Answer: BreezeNet's Guide to Airport Rental Cars i.e. bnm.com or rentalcarguide.com runs weekly snap shots of rental car agency rates at major airports. These rates are daily and weekly base rates meaning they do not include taxes, airport fees or the options you may choose when renting your vehicle. These snapshots are a survey or sample of rates for advanced reservations made on a given day for selected days and weeks (usually two) for a given time period. Since rates can change frequently based on supply and demand the rate you get when trying to book may be different. Sorry but rates do change.

Answer: Yes, most of the time if your rental car company has a corresponding location at your drop off destination. Usually you will pay an additional drop off fee or charge. Some companies like Hertz will include their drop off cost in the rental rates. There is normally no general rule or policy and you will need to inquire directly with a rental car company for a specific "drop off" rental. An agency will use numerous factors when allowing drop offs at different locations and what the drop off fee amount (varies widely) will be. Some factors that come into play are the number of miles involved, number of days needed, car class, a particular franchise's policy as well as other variables. At the time of this writing, for cars picked up at one Florida location and returned to another Florida location, Alamo is not charging a Florida drop off fee.

Answer: Alamo will accept debit cards with the Visa or Mastercard logo provided a round trip travel ticket is provided. Dollar accepts them in many locations with a credit check.

Answer: A drop-off fee or charge is usually applied if you return the vehicle to a different location from where you picked up the vehicle. This fee is waived if the company allows "one-way drop-offs" at particular locations.

Answer: Most of the major rental car companies offer both infant and child safety seats. You will need to reserve these in advance to insure you have one during your trip. They are usually anywhere from $2-$10 per day on top of your basic rental charges.

Answer: Although most of the time they will not run a background check on your driving record you will need a valid drivers license. Some companies check driving records when customers arrive at the counter. You may be disqualified from renting from an agency that applies this policy because of your driving record even with a confirmation! If your record is marginal, it is best for you to check with the rental car agency in advance on whether they will check your driving record at the counter.

Answer: Most rental car companies use a rate system called "yield management". This system is based on supply (availability) and demand. Rates can change by the day, hour and even minute based on these factors. Our Low Rate Section is a "snap shot" survey made on a given date for a given duration if you reserved at that time. Internet coupon rates if available, are usually more stable.

Answer: Not normally. On top of your rate you may pay for airport surcharges applied to some locations, insurance if needed, mileage if not unlimited and of course sales tax.

Answer: It depends. Find out before you leave what your personal or corporate auto insurance policy will cover since these insurance options are expensive. There's a good chance you're already covered for the collision risk. Some credit cards cover collision but it may only be a secondary coverage. Other credit cards provide primary collision coverage if you do not have collision coverage with your personal auto insurance. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is extra insurance priced up to $16 a day so check before you leave! Here are some important questions to ask your insurance carrier or credit card company before you step up to the rental counter:

1. Does my personal auto insurance policy cover any damage to a rental car?
2. Does my personal homeowners policy cover the theft of my personal property from a rental car?
3. Does either my personal auto insurance, homeowners insurance or employee medical insurance cover injuries from an accident in a rental car?
4. Does my credit card cover me for damages done to a rental car or for third party liability?

Don't drive unprotected under any circumstance. If you are not already covered through an existing policy or charge card, buy the car rental company's collision and liability insurance. These allow the renter's financial responsibility for damage to the rented vehicle to be waived. There is generally a per day charge for this option. Most car rental companies do not provide primary liability with the rental. See also Insurance and Gas

Answer: No, not in most cases. Your personal or corporate auto insurance normally covers your liability in damages to another car. You should check with your insurance agent to see if this is the case. If you don't have your own coverage you should buy the liability coverage offered by the rental agency.
Rental Car Guide Feedback: "The people who visit your site should be made aware that there is a difference between CDW and LDW. CDW usually only covers the customer in the event of an accident (collision), while the LDW usually covers any loss to the rental company. This includes glass and tire damage, vandalism, theft, and "loss of use". "Loss of use" is when the car is being repaired for any damage related to the customer, the rental company will continue to charge the customer. Many credit cards and insurance do not cover these other charges. So, it is important for people to ask there insurance agents and credit companies specific questions, not just "Am I covered?". Of course, no coverage will be of use if you are in violation of the rental agreement. This includes unauthorized drivers. Thanks for the space."

Answer: Yes. Most agencies require that you at least be the golden age of 25. Exceptions: The good news is if you are under 25, but over 21 years of age, you may be allowed to rent at some locations. The bad news is that you will be charged an additional daily fee. Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise and Thrifty are some agencies that follow this policy at many of their locations. Other agencies may require that you are in the government, military or have a special corporate account to qualify under the age of 25. Many smaller local rental car companies allow drivers 21 years or older and some even allow drivers 18 years or older. Most require a young driver surcharge in these cases. Check first!

Answer: For all practical purposes yes, although some small local companies do not require credit cards as part of their policy and Alamo will accept debit cards with the Visa or Mastercard logo only. Most of the time you will have to "cash qualify" if the location and agency allows it. This can take anywhere between 2-30 days. Some companies charge an administrative fee for a credit check and others require you leave a large cash deposit and possibly a return transportation ticket (air or cruise).

Answer: Some upper level cards (gold, platinum) will provide secondary collision coverage and in some cases primary collision coverage when renting a car if you do not have you own car insurance or when renting in another country. Secondary or excess coverage kicks in after your personal car insurance has been exhausted. These features can really be handy but may not apply to sport utility vehicles, luxury cars and some vans. Also their coverage may apply only to collision and not to other liabilities. Call you credit card company to find out for sure.

Answer: Most of the "major companies" offer unlimited mileage within the same state you rented the car. This policy can vary at each location, within the same company or agency, so it is best to check beforehand. More expensive rentals such as luxury cars and sport utilities are more apt to have limited free mileage policies.

Answer: The weekly rate for most rental car companies apply for rentals of 5-7 days. Some companies require 7 day rentals. If you think you'll need the car at least 5 days it's usually wise to book the weekly rate!

Answer: Yes, extending your rental term almost always means a much higher rate for those "extra days". If you're not exactly sure how long you will need a car, it's better to reserve the car for a longer period and bring it back earlier.

Answer: No, unless you think you'll be in a hurry and can bring the car back near empty. Accepting this option means you're paying for refilling the car (after return) in your contract and any fuel left in the tank upon return you are paying twice for! You're usually better off by declining this option and refilling the car before you return it. By doing this, you will not have to pay the high fuel costs ($3.00/gallon on an average) they will charge you for refilling the tank.

Answer: Yes, some do. The policy for most companies is that your husband or wife can drive also at no extra cost. Some companies may add a daily rate ($4-10/day) or a flat fee/rental for extra drivers. If you're not going to be the only driver, shop around to find a rental company that doesn't access an extra driver charge.

Answer: Yes, a few do. Some companies accept an International Driver's Permit only. Most larger companies require you to have a valid, up-to-date driver's licensed issued by the country of which you are a citizen. Please inquire with the rental car company first!