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Car rental companies accept reservations and walk-in clients. Large companies have wide selections of car models to choose from. Some companies can accommodate those with special requests for specific car models, but this is usually subject to an additional fee.
A reserved car that has not been picked up after the scheduled time may be assigned to another client, unless the reservation has been credit-card guaranteed. -
Most car-rental companies limit rentals to drivers who are 25 to 65. The minimum restriction may vary from 18 to 25 years old. Companies that allow drivers who are younger than 25 or older than 65 may charge an extra fee.
The driver must have a valid driver's license. The person who signed the rental agreement is the only one allowed to drive the car. A renter, however, may pay an additional charge for another person to be included on the list. Violations may result to a permanent ban from the company.
A company may deny rental from a driver with an expired or suspended license, or one who is under the influence of alcohol. The driver should also be physically able to drive the car; if disabled, he must be able to operate all controls properly. - Clients must return cars in the same condition in which they were rented. A company should be notified immediately in case of an accident. If the client is at fault, his credit card will be charged for the damage.
- Some car rental businesses offer unlimited mileage, which has no restrictions on the number of miles driven by the renter. Other companies, however, specify a certain number of miles per day. For every additional mile, a pre-determined fee is charged.
- An hourly charge may be applied for cars that are returned late. When the car is more than 6 hours late, a whole-day fee may be charged. Car rental rules and fees on late returns, however, depend on the company and country where it is located. The police may be contacted if the car has not been returned after three days without any word from the renter.
