped with a drop box. The high-crime areas do not accept after-hours drops.

What Are The Risks When You Return Your Car After Hours?

Every time you place your transport in the parking lot after hours, you should be aware of some possible additional charges. So there are some aspects you should consider when dropping off your car after working hours of car rental company.

Unexpected Damages: It is assigned in the car hire documents that the renter takes responsibilities of the vehicle. it means that if the car is damaged by storm, fire, or even stolen from the parking where you left it, you will face a damage charge or an insurance claim from the company.

Additional Charges: The risk to get an additional charge is always around, especially when you drop off the car after hours. Your transport is checked without your presence so that you can be charged heavily, and it will be very difficult to prove your innocence.

Late Fees: You are required to pay a late fee when you return the rented vehicle later than it is written in the contract. If you want to waive extra charges, you should contact the rental office and make changes in your rental contract for some extra money. Moreover, it will be cheaper than paying for a late return.

Effective Recommendations About How to Drop Off a Rental Vehicle After Hours

It happens that you got stuck in a traffic jam and could not drop off the car in due time. The rental spot is closed and you almost miss your flight. Keep on reading to find out what to do to return your car after hours.

Check the contract. Make sure your rental contract allows after-hours returns at the airport or non-airport drop off spots.
Leave the car in the parking territory. Leave your car at the parking zone in view of cameras, if it is possible. This protects your car from robbery and damages. At least you can see what has happened to the car when you left it.
Take pictures. It is important to take pictures of your car real condition or make a video just in the parking lot. As it is assigned in the rental agreement, you take responsibility for your vehicle during the drop off period. Take photos – you are collecting facts. Don’t forget to lock the car.
Put keys in the box. You can find a special key box on location. This is the way to pass the keys to the car vendor.
Contact the company afterward. You should wait for an email from the rental company that they have checked your car. If the company did not contact you anyhow, you should call the car rental company directly. Look through the papers and find out their emergency number.

How to Waive Extra Fee When You Are Late in Returning?

The one and sure way to waive extra fees is returning a hired car during the grace period. In general, the free period lasts about 30 minutes to 2 hours. It starts exactly when your contract time is expired. Find detail information about it in the rental papers. When the limit ends, you will pay a late fee for EVERY day of expiration. This is the situation when you are recommended to give a call to your car rental agency to change the time of return. The company charges a single fee to make changes in the rental papers.

Suppliers	Extra Fee to Extend Your Contract
Avis, Alamo, Budget	up to $10 per day to change the return date
Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty	up to $12 per day to change the return date
Enterprise	It requires contacting the original rental location to modify the conditions.
National	You can modify your contract ONLY if you are a member of the Emerald Club loyalty program.

Car Rental Companies’ Special Conditions on Returning a Vehicle After Hours in the USA

How much will you pay a fee when the time is up? As a rule, the fee is equal to the additional day of rental. A late fee usually goes up to $10-$40, depending on the car hire agency rules and location. You can take more information from the company’s policy. Try to read your rental papers carefully to know everything about the grace time and extra time.

Suppliers	Policy Conditions
Alamo	Alamo after hours return allows: Safe period – up to 30 min; 2 hours late – extra hourly charges will be taken; 2 hours or more late – full-day extra lateness charge will be taken.
Avis	Avis after hours allows: Safe period – up to 30 min; 30 minutes late – extra hourly charges will be taken; 90 minutes late – full-day extra charges will be taken; 7 hours late – $10 per day will be taken.
Hertz	Hertz return after hours allows: Safe period – up to 30 min; 12 hours late – $12 per day late fee will be taken.
Budget	Budget car return after hours allows: Safe period – up to 30 min; 30 minutes late – extra hourly charges will be taken; 90 minutes late – full-day lateness charges will be taken; 7 hours late – $10 per day will be taken.
Dollar	Dollar after hours allows: Safe period – up to 30 minutes; 12 hours late – $12 per day extra fee will be taken.
Thrifty	Thrifty return after hours allows: Safe period – up to 30 minutes; 12 hours late – $12 per day late fee will apply.
Enterprise	Enterprise return conditions are: Safe period – up to 30 minutes; 30 minutes late – full-day extra charges will be taken.
National	National car return conditions are: Safe period – up to 30 minutes; 2 hours late – full-day late charges will apply.

If possible, try to make efforts and park your vehicle when the rental office still works. If you are going to leave the vehicle late, read the car rental company’s policies first to plan your budget.

One Way Car Rental in the USA – How To Find?

Do you have thought of hiring a car for a one-way ride somewhere in America? You can dig out tones of attractive one-way car rental proposals in the US or nearby territory. Pick one of many available vehicles, including economic cars, midsize cars, minivans, pickups, luxury cars on rental24h.com. You do not need to start and finish your trip at the same location! Searching for a ride USA-Canada one-way, you look for the cheapest deals. Read about it!

What do you call a one-way trip?

Planning your journey, you should think of a one-way car rental trip! It means that you take a transport vehicle at one spot and leave it at another location. All the rental agencies boast their attractive one-way ride offers. Be aware of a one-way charge or so-called drop-off charge that the company takes! How comes it? The extra money is charged to make up the expenses of delivering a vehicle back to the spot where it was taken.

What are the advantages of renting cars one-way in the US?

It is recommended to book a one-way car rental across the US if:

You are planning to start from one spot and leave your transport somewhere else.
Territory limitations are not what you are going to think about.
You can forget about taking the car back at the primary location and do not worry about it.
You prefer focusing on the road than on the drop off time.

Wherever you go, just pass the car to the car supplier when you have an intention to change the route or vehicle. The rental operator takes your transport back ‘home’ so that you can continue your tour or put it on pause. The one-way extra charge is included in the base rental bill that makes your one-way car rental deal costly.

How is it possible to take a car from the USA to Canada one way?

There exist a number of specific agencies which hold attractive rates for one-way rides. Cross border one-way deals are costly. The charge for a one-way international ride to Canada from the USA depends on concrete terms and locations. Each company counts up to 15 locations all over the US territory, where you can hire a vehicle with leaving it in neighbor Canada.

The most popular cross-border routes you should account are:

To know more about the sup you will spend on such a one-way ride you, should call the hire company. Keep your papers in order when you pass the border. You need a valid ID, rental agreement, and insurance papers.

Do you want to receive the cheapest price for a one-way ride? Learn HOW!

One-way rides are the fastest but not the cheapest methods of traveling between locations. It is often a money-taking process. The drop-off tax is usually added to a standard rental price. It is not difficult to cut extra money down by making two tricky steps.

How to stretch finances on one-way car rental in USA?

Prepay for the car hiring

To cut down the rates, you should PREPAY for the car hire! Do you know which location is preferable for you to start driving? Make your search in that location first. Hertz, Budget, and Payless make tasty discounts to all who pay in advance for their reservations. The discount can reach 30%!

Attention: prepayment is generally non-returnable!

Use coupon codes

US car rental companies provide special discounts for you to save on hiring. It makes one-way rental deals in USA location possible with no fees.

Which companies in the USA offer the cheapest one-way contracts?

One-way extra fee may add up to $100 per day to your contract rate. The sum you give for the car consists of important elements: the daily rental price (depends on time, vehicle class, distance), age taxes (if you are a young or overage driver), and a drop off charge (depends on take-return location, time of year). The total price varies from one car hire agent to another. Also, the prices are lower for customers supported by their membership in AAA, Costco, or USAA.

One-way fee for a one-day rental of an economy class car

Rental location: New York John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) Airport, US

Drop off: Greater Buffalo Intl (BUF) Airport, US

Suppliers	One-Way Fee
Alamo	$75 per day 5% off for Alamo Insiders
Avis	$100 per day
Budget	$75 per day
Dollar	$75 per day $345 per day if rent a car off 501-1000 miles away. One way rentals within Florida, California and Nevada locations are free
Enterprise	$399 per day $50 for Emerald Club members
Hertz	$150 per day
National	$399 per day $50 for Emerald Club members
Thrifty	$207 per day One way rentals within Florida, California and Nevada locations are free

Make a search and check if a one-way fee is included!

Such car rental giants as Enterprise, Hertz, National, Budget, Avis, Thrifty, Dollar are practically the same in one-way rental rates. You can find attractive prices, cooperating with small vendors, such as Fox or Advantage. They send the lowest one-way car rental rates over the US territory if compare with such big and competent vendors as Avis, National, and Hertz. Check if the one-way fee is included!

Start your own search and get the most attractive car rental offers and the cheapest one-way US car rentals. If you finally received the coupon discount, check if it applies to a one-way ride.

Additional Driver Fee In The USA – All You Have To Know

If you are going on a road trip, you may have a necessity to share the wheel with someone else. Only one of you can be the main driver. In most cases, you are obliged to pay fees for adding additional drivers. However, you may find car rental companies which don’t require an additional driver fee in the USA. Read more here!

What is the Additional Driver Fee?

This is a daily fee you have to pay for adding an extra driver who will be able to drive the rental car along with the main driver. You can add one or even more drivers. Companies take extra money for young drivers and senior drivers. Keep in mind the policies of different car rental companies since not all of them have the same rules and requirements.

Who is the main driver?

You signed the contract and legally responsible for the car you have just rented. The insurance for that car is on your name. You are the MAIN DRIVER.

Who can be an extra driver?

This information should be checked individually. All extra drivers MUST:

meet age requirements
have valid driver’s license
appear before the rental manager on pick up
must have at least 1 year (sometimes 2 years) of driving experience

How to add additional drivers?

It depends on the company you are dealing with. It is possible to add the drivers when booking online or at the counter. But extra fee is taken only during pick-up.

How to Avoid Additional Driver Fee in the USA?

It is possible to avoid an extra fee for adding drivers, young drivers, drivers over 70 with a bit of planning. It is recommended to check the terms and conditions before booking.

How to waive additional driver fee for under 25 drivers in the USA?

If the main driver is over 25 years of age and holds a full driving license, you can add additional drivers to your rental contract if it is an individual:

who is a validly licensed driver;
who is at least 21 years of age (Young Driver Surcharge may apply for under 25 drivers).

The only way to avoid paying an additional driver fee for young drivers is to join your car rental company’s loyalty program. This strategy will not work in all cases, but it may help you to avoid additional driver fees for underage drivers.

How to avoid an extra fee for senior additional drivers?

Sometimes, it is absolutely impossible to waive the senior additional driver fee and you have to pay twice:

for the additional driver;
for adding the overage additional driver (Senior Driver Fee).

But you can always find some car rental companies in the USA that don’t charge either an additional driver fee or Senior Driver Fee. The list of this car rental companies depends on the location you are booking from and company’s rental conditions.

In addition, you can get the lowest rates and discounts if you join in local memberships. Read more about them below!

Memberships that Cover Additional Driver Fee in the USA

There are special organizations that protect drivers from the additional driver fee only if you got a membership.

AAA

You can take coupons from major AAA magazines or join the AAA club. You are offered a lot of exclusive savings and benefits, such as free child seats, navigation system. NO FEE for AAA members for car rental from Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty.

AARP

Booking a vehicle from Avis and Budget, you can use AARP discount code to protect your trip from the additional driver fee.

USAA

This is a kind of financial service that gives exclusive benefits and discounts for U.S. citizens. Conditions differ. There is no extra payment for members, their spouses, adult kids when dealing with Enterprise and Hertz. There is no additional driver charge for company members, their families, and other USAA members at Avis and Budget.

Costco

Costco membership gives free additional drivers when dealing with Alamo and Enterprise in the territory of the USA, Canada, France, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Reservations with Costco discount at Avis and Budget are available only in the United States.

BJ’s

BJ’s members enjoy their club benefits. They are free from fees when dealing with Alamo.

How much is Car Rental Extra Driver Fee?

Additional drivers, whether free or paid, should meet all car rental company’s requirements. They must have the minimum driver’s age and a valid driving license. Your extra payment varies by country, city, and supplier.

It is important to check the company’s policy:

Suppliers	Additional Driver Fee
Alamo	$12 per extra driver a day; The additional fee is charged for any additional driver, be it spouses or family members.
Avis	$13 per extra driver a day, maximum charge of $65; The fee is additionally required for all USA states, except California, Nevada, and New York.
Budget	$13 per extra driver a day, maximum charge of $65; The additional fee is not required in California.
Dollar	$10-$15 per additional driver a day; The company takes an extra fee for additional drivers, including spouses.
Enterprise	$12 per additional driver a day; There is no additional driver fee for spouses and other family members in the USA and Canada.
Hertz	$13 per extra driver a day, maximum $189; No fee is required from Hertz Gold Rewards members.
National	$12 per additional driver a day; There is no extra payment for family members in California, Illinois, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, and Wisconsin.
Thrifty	$10-$15 per extra driver a day; Thrifty waive additional driver fees for rentals made under their corporate and small business programs.

Additional driver fee is taken if you need additional help with the driving from your family members or other people. The cheapest extra fee starts from $10 per day. It varies from state to state depending on the local law.

Smart Parking in San Francisco – Read, Find & Save

San Francisco is a stunning destination, in which many people find their vocation and inspiration. It’s full of beautiful points of interest, including iconic historical sights, mighty bridge structures, as well as numerous entertainment venues. Many travelers who decide to visit the city and use the car to move around it, face the complication of parking in San Francisco. The fact is that finding free parking in San Francisco often turns into a challenge.

Fortunately, each rule has an exception, and it’s still possible to get an affordable San Francisco parking space in almost any city area.

According to San Francisco parking regulations, you can choose between the following 2 ways of leaving your car:

Street parking;
Parking garages.

Both street and garage parking are payable at parking meters. In addition to coins, you’ll be able to pay with a credit card, by using phone or pre-paid parking meter cards, which can be purchased at numerous locations throughout San Francisco.

Each San Francisco parking permit section has its own price per hour, but the general rule is the farther from the city center, the cheaper the price. This also applies to parking garages. The actual rates including overnight and monthly parking in San Francisco are provided at the city website.

Remember that in the case of improper parking, you risk getting a parking ticket and being towed. The average parking ticket fee in San Francisco is $97.50.

Street parking San Francisco. What is important to know?

Street parking is a classy solution to find a cheap place for your car. A distinctive feature of parking along roads is that parking meters are installed on the sidewalk near each parking space. That is, you simply drop the coins in the cell and go about your business. The display shows the time remaining until the end of the parking period. The full San Francisco street parking map is the key to find the desired spot for your car and check out its cost.

Parking meters usually operate Monday-Saturday from 9 am till 6 pm and don’t operate on New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving Day. Most devices feature 2-hour limit, while about ¼ of parking meters have 4-hour restriction or exclude the limit at all.

The cost of street parking in San Francisco depends on several factors:

location, and the degree of its distance from the center;
time of day.

The average parking price for 1 hour is between $1 and $7.

A lot of areas of San Francisco have certain parking restrictions allowing locals to park longer than visitors. If you travel by a rental car, you will need to carefully follow the time specified on the road sign.

Top cheap parking in San Francisco

Although parking in San Francisco is often a headache for travelers, there’s still good news. If you use your smartphone, some online resources will help you find affordable or even free parking in San Francisco.

Virtually, the most popular urban parking spots in San Francisco can be divided into 3 districts – Union Square, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. With SpotAgels, choosing cheap parking in San Francisco turns into an easy and hassle-free process. By clicking on the following links, you’ll be provided with a comprehensive list of San Francisco parking spaces, including parking meters and garages:

Speaking of cheap monthly San Francisco parking options, the average price ranges between $200-325/month.

The most popular and money-saving garages are situated at:

8 Locksley Ave – $200/month;
2000 Post St. – $232/month;
3 Bayside Village Place – $240/month;
800 Indiana St. – $275/month;
388 Beale – $280/month;
1285 Sutter St. – $300/month;
383 King St. – $325/month.

San Francisco hotels with free parking

High parking prices make travelers look for alternatives. Thus, hotels in San Francisco with free parking are another way of finding a suitable option both for staying and parking.

This is especially convenient because you don’t need to go anywhere to pick up your car — it’s always at hand. Plus, you will be calm because there’s no risk of being fined or towed, which can significantly destroy your vacation in San Francisco.

When answering the question ‘where to stay in San Francisco with free parking’, we can rely on auto travelers’ reviews. According to numerous recommendations, among the best San Francisco hotels with parking are:

Marina Motel, 2576 Lombard St – from $189/night;
Cow Hollow Inn and Suites, 2190 Lombard St – $171/night;
Beck’s Motor Lodge, 2222 Market St – $259/night;
Seaside Inn, 1750 Lombard St – $210/night;
Phoenix Hotel SF, 601 Eddy St – $229/night.

Many local hotels provide parking in San Francisco, but it’s not included in the rate and can be reserved at an additional cost. In general, the price per night varies from $50 to $80 per day, depending on the class of the hotel.

Top airport parking in San Francisco

If you are planning a business or tourist trip from San Francisco by plane, but don’t want to hire a taxi, then you have the opportunity to get to the airport by a private or rental car, leaving it in a guarded parking lot.

For this reason, San Francisco Airport parking will greatly simplify your transportation process to and from the airport.

Generally, there are 3 options available for parking at San Francisco Airport:

Shuttle parking;
Hotel parking;
Valet parking.

The cost for parking at San Francisco Airport may range according to the length of the whole parking period. On average, you’ll have to pay about $10-25 per day.

Sometimes, travelers need for their San Francisco Airport car rental long term parking, which in terms of 1-day price is even more profitable. For easy search and comparison of parking spaces at SFO Airport, you can use Spothero web-resource – it only requires the desired start and end parking dates.

Parking downtown San Francisco

The major aim of all car drivers is to find cheap parking downtown San Francisco, which includes Union Square, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf areas. The fact is that these destinations are the most appropriate for parking, as they provide easy getting to all important city locations.

Parking garages for car rental in downtown San Francisco are the most reasonable solution to park your car – they are usually not as busy as street parkings, and the price is even lower. You’ll have to pay between $1 and $8 an hour depending on the daytime.

The list of currently-available locations for downtown San Francisco parking including street spots and garages, as well as their pricing, are introduced on the city website.

Now you know all about parking in San Francisco, so it is time to explore the city in a full measure and never be worried about spending too much on parking your rental car!

Car Rental Services for Young Drivers Under 25 in USA

Rental service rental24h.com provides up-to-date information on the car rental rules in the USA for young drivers under 25 years old depending on policies accepted in the state and the rental company on car rental age restrictions.

To rent a car in the USA both the driver’s age and driving experience according to a driver’s license are to be minded. Since the car rental companies have a risk exposure associated with an insufficient driving experience at a young age, that is why they compensate this by additional financial charges. Car rental rates may be higher for renters between the ages of 21 and 24; besides, a young driver surcharge is applied in most companies that provide car rental services.

Most car rental companies in the USA offer a wide range of vehicles available for young drivers from 21 years old; however, small car rental companies apply a more flexible policy on age and driving experience restrictions. Drivers under 25 years old in the USA, who hold a driver’s license that has been valid for at least one year, are eligible to choose from several categories for vehicle hire in the USA including compact cars and hatchbacks but excluding jeeps and executive cars.

According to Terms & Conditions and General Policies stipulated by the car hire providers in the US, the specific information regarding the requirements on minimum driving age, underage driver’s fee, and driver’s license validity are identified below to choose the car rental company met your individual preferences.

Car rental requirements for drivers under 25 by the major domestic and international car rental companies in the USA

Alamo Rent A Car

The minimum age to rent a car with Alamo is 21 (with the exception of military personnel and government employees and Michigan, New York State where car rental under 21 is available).
A Young Driver Surcharge is applicable for drivers from 21 to 24 years depending on location (for New York State – $20.00/day, Michigan – $13.00/day).
A young driver of 21-24 years old needs to provide a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year.

Avis Rent a Car

The minimum age to rent a car with Avis is 21.
A Young Driver Surcharge of $25/day is applicable for drivers from 21 to 24 years of age.
A young driver under 25 in the USA needs to provide a valid driver’s license held for at least 2 years.

Budget Rent a Car

Budget car rentals are available to drivers from 21 years of age.
Depending on location/state/city, different extra charges will be applied to a driver from 21 to 24 years old.
A valid driver’s license must have been held at least for 1 year.

Dollar Rent A Car

The minimum age to rent a car with Dollar is 21.
Extra charge for renters aged from 21 to 24 years old is imposed accordingly with the local policies.
The driving experience is to be confirmed by a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

The minimum age to rent a car with Enterprise is 21.
A Young Driver Surcharge set out for drivers from 21 to 24 years depends on the state/ location rules.
Driver’s license is to be valid for at least 1 year.

Europcar

The minimum age to rent a car with Europcar is 21.
A Young Driver Surcharge of $25/day is imposed for drivers from 21 to 24 years old.
A young driver needs to provide a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year.

E-Z Rent-A-Car

The minimum age to rent a car with E-Z Rental Car is 18.
A Young Driver Surcharge of $35/day is applicable for drivers from 18.
A young driver needs to provide a valid driver’s license.

Fox Rent A Car

The minimum age, driving experience, and under 25 fees to rent a car with Fox Rent a Car depends on the specific Terms and Conditions acceptable for the state/ location/ city.

Hertz

The minimum age to rent a car with Hertz-from is 21.
A Young Driver Surcharge for drivers from 21 to 24 years depends on local policies accepted in different states.
Renters must have driving experience for at least 1 year and provide relevant valid documents.

National Car Rental

Renters must be at least 21 years old to rent a car with National.
Extra charges imposed for drivers from 21 to 24 years old are differed depending on location-specific policies.
A young driver needs to provide a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year.

ONTRAC Rent a Car

The minimum age to rent a car with Avis is 21.
A Young Driver Surcharge is applicable for drivers from 21 to 24 years old according to local rental conditions.
A young driver must provide a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year.

Payless Car Rental

Payless Car provides car rental services for drivers from 21 years old.
A Young Driver Surcharge and duration of driving experience set out for car rental depends on the state, location/city.

SIXT Rent a Car

The minimum age to rent a car with SIXT is 21.
A Young Driver Surcharge of $99-35.00/day (maximum of $279.98 per rental) is applicable for drivers from 21 to 24 years old.
Renters need to provide a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year.

Thrifty Car Rental

Thrifty provides car rental for drivers from 21.
Applicable surcharge for drivers from 21 to 24 years old depends on location/state/city.
A young driver needs to confirm the driving experience with a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year.