Hiring a Car in the United States
This page runs from booking to drop-off: licence and age rules, which covers you need and where to buy them cheaper, what to decline at the desk, and the checks that stop a damage bill arriving after you're home.
Before You Book
Licence Requirements
- Your UK photocard driving licence is accepted in all 50 states for visits up to 90 days
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but rarely required. You can get one from the Post Office for £5.50. Some rental companies technically require it — having one avoids debates
- Provisional licences are not accepted. You must hold a full licence
- You do not need additional US-specific endorsements
Age Requirements
- 25+ — standard age. No surcharges
- 21–24 — most companies will rent to you but add a daily "young driver surcharge", which can add a lot to a two-week hire
- Under 21 — very limited options. Some companies refuse entirely. Those that don't charge significantly more
Credit Card
- A credit card in the main driver's name is essential. Debit cards are accepted by some companies but often require additional checks, a larger deposit, or proof of return flights
- The credit card may be pre-authorised for $200–500 as a deposit (released after return)
- Some premium credit cards include rental car insurance — check yours before paying for CDW
Booking
Where to Book
- Comparison sites aggregate prices across multiple companies. Use them to search, but book direct for better flexibility on changes
- Major companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Dollar, Sixt
- Leisure brands: Alamo, Dollar and Thrifty focus on holiday renters, and UK tour operators often sell packages through them; compare the total including insurance, not the headline rate
- Book as early as possible — prices rise as availability drops, especially in summer and at popular airports
What to Book
- Car size: Compact for city trips. Midsize or full-size for road trips (boot space for luggage). SUV for mountain/unpaved roads (Big Bend, Monument Valley). Nearly all cars are automatic
- Duration: Weekly rates are often cheaper per day than daily rates
- Pick-up/drop-off: Airport locations are convenient but may have higher fees. One-way rentals (different drop-off location) usually carry a drop fee that rises with distance, and cross-country one-ways can cost more than the hire itself
- Additional drivers: Usually a daily charge per extra driver, though some companies and some states (California, for example) include a spouse or partner free. Always declare additional drivers — an undeclared driver can void all cover
Insurance — The Crucial Part
US rental car insurance is the area most likely to cost you money or cause problems. Understand it before you get to the counter.
Types of Coverage
| Coverage | What It Does | Included? |
|---|---|---|
| CDW / LDW (Collision/Loss Damage Waiver) | Covers damage to or theft of the hire car | Often excluded from US-dollar rates; usually included in UK "fully inclusive" packages |
| SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance) | Raises cover for injury or damage you cause to others above the low state minimum | Often excluded from US rates; included in most UK inclusive packages |
| PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) | Covers medical costs for you and passengers | Optional daily extra; usually duplicates your travel insurance |
| PEP (Personal Effects Protection) | Covers theft of belongings from the car | Optional daily extra; check your travel insurance first |
How to Save on Insurance
- Book an inclusive UK rate. Many UK booking sites and tour operators sell US hire with CDW/LDW and extra liability already included, priced in pounds. It often costs less than adding the same covers at the counter
- Check your credit card, but don't assume. Rental cover is a common perk on US-issued cards; it's rare on UK-issued cards. If you think yours includes it, get the terms in writing before you travel
- UK travel insurance. Some comprehensive travel insurance policies include car hire excess cover. Check the small print for US coverage
- Standalone excess insurance. UK specialists such as iCarhireinsurance.com and insurance4carhire.com sell single-trip and annual policies that reimburse the excess on a damage claim. Check that the policy covers the US, since some annual policies charge more for it
- Don't skip liability. The basic liability that comes with a US rental is set at the state minimum, which can be very low next to US medical bills. If your package doesn't include SLI, buy it
At the Counter
The rental counter is an upsell machine. You will be offered:
- GPS (use your phone instead)
- Fuel pre-purchase (almost always more expensive than filling up yourself)
- Premium roadside assistance (basic is usually included)
- Upgrades (occasionally worthwhile for a long road trip if the price is modest)
Say no to everything you haven't pre-decided you need. Be polite but firm. The process takes 5–15 minutes once you've declined the extras.
Pick-Up Checklist
- Walk around the car and photograph any existing damage (scratches, dents, chips). Show the agent
- Check the fuel level — confirm whether you need to return it full or at the same level
- Adjust mirrors, seat, and familiarise yourself with the controls before leaving the car park. The indicator stalk is on the left (opposite to UK cars)
- Set up your phone as a sat nav while parked. Mount it safely — holding a phone while driving is illegal in most states
- Note the fuel type — virtually all hire cars use regular unleaded (87 octane in US ratings). This is displayed on the fuel cap
Drop-Off
- Return with a full tank (unless you've pre-purchased fuel). Refuelling charges are typically double the pump price
- Allow extra time — 30–60 minutes before your flight for the shuttle bus, queue, and inspection
- Remove all belongings — check the boot, glove box, and seat pockets. Rental companies are not obligated to return forgotten items
- Get a receipt or a final statement emailed to you before leaving
Common UK-to-US Hire Car Pitfalls
| Pitfall | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Windscreen wipers instead of indicators | The stalks are swapped. Practice in the car park |
| Driving on the wrong side | Particularly dangerous at roundabouts and when turning onto empty roads. Take extra care for the first 24 hours |
| Toll roads with electronic tolling | Confirm your hire car has a transponder. Unpaid tolls result in fees from the rental company |
| Not understanding "right on red" | You can turn right at a red light (after stopping) unless a sign says otherwise |
| Speed limits in mph | Same as the UK, but limits are generally higher (65–80 mph on interstates) |
| Fuel type confusion | US uses "Regular" (87), "Mid-grade" (89), "Premium" (91/93). US pumps use a different octane scale (AKI), so 87 is roughly 91–92 RON. Your hire car takes "Regular" |
| Parking meters | Many US cities now use apps for parking. Download ParkMobile or the local equivalent |
Choosing a Car Class
| Car Type | Suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Economy / Compact | 2 people, light luggage, city-heavy trips | Boots are small; two large cases may not fit with the parcel shelf in place |
| Midsize / Full-Size | 2–3 adults on a road trip | The usual sweet spot for luggage, comfort and fuel economy |
| SUV (Midsize) | Mountain and desert routes, families | Most hire SUVs are two-wheel drive unless you book a 4x4 class; hire agreements usually ban unpaved roads either way |
| Minivan | Families or groups with lots of luggage | Sliding doors and three rows; popular for Orlando and national park trips |
| Convertible | Pacific Coast Highway, Florida | Little boot space with the roof down, and sun exposure is high on long days |
Prices vary a great deal by season (summer and school holidays cost more), location (airport branches add concession fees and taxes) and how far ahead you book. Compare the total price with the covers you need included, not the headline daily rate.
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