Before you plan your next trip to Arizona, consider the rules in place regarding renting a car or other type of vehicle. A large number of companies operate in the state, including well-known names like Hertz and Budget. The rules on renting cars in the state vary from company to company.
Age Laws
In the state of Arizona you must be at least 18 to drive a rental car. However, each company sets its own restrictions on who can actually rent the vehicle. Most companies tend to rent only to those 25 years or older because of restrictions placed on them by their insurance carriers. Some companies rent to those under the age of 25, but charge an additional daily fee to cover insurance.
Payment
Car rental companies in Arizona primarily use credit cards as the only acceptable form of payment, because credit cards come with a guarantee. If you opt to pay by cash or debit card, the car rental agency can lose money on the deal if you damage the car. That said, many major renters will accept a debit card as long as there is enough money in the account to cover the rental and a refundable damage deposit. Independent car rental agencies, such as A-Able of Phoenix Car Rental and Eagle Rider Harley Rentals, are more likely to accept cash or debit cards for payment. Before booking, call the branch to make sure it accepts alternative forms of payment.
Identification
You must present a valid driver’s license issued from the United States or Canada; international renters must have an international driver’s license printed in English. The license must have a recent photograph of you. Additionally, the names on your driver’s license and credit card must match.
Right to Refuse
Car rental agencies operating in Arizona have the right to refuse service to any renter based on their own restrictions. The company can refuse to rent a specific type of vehicle to you or refuse rental completely. The company may restrict drivers with poor driving records, those who don’t meet their age requirements, or those paying with cash or a debit card. The company also has the right to run a background or credit check on you before authorizing the rental.
Additional Fees
Car rental agencies in Arizona also have the right to charge additional fees for drivers based on their own regulations. Companies often charge an additional fee for young drivers. Airport rental stations add an airport recovery fee—Arizona's airport recovery fees are very high, so you might want to forgo convenience and pick up your rental once in town. A company may charge a fee if you drop the car off at a location different from where it was picked up.