Before You Hit The Car Rental Desk, before you rent a car, it can be helpful to check individual car rental companies' requirements and to know in advance what you will need to have with you when you rent a car. Further, investigating international requirements can help avoid delays or disappointments. Most companies have a basic set of requirements you will need to rent a car. For instance, all car rental companies will require a valid drivers' license in good standing. Rental companies usually run a check on your license for your record and relevant restrictions imposed on it. Some infractions on your driver's license can keep you from getting a car. Seat belt infractions, suspensions, alcohol-related tickets or careless driving all might be problems. In addition, car rental companies will need to be notified if anyone else will be driving the car, and if their record will pass scrutiny.

Additional Drivers and Age Requirements: Some car rental companies add an additional charge for multiple drivers. When traveling to a foreign country, you may be required to produce an international license and meet another set of requirements. These qualifications can be viewed on websites of rental car companies operating on foreign soil. Car rental companies may have additional stipulations and restrictions based on your age. Young drivers between 20 and 24 may encounter difficulties in renting a car or higher rates with some companies. This may be avoided by shopping for companies that don't impose age sanctions.

Car Insurance is generally a requirement when renting a car. Sometimes an individual's insurance carrier will cover them when they rent a car. However, regardless of whether your insurance company will or won't, the car rental company will insist that the vehicle be insured. Be assured, you are liable for any damage. In order to accommodate customers, many car rental companies offer insurance policies and coverage. These policies vary in the type of coverage offered from collision to full coverage. While collision may meet minimum standards requirements, it may be insufficient when experiencing other kinds of damage associated with driving hazards such as chipped windshields or damage to the interior. By taking the time to carefully review the policies available when renting your car, you save anxiety and expense in the event of a renting problem. Almost all car rental companies require a credit card to rent a car.  It is important to assure that your card will be honored at the prospective car rental establishment. In countries outside the United States, some cards are not accepted. Your credit card company should be able to answer these questions.

Additionally, be sure to be aware of all the hidden fees that can be charged to your card for renting a car, including: airport surcharges, individual city taxes, underage drivers charges, drop off fees, mileage and even a fee for declining collision insurance. Car rental companies should provide you a complete accounting of all charges in advance of car rental when queried. As always, it helps to get it in writing.

The Secret "hidden" charges

Now Not-So-Secret, car rental companies generally charge different daily rates, usually with a mileage charge or an option for unlimited mileage over a certain period for rental cars. But insurance, taxes, gasoline, airport charges and drop fees are just some of the hidden charges that can increase the cost of these rental cars dramatically. In order to avoid these fees or at least not be surprised by them when they show up on your final invoice, do your research ahead of time, don't wait until you are at the car rental counter to read the fine print! 

Check the rental car company's website for information before you reserve. Research their insurance policy. When rental cars are damaged in an accident, the renter may be responsible for a hefty deductible (or in some cases, the entire cost of the car). By purchasing optional Collision Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver insurance you will be released from financial liability in the event of loss or damage. But note that some rental car companies may require this insurance be carried. Regulations vary from state to state, so be sure to find out if this coverage is mandatory. Your own personal auto insurance policy or credit card company may also offer coverage on rental cars, so purchasing additional insurance through the rental car company may be unnecessary. Be sure to check. Click for more info on insurance.