One of the best ways to explore the United States, one of the largest countries in the world, is by renting a car. Renting a car in the USA gives you freedom and flexibility in planning your route, lets you reach remote places that public transport doesn’t serve, and offers an authentic American experience of driving on the open road. With a rental car you can travel at your own pace and discover the diverse landscapes of the US, instead of settling for the big, well-trodden cities like New York, Boston, Chicago or Los Angeles.
Here are our tips for renting a car in the USA, to help you cut costs and get the most out of your trip:
Book in Advance to Save Money
This should be obvious to anyone who has ever rented a car: booking a rental car in advance is one of the most effective ways to save money. When you book well ahead, you have access to a wider range of cars at lower prices. On top of that, in peak seasons such as holidays and summer, demand for rental cars rises, so booking in advance ensures you’ll find a car that suits your needs and won’t have to compromise on the type of car or pay more at the last minute.
To see the full range of cars, I personally prefer to search for rentals on DiscoverCars. Once you enter the location and dates, you’ll see a list of suitable cars, each rated on criteria such as value for money and vehicle condition.
Even if your plans change, most rental companies let you change or cancel your booking at no extra cost up to a certain date, which gives you flexibility and peace of mind when booking ahead. Just make sure the company you choose actually allows this.
Check Whether Your Travel Insurance Overlaps with the Rental Insurance
Many travel insurance policies include a property damage clause, in addition of course to covering any injury to you. So it’s worth making sure that the insurance you take out with the rental company, which is supposed to cover third-party damage and damage to the car, doesn’t double up on your travel insurance – it’s simply a waste of money.
I know how complicated it is to decide which insurance to buy, and the insurance companies don’t make it any easier. On the website DiscoverCars you’ll find details of the specific insurance offered with each car, and you can compare them.
Watch Out for Hidden Costs
There are costs we aren’t always aware of, such as a second-driver fee, a young-driver surcharge, a fee for cross-border trips, a charge for returning the car without a full tank, a fee for late return or for returning it at a different location, and the list goes on…
Most importantly, make sure you aren’t charged for driving more than a certain number of kilometers (or in the case of the US, miles) per day. That can add up to a crazy amount! If you plan to drive a lot – and the US is definitely a place where you can cover thousands of kilometers in a trip of a few days – find out whether there’s a mileage limit after which you pay extra for every mile.
It’s also well worth taking time to plan your trip and check all the costs that come with it. In the US, for example, you should consider what will pay off better in terms of time and money: returning the car where you picked it up, or dropping it off somewhere far away and flying back to save time. The US is also a country where you may find yourself driving hundreds of kilometers a day, so think carefully about whether you want to share the driving between two or more people, or save money and do all the driving yourself.
Consider Joining the Rental Company’s Loyalty Program
Many car rental companies offer loyalty programs that let customers earn points and get various perks. If you’re planning a long trip, for example, it’s worth considering joining one. Benefits can include free upgrades, discounts on future rentals, priority in line and even points that can be used for free rentals. Loyalty programs can save you money and make the rental process easier and more convenient.
Make Sure You Have a Valid International Driving Permit
Most US states accept a valid foreign driver’s license, but many rental companies also require an International Driving Permit. It’s also partly a matter of luck – sometimes they ask for it and sometimes they don’t. So don’t take a chance and come prepared! An International Driving Permit is easy to get from the authorized issuers in the country where your license was issued.
Choose a Car That Suits the Road Conditions and Your Route
It’s important to choose the car best suited to the road conditions and your itinerary. If you plan to drive in cities, a small, compact car may be enough – it’s cheaper and easier to park and navigate on crowded streets. If, on the other hand, you plan to visit national parks or mountainous areas, consider renting an SUV. Quite a few places in the national parks require a higher-clearance vehicle. But that’s not enough – you also need to make sure the rental company allows driving in such places! It’s also important to check the expected weather where you’re going and prepare accordingly. For example, in snowy areas choose a car with all-wheel drive or 4×4..
Find Out in Advance How to Pay Tolls
There are quite a few toll roads in the US, and it’s important to check with the rental company in advance how you’re supposed to pay for them. Most companies offer electronic toll services such as E-ZPass or SunPass, which allow fast passage and automatic payment. Check the company’s terms, such as daily fees or charges based on actual use. In many areas there are no manual toll booths, so relying on the electronic systems is a must. Check the toll road map for the area you’re traveling in and use dedicated apps to manage payments. And most importantly – at the end of the trip, confirm the toll charges with the rental company. That way you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises.
Pay Attention to the Fuel Policy
Rental companies offer several fueling options: refueling yourself before returning the car, prepaying for a full tank, or being charged for actual use. Refueling yourself is usually the cheapest option, so it’s best to fill up the car yourself before returning it.
Check the Rental Terms for Cross-Border Trips
If you plan to drive to a neighboring country such as Mexico or Canada, it’s important to check the rental terms and make sure the car is insured for international trips as well. Some companies require special approval or charge extra for such trips.
Download Offline Maps for Areas Without Reception
Being such a huge country, the US doesn’t have cell coverage everywhere, especially at the more remote nature sites and parks. Download maps of the areas you plan to visit in advance, so you’re covered whenever there’s no cell reception or internet connection.
Don’t Forget to Inspect the Car Before You Set Off
It may be obvious, but it’s always worth a reminder: before you leave the rental office, inspect the car and make sure there’s no existing damage. Take photos of the car from every angle and note any defect on the rental agreement. That way you’ll avoid being charged for damage you didn’t cause.
Follow the Local Traffic Laws
This may be obvious too, but for your information, traffic laws differ a little from state to state in the US! So be aware that when you cross into another state, some of the traffic rules may have changed. Usually when you cross a state line by road, there’s a sign explaining the most important changes. A notable difference between states is turning right on a red light: in some states you may turn right on red after coming to a complete stop, but not everywhere. Also, in some places, to turn left at a light you need to pull forward into the middle of the intersection and wait for the oncoming traffic, which also has a green light, to pass. And if that’s not enough, in the US you can get a ticket even for driving 2–3 mph over the limit! Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Check the Options for Returning the Car After Hours
Sometimes we plan to return the car right before a flight, and sometimes the flight leaves at “strange” hours like early morning or late at night. It’s very important to check the rental office’s opening hours in advance and whether you can return the car outside them. Some rental companies offer key drop boxes or other self-return options. It’s just as important to make sure such a return won’t incur extra charges.
We wish you a pleasant and safe trip!
And if we’ve made you want to go on an American road trip, here are some great itineraries:
For a long vacation – a family trip in the western United States
For a shorter trip – a family trip from New York to Washington, D.C.
And for nature lovers – national parks and cities of the American Southwest
We also have a comprehensive article on how to plan a vacation in the United States.
For more articles for travelers in the USA, click here.
For our complete guide to Miami, click here
For our complete guide to Alaska, click here
For our complete guide to New York, click here
