Unlimited Mileage Car Rental: How Does It Work?

Rental cars with unlimited miles translate to just that—no caps on how many miles you can drive for the duration of your rental agreement. Most rental companies determine mileage limits based on the type of car you’re renting and how long you’ll have the rental. Though unlimited mileage rentals are more common among long-term rental agreements, renting a car for even a few days can give you unlimited miles. 

The terms and conditions for unlimited-mileage car rental contracts vary between rental car companies, but many offer this perk without much of an upcharge. However, it’s best to read the fine print because some deals may advertise unlimited miles but restrict them daily via a clause buried deep in the terms and conditions. If you’re concerned about how many miles are included with your rental, consider asking the representative at the counter to clarify any limits before you sign the paperwork. 

Limited vs. unlimited mileage car rental

Unlimited mileage contracts are self-explanatory, but limited mileage contracts often come with a daily limit. Depending on which rental car company you choose, that limit could be anywhere from 100 to 300 miles daily. Rental car companies typically don’t check in on you every night to count your miles, but it’s up to you to stay within those limits or risk penalties and steep fees. 

Many car rental companies offer unlimited miles at a slight premium compared to limited-mileage contracts. You might think of rental agreements with limits on miles as lease-type contracts, where you must pay if you exceed the set number of miles. With unlimited miles, you can drive anywhere and for as long as you want without penalty, similar to owning or financing a car. For most customers, unlimited-mileage car rentals are worth the extra fee for peace of mind and flexibility. 

In addition to cost, limited- and unlimited-mileage car rentals differ based on availability and your itinerary. Rental car companies may restrict which cars include unlimited mileage. Indeed, some promotions may offer a premium rental car but restrict mileage to protect their investment—a practice common among exotic car classes or luxury rentals. 

If you’ve told the car rental company that you’ll be reserving a one-way rental or traveling cross-country, it may be to your advantage to pay a slightly higher price for unlimited miles. Even trips across the state can encounter plenty of unforeseen circumstances. When you’re stuck weighing excess mileage fees versus getting to your destination in an efficient, safe, and timely manner, you’ll likely wish you’d paid a little more to check that worry off the list. 

You’d be hard-pressed to find a rental car company that doesn’t offer unlimited miles these days. Most rentals come with unlimited miles standard, allowing customers to put as many miles as necessary on the vehicle during the rental period. However, smaller rental companies local to a specific area may not let you drive with unlimited miles on the odometer. 

Who offers rental cars with unlimited miles?

The following rental car companies and their subsidiaries advertise and offer unlimited-mileage car rentals: 

• Hertz (Thrifty and Dollar): Unlimited and limited rentals are available. For limited-mileage rental agreements, excess miles cost $0.25 each. However, Hertz doesn’t charge for mileage on one-way rentals. 
• Enterprise (National and Alamo): This rental company offers unlimited mileage on one-way and two-way rentals. Only certain specialty vehicles come with limited mileage. 
• Avis (Budget): One-way car rentals are restricted to specific mileage caps. However, Avis does offer unlimited mileage rentals.

Of the many car rental alternatives, FINN stands out. This car subscription service lets you choose which car you’ll drive for six months to a year, from the color you want to the trim that suits your needs, from trucks and electric vehicles to sedans and SUVs. Plus, your monthly subscription fee includes insurance, registration, depreciation, and maintenance. 

Rental cars often come with unlimited mileage, so car rental rates typically don’t vary too much from the standard rental rate. However, specific policies may vary among car rental companies. Renting a car for a day can cost anywhere from $40 to $100, depending on which type of car you rent (full-size versus economy cars) and from whom. Don’t forget to incorporate rental car insurance and any other add-ons you want as well. 

Is it cheaper to rent a car with unlimited or limited miles?

It’s typically cheaper to rent a car with limited miles, but the cost difference is often negligible. Savvy travelers can find low-rate rental car deals, but these promotions typically include a mileage limit that you must adhere to for the total value. If you don’t mind paying $10 or even $20 more for unlimited mileage to avoid costly excess mileage fees, an unlimited-mileage rental can save you more than just a few dollars. 

Rental car costs vary based on the type of vehicle you rent, the rental duration, demand, location, and any add-ons you include. These elements factor into a rental car’s cost with greater impact than mileage restrictions, especially given many rental companies offer both one-way and two-way rentals. Remember, a one-way “drop” fee isn’t the same as an excess mileage fee in the eyes of most rental car agencies. 

How much does additional mileage cost?

If you chose a limited-mileage car rental, any miles you rack up over that limit come at a cost. Rental car companies typically charge anywhere from $0.15 to $0.30 or more per mile, so you’d be looking at an extra $300 in excess mileage fees if you drove 1,000 miles over your limit. Compare that to a few extra dollars per day for unlimited mileage, and the clear winner emerges. 

Rental cars with limited mileage typically have daily limits of 100 to 200 miles. Unlimited mileage limits are much higher, even if you don’t take full advantage of them. It all depends on the renter, their itinerary, and the route they take to accomplish the reason for their rental car reservation. 

For example, you might choose a discounted limited-mileage car rental promotion if you plan on driving to your destination and then using your friend’s car to get around. The 100 or so miles you might drive to and from the airport and to stop for fuel would put you well within your limit. However, road trips that cross state lines may demand unlimited miles, especially if you plan on returning your rental car to a different location from where you picked it up. 

Selecting a rental agreement with unlimited miles is often the most prudent decision unless you’re 100% sure of your itinerary. Here are many other common reasons why you might choose an unlimited mileage car rental: 

• You plan on driving a lot every day of your trip
• You reserved a long-term rental
• You’re moving across state lines 
• You’re traveling on business to multiple locations
• You want flexibility and peace of mind
• You want to avoid costly excess mileage charges
• You don’t want to worry about keeping an eye on the odometer 
• Your itinerary spans a great distance

If you’re looking for a pet-friendly car rental, that factor often takes precedence over mileage. That said, most rental car agencies allow pets in their cars, with some exceptions. Remember that you must return the rental car in clean condition and pay for any excess cleaning fees or damage done to the vehicle.