What Do You Need to Rent a Car? A Complete Checklist

You need these essential items checked off before you are able to rent a car for a long road trip. Making sure you have these in advance allows you and the rental car company to be in agreement. Making the process easier so you can have your keys handed over in a relaxed check-in process. Here are the seven essential items you need to rent a car: 

1. Valid driver’s license 

Having a valid driver's license is essential. Not only does it enable you to drive legally but it also meets rental car company requirements. Driving without a valid license and providing a fake, counterfeit license is a criminal offense and falls under the category of fraud. 

The license needs to be issued in the appropriate country and up to date. . The suitable driving license regions can be checked by contacting the rental company, or by looking online at their rental agreement policies.

2. Security deposit via credit card

In order to authorize a transaction, a deposit is required for security between you and the rental car company. Rental car companies preferred payment method is a credit card. Most rental car agencies do not allow debit cards for security deposits as the transaction may not go through if the debit account has insufficient funds. This makes the rental car agency more liable. The deposit charged to your account may be as little as $1 or rise up to several hundred dollars depending on the rental car company policy. 

3. A clean, healthy driving record 

You must ensure that you are a respectful and law-abiding driver when renting a car. Passing an electronic DMV check or signing a declaration that you meet certain criteria are both possible scenarios faced when signing up to rent a car. At FINN getting a car is done a little differently. But more on this later. 

Ensure you have a license with no evidence of suspension, expiration, cancellation, or recent convictions for driving recklessly. Or DUI (Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs), DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired), as these will invalidate the rental agreement. 

4. A valid car insurance policy

If you’re wondering whether you need car insurance during your car rental period, typically the answer is yes. There are however a few other factors to consider,

Seeing if you have insurance through your existing car insurance policy, employer, or family members, or if it’s included as part of your travel insurance coverage. Also if your credit card policy covers car rentals then you will not need to take out the rental car company policy. 

This also applies to a car subscription with FINN for landing your next vehicle — everything is included. Insurance, maintenance, and tax are bundled into one easy monthly payment to leave you with a stress-free driving experience. 

During a car rental, it is best to be safe than sorry when dealing with insurance. Purchasing additional insurance coverage will give you this peace of mind. If you are renting a car in the US, and not a US resident, it is advised to purchase insurance. Whether you opt for the basic or complete coverage will depend on your driving confidence and safety. 

5. Meet minimum age requirements

If you are under 25 then it can be more difficult to rent a car, but it is still possible. Firstly rental car companies require renters to be at least 21 years old. However, the minimum age in New York and Michigan is just 18. 

If you fall within the 21-24 age bracket then additional surcharges are usually applied in the form of a “young driver surcharge”. Younger drivers may also be restricted by the type of car they are allowed to hire. Therefore, check the terms and conditions of the rental car company before booking your next rental. 

If you have any doubts about anything to do with age requirements, contact the rental car agency directly. They will inform you about your unique case and advise the right type of vehicle to rent. 

6. Additional forms of ID

A set of common forms of ID are required when renting a vehicle. If you are traveling from overseas, this includes the return or onward airline ticket to your next destination. Or if you are traveling within the US then a valid US passport or US military card is sufficient. 

Other destinations across the world have valid forms of ID that include: 

• Current vehicle insurance card
• Current copy of your phone bill (home or cellphone)
• Bank statement or utility bill

These forms of ID provide rental car companies with validation as the document’s address will match your driver's license address. 

7. Renting internationally? You may need a permit

In case you want to drive while traveling overseas, an international driver's permit may be required. Make sure you also have your original license alongside the permit as the permit alone is not enough. The additional ID documents mentioned previously are also good to pack when heading to your next destination. Just ensure that both the name and address match exactly with your driver's license when picking another form of ID.