U.S. Rent A Car appreciates that car hire in the USA can be confusing and appear to be a bit of a mine field.

To help make your car hire experience run as smoothly as possible U.S. Rent A Car has put together this rental guide.  

If you believe we have missed or your would like to see another topic added please email us at info@usrentacar.co.uk

Alternatively please visit our Frequently Asked Questions or call us on 0845 226 8523.

Insurances

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - CDW eliminates responsibility for damage to or loss of any rental vehicle as long as the terms of the rental agreement have not been violated.

Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) - Covers up to $1m of Liability. All drivers included on the rental agreement, will not be held liable for third party claims for bodily injury or property damage resulting from an accident.

Uninsured Motorist Protection (UMP) - up to $1m Liability Cover. Offers an Uninsured/Underinsured/Hit-and-Run Motorist Protection (UMP) that provides the renter and family members travelling together in the rented vehicle with up to $1,000,000 of non-stacked coverage for bodily injury sustained while driving the rental car, and caused by another driver who has no insurance, minimal insurance, or is a hit-and-run driver.

Theft Protection - provides coverage for theft or attempted theft, of the vehicle up to the full value of the vehicle and any charges that may incur. Theft Protection is included with the purchase of Loss Damage Waiver (CDW).

Taxes and Surcharges - directly linked to the Car Hire are included in our fully inclusive rate. Local sales taxes and other taxes vary according to location. Surcharges and fees vary depending on location.

Gold Rate - U.S. Rent A Car offers a gold rate with most of our suppliers. This includes all the insurances and taxes as per of fully inclusive rate plus extends these insurances to additional drivers and pre-pays your first tank of fuel. For more information please see http://www.usrentacar.co.uk/whatsincluded.aspx

Policies

Additional drivers - Additional drivers on rentals that are prepaid by selecting our gold rate or included in a special offer are required to present their valid driver's licence(s) and be present to sign the rental agreement. Additional drivers can be purchased locally at a cost of approximately $5.99 per day per driver plus tax. Prices can vary and are subject to change at anytime without notice.

Drivers Age - Below is U.S. Rent A Car.co.uk's policies on age requirements.

• The primary renter of the vehicle must be 25 years of age, or in limited cases, the minimum age is 21. See http://www.usrentacar.co.uk/Car_Hire_under_25.aspx
• All drivers must show a valid driver's license at the time of rental.
• A young driver surcharge will be levied if drivers are aged 21-24.
• Certain specialty and larger sized vehicles may not be rented to younger drivers.
• Some locations maintain maximum age limits.
• Our Suppliers reserve the right to refuse rental of a vehicle if the renter demonstrates inability to handle road rules and conditions.

Drivers aged between 21-24 are urged to book with our suppliers Budget Rent A Car or Alamo Rent A Car who we have negotiated special rates with to waive the young drivers surcharge

Driving Area's - Our suppliers permit renters to drive the vehicle only into specific countries based on the original pick up. Vehicles hired through U.S. Rent A Car.co.uk can be driven throughout the USA and Canada. Vehicles cannot be driven into Mexico. Conditions may apply.

Auxiliary Equipment - Trailers, boats, disabled equipment, and chains cannot be attached to any of our suppliers rental vehicles unless approved in advance.

Credit Cards - To rent with U.S. Rent A Car we require payment via Credit or Debit Card.

U.S. Rent A Car Accepts

• Mastercard
• Visa
• Switch
• Solo
• Delta

When using a credit card with our supplier, the renter's name must match the name on the card and must be in the name of the lead driver. The signature on the back of the card must match the name imprinted on the card.

All charges are debited to the credit card at the time the vehicle is rented (rather than returned).

Our Suppliers generally except

• American Express
• Diners Club International
• Mastercard
• Visa

.

Driving Records - Rental may be subject to a verification of driving record. All renters/drivers are subject to having their driving records and licences checked. If a renter/driver does not meet the applicable rental requirements, including the guidelines for driving licences and driving records, they may be denied a rental. Neither U.S. Rent A Car or our suppliers are responsible for the failure of any renter/driver to qualify for a rental under these requirements or guidelines.

Rental privileges are denied if a driving licence is suspended or his/her record includes, but is not limited to, one of the following in the past three years:-

• Reckless or careless driving resulting in bodily injury or property damage.
• Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated.
• Three or more moving violations.
• Two or more accidents.
• Leaving the scene of an accident or failure to report an accident.
• Operating a motor vehicle without insurance.
• Possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Our Suppliers may verify your driving record with the local driving authorities. Renter must hold a valid drivers licence for a minimum of 1 year.

Fuel - The rental rate you pay may not include the cost for fuel (unless the Gold package is purchased if applicable). You will receive your vehicle with a full tank of fuel. Unless included in your rate package, payment for this tank will be required at time of rental. No refund will be given for fuel purchased but not used.

Luxury/Prestige Vehicles - If renting a Luxury Vehicle you may be required to follow the following.

Requirements for renters with proof of airline arrival:-

• Major credit card in renter's name presented at time of rental (no cash deposits allowed)
• Present an airline ticket, receipt, itinerary, or boarding pass in renter's name

Requirements for renters with no proof of airline arrival:-

• Verifiable home phone
• Verifiable home address (such as on a utility bill)
• Major credit card in renter's name presented at time of rental (no cash deposits allowed)
• Proof of insurance
• No additional drivers

Rental Periods - On the last day of the maximum period, the renter must return to a rental location to request a new Rental Agreement for additional days. Additional days are subject to availability if a vehicle is not reserved before hand.

Minimum Rental Period

No minimum rental period except with Budget Rent A Car which has a minimum hire period of 2 days.

Maximum Rental Period

Alamo/National and Dollar (florida)= 56 days.

Budget/Dollar = 28 days.

One Way Rentals - Vehicles can be rented in one location and returned to another. Some one-way rentals are incur a one-time drop charge in addition to the rental rate. Please book your one-way rentals in advance. Rentals that are returned within the same city area are generally free of charge. Certain one-way rentals are not permitted. One-way rentals are not permitted between the United States and Canada. http://www.usrentacar.co.uk/one_way_car_rental.aspx

Lead Driver - The lead driver is the driver that is listed first on the rental agreement. This person will be responsible for the vehicle and must be a holder of a major credit card and held a full clean driving licence for at least 1 year.

Rental Documentation - U.S. Rent A Car will supply you with an Evoucher or voucher which you must take with you. Upon arrival our supplier will require you to sign their rental agreement which is a contract between you and the supplier. It requires your signature and lists total charges and conditions of rental. We advice you read and understand this document fully before signing it.

Equipment

Child Seats - Our suppliers generally offer one type of seat, which is the Britax Freeway Child Seat, suitable for ages 9 months to 4 years. TheBritax Freeway Child Seat is a forward facing seat which is to British Standards.

Roof Racks - Roof racks are not available for rental from any of our suppliers locations and are not permitted to be attached to any rental vehicles.

Ski Racks - Ski Racks are available on request from participating locations only.

Snow Chains - Snow chains are not offered and not allowed for use on any of our rental vehicles in the United States.

Snow Tyres - Winterised tyres for winter conditions are generally fitted automatically when required.

Special Equipment - Child safety seats, vehicles equipped for persons with disabilities, ski racks or luggage racks are generally available. Please notify us when you make your reservation. The additional cost, is usually taken locally and payment is required upon return of the vehicle.

Vehicles

Hand Controls - Hand control-equipped vehicles for disabled customers are available for rental at certain United States locations. These vehicles must be requested in advance.

Vehicle Types - A vehicle category is the classification system of the vehicles in the fleet based on size and number of doors. All vehicles are priced, booked and controlled by vehicle category, not by vehicle make or model. In the event that a vehicle requested is not available at the time of rental, Our suppliers reserve the right to supply a vehicle from a higher group. In these circumstances you will not be charged for the upgrade. http://www.usrentacar.co.uk/USA_Car_Hire_Vehicle_Guide.aspx