So you’re planning a California road trip adventure and it is awesome! Before you hit the open road, there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet to rent a car.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the details to make the rental process smooth sailing. As the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed, right?
California has some specific rules around renting a vehicle, but as long as you come prepared with the necessary documents, you’ll be cruising down the PCH or winding through Yosemite Valley in no time.
Minimum age requirements for renting a car in California
To rent a car in California, you’ll need to meet the minimum age requirement of 25. Some car rental companies allow drivers as young as 21, but there will likely be an underage surcharge.
If you’re renting cars under 25, be prepared to pay an additional young driver’s fees of $20 to $30 per day.
You’ll also need a valid driver’s license to rent a car. An out-of-state or international license is accepted, but it must be valid for the entire rental contract period. Some companies may require an additional form of ID, like a passport.
In addition to your license, most major rental car companies will need a major credit card in the renter’s name. The credit card provides insurance coverage and is used as a deposit for the vehicle.
When you go to pick up your rental car, be ready to show your reservation confirmation, either digital or printed.
Once you’ve provided the rental office with all the necessary documents and details, you’ll be ready to drive off the lot in your car rental and explore the Golden State!
By meeting the minimum requirements and being prepared with the right paperwork, renting a car in California can be a smooth process. Now get out there and enjoy your California adventure!
Driver’s license requirements: in-state, out-of-state or international
To rent a car in California, you’ll need to meet the driver’s license requirements. If you have an in-state license, you’re all set to rent a car. Just present your valid CA driver’s license at the car rental counter along with a major credit card in your name.
If you have an out-of-state license, you’ll still be able to rent a car but may face a few extra steps. Some rental car companies may ask for additional ID, like a passport.
They may also have age restrictions, typically allowing only those 21 and older to rent cars. Check with the company ahead of time for their policy.
For international visitors, a valid driver’s license from your country of residence and an International Driver’s Permit are typically required.
An international driving permit translates your license into 10 languages so officials in foreign countries can understand it.
You’ll need to obtain an international driving permit in your home country before the trip.
Some rental car companies may have additional requirements for international renters, such as:
- a passport
- a round-trip ticket
- verification of a credit card in your name
To avoid issues at the car rental counter, check with the company you’re renting from for their specific policy on out-of-state and international licenses before your trip.
California renting to explore the Golden State should be an exciting adventure. Do your homework, gather the necessary paperwork, and you’ll breeze through the car rental process, confident you have everything needed to hit the open road.
Proof of insurance: what you’ll need to provide
To rent a car in California, you’ll need to provide proof of valid auto insurance.
Don’t worry if you don’t own a car — you can still rent a car without one. Here are the details of the documentation you’ll need to supply:
Your insurance policy or proof of coverage
If you have your auto insurance policy, bring your insurance identification card that shows your policy number and coverage details. Your rental car will be covered under your existing policy.
Declining coverage from the rental company
Should you decide to decline the additional insurance from the company, you’ll need to provide what’s known as a “proof of coverage” letter from your insurance provider.
This letter must include:
- Your name
- Policy number
- Type of coverage (liability, comprehensive, collision)
- Coverage limits (minimum requirements are often $15,000 injury/death, $30,000 total injury/death, and $5,000 property damage)
- Rental car coverage confirmation
Coverage requirements
To rent a car without purchasing additional insurance in California, your policy must provide:
- Liability coverage:
Pays for injuries and damages to others in an accident you cause. Minimum of $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury and $5,000 property damage.
- Comprehensive and collision coverage:
Pays for damages to your rental vehicle. Most car rental agencies require $25,000 minimum coverage.
- Car rental reimbursement:
Pays for the value of the car rental if it’s stolen or totaled in an accident. Most rental companies require a $25,000 minimum coverage amount.
Make sure you understand the specific coverage requirements for your rental car company. Reach out to them directly if you have any questions about the documentation you’ll need to provide.
Do your due diligence to ensure you and your car rental are fully insured!
Accepted payment methods for renting a vehicle
When you rent a car in California, you’ll need to provide acceptable forms of payment to reserve and pay for your rental car.
Most major car rental companies accept the following common payment methods.
Credit and debit cards
The most popular payment options are major credit and debit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Make sure the card is in your name and has enough available credit or funds to cover the estimated total charges for your car rental.
Debit cards may require additional verification to confirm you have sufficient funds, like a credit check or bank statement.
Cash
Using cash to rent a car in California is usually not recommended and may not even be accepted due to security risks.
If cash is your only option, check with the company first to see if they will allow a cash payment, and be prepared to provide proper identification and additional cash deposits.
Wire transfers
Wire transferring funds directly to the car rental company before your trip is one way to prepay without a credit or debit card.
However, the transfer must be received and cleared at least 1 to 2 weeks before you pick up your vehicle.
Paying close attention to the rental prices, accepted payment methods and any restrictions for your chosen company will help ensure you have a seamless experience when reserving and renting your car in California.
Expect additional fees: taxes, surcharges, and optional add-ons
When you rent a car in California, expect to pay more than just the base rental rate.
The total cost of your rental will include additional fees like taxes, surcharges, and optional extras you may choose.
Taxes
California has a few taxes hidden fees that apply to car rentals:
- Sales tax:
The state sales tax rate is 7.25% as of 2021. Some cities and counties also charge their own sales tax on rentals in their area. The total tax rate will depend on where you rent and return the vehicle.
- Sales tax:
Some California cities charge an additional tax on rentals, called a Tourism Improvement District Assessment or similar.
This aims to fund local tourism marketing and can add an extra 3-5% to your bill. Check if any apply to your rental location.
- Concession recovery fee:
This approximates the fees that rental companies pay to operate on airport or hotel properties and is charged as a percentage of your base rate, usually around 10-30%.
Optional add-ons
You can also elect optional extras like:
- Insurance for damage coverage beyond basic coverage
- Additional authorized drivers
- Child safety seats or GPS navigation
- Premium vehicle upgrades
- Roadside assistance plans
- Young driver fees
Young driver fee
This is a fee that many rental car companies impose on young drivers, who are under the age of 25. The reason behind this is statistics, which show that younger drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents.
Therefore, rental companies charge these fees to offset potential risks.
The young driver fee can vary greatly between companies, but it’s typically an additional daily cost added to your rental rate.
Be aware of all potential fees before you drive off the lot to avoid sticker shock when you return your vehicle.
And remember, many fees are charged on the full rental period, not just the days you drive the car!
Mileage restrictions: unlimited vs limited options
When you rent a car in California, you’ll typically have the choice between unlimited mileage or limited mileage options.
The right choice for you depends on how much driving you plan to do during your rentals.
Unlimited mileage
If you’re planning an extended road trip or driving all over the state, unlimited mileage is probably your best bet.
Rentals with unlimited mileage typically cost $10 to $30 more per day compared to limited mileage, but give you the freedom to explore without worrying about extra fees for going over a mileage cap.
Limited mileage
For short trips where you don’t expect to do a ton of driving, limited mileage car rentals can help you save money.
The daily rate is usually lower, but the company will charge you for each mile over the limit.
The exact mileage caps and overage charges vary between rental car companies and vehicle types.
It’s common to see limits of 150 to 500 miles per day with charges of $0.25 to $0.75 for each extra mile.
Some tips for limited mileage rentals:
- Track your mileage during the rental so you know if you’re approaching or going over the limit. The rental car will have an odometer, or you can use an app on your phone to monitor your miles.
- Drive efficiently to save money by avoiding excessive idling, consolidating errands into one trip, and not backtracking or taking unnecessary detours.
Vehicle options: sedan, SUV, minivan or convertible
When renting a vehicle in California, you’ll have several options to choose from based on your specific needs and the number of people traveling with you.
The most common choices are:
- Sedan:
For 1-4 people, a sedan is a popular, affordable choice. Sedans get great gas mileage and are easy to park. Options range from compact cars to full-size sedans.
- SUV:
Sport utility vehicles seat 5-8 people and provide more cargo space. SUVs offer all-wheel drive for exploring backroads and unpaved terrain. Popular SUV classes include compact, mid-size, and large.
- Minivan:
For larger groups and families, a minivan comfortably seats 6-8 people and includes lots of interior space for luggage and gear. Minivans are ideal for road trips, camping excursions, and transporting sports equipment.
- Convertible:
For a fun, open-air experience, rent a convertible coupe or roadster.
Convertibles seat 2-4 people and let you fully enjoy the beautiful California weather and scenery. However, convertibles may not have as much storage space for luggage and gear.
When booking your rental car, think about where you’ll be driving and how many people will be with you.
No matter which type of vehicle you choose for your California road trip, always double-check that you have the proper identification and payment method along with meeting the minimum age requirement to rent vehicles.
Checking the car for any existing damage
When you rent a car, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any existing damage before leaving the parking lot.
This step will help ensure you are not held responsible for any dents, scratches, or other issues with the car that was there before your rental.
As soon as you get the keys to your rental car, take a slow walk around the entire vehicle.
Check for any visible marks, dings, or dents on the exterior of the car, including:
- The hood, roof, doors, fenders, bumpers, and trunk
- Wheel rims and hubcaps
- Side mirrors and windows
Make a note of anything you find, no matter how minor.
It’s best to notify the rental agent right away so they can document the damage on your rental agreement or in the vehicle log.
Don’t forget to check the interior of the car as well. Look for any stains, tears, odors, or non-working features like:
- Upholstery, floor mats, and carpeting
- Dashboard and instrumentation
- Power seats, windows, locks, sunroof, etc.
- Seat belts, airbags and other safety equipment
Once you’ve thoroughly checked over the rental car and noted any existing damage, you can feel confident driving away. Be sure to return the vehicle in the same condition to avoid extra charges.
If any new dents, scratches, or stains do appear during your rental, notify the rental agency right away to report the issue.
Double-check that all noted damages are documented on your final bill to avoid confusion over pre-existing conditions.
Following these steps will give you peace of mind when you rent a car so that you won’t encounter any surprise fees for damages you did not cause.
Conclusion
And that covers the basics you need to know to rent a car hassle-free in California. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license, a major credit card in your name, and proof of insurance to avoid any issues. Do some research on the rental car company and check for any deals or discounts that may apply to you.
Once you’ve found a good rate, book your car in advance whenever possible. Always read through the terms and conditions carefully before agreeing to any rental agreement so that you can avoid any potential scams.
Happy driving and enjoy your California road trip adventure!
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special driver’s license to rent a car in California?
No, a standard driver’s license from any U.S. state or Canadian province is accepted to rent a car in California. However, the license must be valid for the entire period.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in California?
In California, you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Drivers ages 21 to 24 may face additional restrictions or even young driver fees.
Some car rental companies will not rent cars to those under 25, while others charge additional young driver fees for those 21 to 24.
Some local rental companies may even let drivers as young as 18 rent a vehicle, as long as they’ve had their license for at least a year. Check with your rental company for their specific policies.
Do I need insurance to rent a car in California?
Yes, when renting a car in California it is highly recommended you get insurance. Renters with a non-US license must purchase full coverage insurance.
Rental car insurance fills in any gaps to avoid paying costly out-of-pocket fees if something happens to the vehicle during your rental.
Can I take a rental car to Mexico or Canada?
No, standard car rentals in California are not permitted to be driven into Mexico or Canada.
If you plan to travel into either country during your trip, let the company know when booking so they can provide a vehicle approved for international travel and the proper insurance. There may be additional fees for international car rentals.
Do rental cars have GPS devices? Can I bring my own?
Many car rental companies offer GPS devices for an additional fee, but they are not always standard. You are typically welcome to bring your GPS device or use an app on your smartphone to help navigate during your California road trip. Be sure to mount any devices properly so they do not block your view of the road.
What is needed to rent a car in California?
To rent a car in California, you’ll generally need a valid license, be at least 21 years old (though this can vary by company), and have a credit or debit card in your name for the security deposit.
Do you need to be 25 to rent a car in California?
No, you don’t necessarily need to be 25 to rent a car in California. Many companies allow young drivers aged 21-24 for car rentals.
However, these young drivers often face additional fees referred to as “young driver fees” to account for the potential risk associated with their age group.
So, while young drivers can rent, it may come with extra charges. If you use a debit card as a form of payment, there will be additional requirements, and renters under 25 will not be allowed to pick up at off-airport locations.
Do you need proof of insurance to rent a car in California?
Naturally many people opt to purchase additional insurance than legal. Drivers must also provide evidence of insurance for a liability claim as required by the law.
Who can drive a rental car in California?
In California, anyone with a valid driver’s license who meets the age requirement of the car company can drive a rental car. Most companies typically require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though fees for drivers under 25 may apply.
