How does renting a car work?

When renting a car, you pay a fee in exchange for the use of a car for a certain number of days, then return the car to the company at the end of the rental period. It's a simple process, but you must meet the rental company's age requirements and have a valid driver's license before making a reservation.

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What do you need to rent a car?

You must meet specific requirements to make a reservation, including:

  • Holding a valid driver's license: You can't rent a car with a learner's permit, even if a licensed driver is in the vehicle with you.
  • Having a credit/debit card: Most car rental companies only accept payment in the form of a credit or debit card. If you pay with a debit card, there may be additional requirements.
  • Being over the age of 21: You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. If you're under 25, the rental car company may restrict the types of vehicles you can rent and charge a fee.

How to rent a car

Here's the basic process for renting a car.

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