Airport Car Rentals

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Question: Can I rent a car with a debit card instead of a credit card?
Answer: Alamo will accept debit cards with the Visa or Mastercard logo. Americar (Orlando) also does if you accept their collision coverage at their Florida locations. Others may begin accepting them in the following year in response to demand. Contact your rental car company to find out.

Question: Do rental car companies provide or offer infant or child safety seats with my car rental?
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.

Question: What if my driving record is less than perfect? Will they check for DUI's etc?
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.

Question: Why do rental car rates change so often?
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.

Question: Do rental car rates I'm given cover all of my costs?
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.

Question: Do you have to be a certain age to rent a car?
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!

Question: Are you required to have a credit card?
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).

Question: Do credit cards offer car rental insurance or coverage?
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.

Question: Do most agencies allow for unlimited mileage?
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.

Question: With a weekly rate, if I need to keep my car longer than 7 days does my daily rate change?
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.

Question: Do companies charge for "additional drivers"?
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.