Car Rental Companies  

Car Rental Companies

  
   

Car Rental Services and Tips
 
airport rental car desks sign Several car rental companies heatedly compete with each other for business and leisure car rental customers in the USA and popular overseas destinations.  As a matter of fact, more than 1.6 million vehicles now make up the rental fleet.

The rental car business has developed into a $15 billion dollar industry, and standard car rental rates continue to rise.  So how do we ensure that we get the best deal possible when renting a car?  Look for special packages and deals on weekend rentals, off-season vacation rentals, and category upgrades.  Also consider your make and model preferences and mileage requirements when renting a vehicle.  Auto rental companies with convenient on-airport locations will often charge higher rates than smaller companies with off-airport locations, so consider this price versus convenience trade-off when you reserve a car.  As a courtesy, most car rental firms offer free local maps and driving directions to their customers.  Some companies will even deliver a rental car to your home or office.

vacation rental car To negotiate the best price on your rental vehicle, avoid calling the company's 800 number, which sends you to its national reservation system.  While the national reservation system can see inventory and quote rates, they are not able to negotiate a better deal.  To negotiate the best deal possible, interact at the local level.

When renting a car, be sure you have a valid, current driver's license and ask your auto insurance company what coverage your insurance policy provides for rental cars.  Purchase optional insurance coverage from the rental car agency if necessary.  Additional car rental restrictions or fees may apply if you are under 25 years old.  Most companies also charge fees if the car is returned late or with less fuel than the rental agreement specifies.

Finally, make sure you don't pay for things you don't need.  While the car rental agent may make it seem like additional insurance and other protection services are needed, in many cases these things are already covered by your own automobile insurance or, to some extent, by the credit card used for the rental.  It's a good idea to talk to your auto insurance agent before buying any of these extras.

Browse the international and regional auto rental firms and reservation services listed below, so you can make an informed car rental choice when reserving a vehicle for your business or vacation travel.

American Car Rental Companies

car rental return

  • Hertz
    The world's leading vehicle renting organization.  "Get A Quote … Reserve A Car."
    www.Hertz.com
  • Avis
    The world's second largest general-use car rental business.  "We try harder."
    www.Avis.com
  • Budget
    Offers car rentals, moving trucks, and online reservations.  Features Ford vehicles.
    Rent.DriveBudget.com
  • Dollar
    This economical source of rental cars features a fleet of Chrysler vehicles.
    www.Dollar.com
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car
    "Pick Enterprise.  We'll pick you up."  Business rental program.
    www.Enterprise.com
  • National
    Get car rental rates and make reservations.  Features GM vehicles.
    www.NationalCar.com
  • Thrifty Car Rentals
    Rent a wide variety of cars with their easy online reservation system.  Features Chrysler vehicles.
    www.Thrifty.com
  • Alamo Rent A Car
    Get rate quotes and make reservations at this discount auto rental company.  Features GM vehicles.
    www.Alamo.com
  • Payless Car Rental
    Low-cost alternative to major car rental providers.  Available vehicles vary by location.
    www.PaylessCar.com
  • Advantage Rent-A-Car
    Offers rental cars throughout Western United States.  Features Chrysler vehicles.
    www.Advantage.com
  • Rent A Wreck
    This alternative to new car rental companies features used car and truck rentals at locations in all 50 states.
    www.RentAWreck.com

European Car Rental Companies

  • Europcar
    This global car rental company features Volkswagen vehicles.  It operates in Europe as well as parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
    www.Europcar.com
  • Auto Europe
    This car rental services company features over 4,000 locations worldwide and offers a range of ancillary services.
    www.AutoEurope.com

Auto Rental Organizations and Resources

  • American Car Rental Association
    This voice of the American auto rental industry strives to support and promote sensible legislation that will benefit its members.
    www.ACRAORG.com
  • Auto Rental News
    Magazine for the car and truck rental industry.
    www.AutoRentalNews.com

Car Rental Directory

  • Auto Rental Directory
    This automobile rental services and solutions directory lists auto rental firms throughout the United States of America.
    Auto-Rental.RegionalDirectory.us/
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Car Rental Companies - Auto Rentals, SUV Rentals, and Van Rentals

Recent Car Rental News

  • Hertz suspends plan to sell 'worthless' shares after SEC scrutiny
    Bankrupt car rental giant has suspended plans to raise cash by selling new shares that it described as potentially "worthless" after its proposal failed to pass muster with regulators.
    Sydney Morning Herald.  Thursday, 18 Jun 2020 06:01:05 +1000.
  • Hertz suspends share sale after U.S. SEC raises objections
    Bankrupt Hertz Global Holdings Inc on Wednesday suspended its plan to sell up to $500 million in new shares after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) raised objections to the sale, the car rental firm said on Wednesday.
    Reuters.  Wednesday, 17 Jun 2020 15:47:33 -0400.