How Booking Works

What you need to rent

Rules differ from one rental company to the next, and your quote spells out the ones that apply to you. For most rentals in the US, plan on bringing:

• A valid driver's license for each person who will drive. Many companies ask that it has been held for at least a year. If you are visiting the US, bring your passport too, plus an International Driving Permit when your license is not in English.
• A driver who meets the age rules. The usual minimum is 21. Some classes, such as larger SUVs, can require drivers to be 25 or older, and drivers under 25 normally pay an extra daily fee. A few states have their own age rules.
• A card in the main driver's name. Credit cards are the norm for the security deposit. Some rental companies take debit cards, often with extra checks such as proof of a return flight.
• Proof of insurance or a plan to buy cover. You can use your own auto policy where it applies, or buy protection from the rental company. More on that below.

What goes into the price

We quote the total for your dates, not a daily teaser rate. These are the parts that usually make it up, so the receipt at the counter holds no surprises:

• The base rate for your vehicle class, charged by the day or by the week.
• Taxes and location charges. State and local taxes, plus concession and facility charges when you pick up at an airport.
• The security deposit. A temporary hold placed on your card at pickup and released after you return the vehicle. Its size depends on the company and the class, and your quote states it.
• Extras you ask for, such as a second driver, child seats, a toll transponder or GPS. These are priced only when you request them.
• Charges that depend on your trip: fees for drivers under 25, one-way drop-off charges, mileage limits, refueling if the tank comes back lower than agreed, and late returns. Your quote shows which apply and what they cost.
• Currency. The rental company charges in US dollars. Anything we bill is charged by Globemansh Solutions (OPC) Pvt Ltd in Indian rupees (INR), and your card issuer may add a conversion or foreign transaction fee. Your quote shows each amount and its currency.

Rental companies set their own rates, and prices move with dates, location and demand. Each quote is valid for the period written on it.

Coverage basics

At the counter you will usually be offered several kinds of protection. Before you accept any of them, check what your own auto insurance and the card you pay with already include for rental cars.

• Collision or Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) caps your cost if the car is damaged or stolen.
• Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) raises your liability cover above the state minimum.
• Personal accident and personal effects cover pays toward medical costs and belongings inside the car.

Afordablecarrental.com is not an insurer and does not sell insurance or give insurance advice. Any coverage is offered and managed by the rental company.

At pickup and return

Your booking confirmation names the rental company, the counter or lot address and its opening hours. Take your license, the card you will pay with and your confirmation along. Before you drive off, walk around the vehicle and make sure any existing scratches or dents are noted on the rental agreement. Bring it back on time and with the agreed fuel or charge level to avoid extra charges.

Changing or canceling

Your request can be changed or withdrawn for free until you confirm a quote. After that, the rental company's change and cancellation terms apply, and your quote lists them in advance. Our Terms of Service explain the details.