Frequently Asked Questions

What are your age restrictions?
What forms of payment do you accept?
What are your rental requirements?
Vehicle hold policy
Is there a fee for an additional driver?
What are geographic driving restrictions?
Can I guarantee a certain model car
How much is fuel?
Do you offer GPS?
Taxes and Fees/Reservation estimates
How much does coverage cost?
Do you have car seats?
What are the restrictions of driving internationally?
Guarantee policy
Can I take a pet in the car?
Do you have specialty rates?
Do you offer one way rentals?
Impaired/disabled
Do you offer ski racks?
Do you offer travel agent rates?

 

What are your age restrictions?
All drivers must be 21 years or older.  Young driver fee of up to $25/day applicable for renters age 21-24.  Renters and/or any authorized drivers under the age of 25 may not be eligible to rent specialty vehicles including vans, trucks and sport utility vehicles.

What forms of payment do you accept?
Advantage Rent A Car accepts credit cards with the following logos as a form of financial
responsibility at the beginning of the rental:

  • American Express 
  • Carte Blanche
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • MasterCard
  • Visa

Credit cards presented must meet the following parameters:

  • Any credit card used must be in the name of the renter.
  • Prepaid credit cards are not valid credit cards and will not be accepted as a form of payment.
  • For all non-airports, in-town location rentals, the customer’s credit card must have available sufficient funds to cover the cost of the rental plus a security deposit of $300 in order to secure the rental ($50 on replacement rentals).  This amount will be AUTHORIZED only at the beginning of the rental process.  The authorization will be released on the account upon return of the vehicle and satisfactory settlement of the charges within ten (10) business days.
  • Upon returning the vehicle and an audit of fuel and vehicle damages, Advantage Rent A Car will release the unused portion of the authorization subject to the renter’s bank procedures.  This credit may take up to 2 weeks to be processed by the renter’s bank.

Advantage Rent A Car accepts debit cards with a Visa/MasterCard logo as a form of financial responsibility at the beginning of the rental.

  • Debit cards may only be used for rentals of economy through full-size cars (E-FCAR) and mini-vans (MVAR).
  • Customer’s debit card must have available sufficient funds to cover the cost of the rental plus a security deposit of $300 in order to secure the rental.  This will be charged (not just authorized) at the beginning of the rental process.  The deposit will be credited back to the account upon return of the vehicle and satisfactory settlement of the charges within ten (10) business days.
  • Upon returning the vehicle and an audit of fuel and vehicle damages, Advantage Rent A Car will credit the unused portion of the deposit subject to the renter’s bank procedures.  This credit may take up to 2 weeks to be processed by the renter’s bank.  Advantage Rent A Car is not responsible for any returned checks or over-drafts based on this policy.

Debit card users must meet the following requirements:

Airport location renters must present:

  • A round-trip airline ticket, e-ticket, or travel itinerary from the airport of rental that shows a return date and the renter’s name.  The name must match the renter’s driver’s license
    Non-airport/in-town location renters must provide 1, 2 or 3 in order to rent:
  • A current copy (within the last 60 days) of the renter’s cellular phone bill, home telephone bill, bank statement or utility bill that shows the renter’s name and current address.  The name and address must match the driver’s license;
  • OR, additional contact person and two verifiable contact phone numbers (including work phone);
  • OR, renter’s owned vehicle information including state and number of license plate, make, model and year of vehicle; and, proof of liability insurance that lists the renter’s name and current address.  The name and address must match the driver’s license.

What are your rental requirements?
All renters must be at least 21 years of age, possess a major credit card and valid driver’s license.  See keywords for Age, Payment Policies and Global for more information regarding requirements and additional fees.

Vehicle Hold Policy
We honor all reservations past the scheduled arrival time as long as it is the same reservation date. This means the customer may show up at anytime from their scheduled arrival time through the end of business that day and be guaranteed their reserved rate. If we have noticed that a customer will be arriving late due to a flight delay, we will remain open past normal business hours for 1 hour. If a customer arrives prior to their scheduled arrival time, we will honor the reservation if a vehicle is available. Early availability is not guaranteed.  Advantage Rent A Car observes a 59 minute grace period on all rental returns.  Once this period of time elapses, additional charges will be incurred.

Is there a fee for an additional driver?
For US Advantage locations, additional drivers may be added to the contract. An additional fee of $10.00 per day for each driver may be applicable, except in states where prohibited by law. Contact 1-800-777-5500 or your local Advantage office for more details.

What are your geographic driving restrictions?
Advantage Rent A Car restricts driving of our vehicles to the continental U.S.  Travel into Mexico or Canada may be allowed upon renter meeting coverage and governmental requirements (see policies on Canada and Mexico for details).  Travel with unlimited mileage throughout the continental U.S. allowed unless mileage restrictions apply under a rental rate or program.

Can I guarantee a certain model car?
Advantage reserves vehicles by class, not by model.  A particular model may be requested, but cannot be guaranteed.  Not all models are available at all locations.

How much is fuel?
Choose from three different refueling options:

  • Discounted pre-pay.  Tell us you wish to purchase a full tank. When
    you rent the car, you pay a discounted per-gallon charge.
  • Self-service.  Fill up before you return the car. Present your receipt for the full tank of gas to avoid a refueling charge.  Receipt is required; if a receipt is not presented, an automatic convenience re-fueling fee may apply.
  • Time-saver.  Let us refuel the vehicle.  This time-saving option has a per-gallon charge with a small premium for convenience.

Do you offer GPS?
Infant seats, ski racks and other special equipment available for rental are charged at a per day rate.  See individual city policies for more information about special equipment for rent at each location or call the rental location directly.

Taxes and Fees/Reservation Estimates
In addition to time and mileage for the rental vehicle, taxes and fees are to be paid by the renter.  Taxes and fees vary by location and may or may not be included in the estimated total, depending on the reservation system being used.  Totals provided at the time of reservation are estimates only.  For a breakdown of rental charges, call 1-800-777-5500 and speak to one of our reservation team members.

How much does coverage cost?
Rates for coverage vary according to state of rental and vehicle class.

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW):  up to $24.99/day

  • Contractually waives or limits your responsibility to Advantage for damage to the rental vehicle
  • Advantage personnel cannot advise you concerning your insurance coverage which may or may not be applicable
  • LDW is not insurance

Personal Accident Protection (PAC):  up to $5.95/day

  • Personal Accident Coverage (PAC) provides loss of life (Renter -$250,000, Passenger - $100,000), medical (Renter/Passenger -$2,500) and ambulance expense reimbursements (Renter/Passenger - $500)

Personal Effects Coverage (PEC): included with purchase of PAC

  • Personal Property Coverage (PPC) provides insurance for any loss or damage to the "renters" personal property
  • Losses are subject to a $0 deductible, a $750 camera limit, a $750 limit per person and an aggregate maximum of $2500
  • Must be sold with PAC
  • Other restrictions apply and are outlined in detail in our PPC brochure

Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI):  up to $11.95/day

  • Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) provides the renter and/or authorized driver(s) as listed in the rental agreement with up to $1,000,000 combined single limit automobile liability coverage (inclusive of the renter’s liability coverage and/or the car rental company’s statutory limits coverage).
  • If accepted at the beginning of the rental, this option provides excess automobile liability coverage during the term of the rental against third party claims resulting from an auto accident in the rental vehicle, for bodily injury, death and property damage other than to the rental vehicle, to the maximum protection of $1,000,000 combined single limits per occurrence
  • Important restrictions apply – ask for a copy of our SLI brochure if interested
  • May not be available for purchase in your state of rental

 Texas Automobile Rental Liability (TARL) policy $1,000,000:  up to $15.82/day for all cars, trucks and minivans; up to $29.99/day for 12-15 passenger vans

Limits of Liability - $1,000,000 combined single limit

  • Coverage for bodily injury, sickness or disease sustained by a person, including death resulting from any of these.  Coverage for physical injury to or destruction of tangible property, including any resulting loss of use of that property.
  • Coverage for reasonable expenses incurred for necessary medical and funeral services ($2500 limit).
  • Coverage for bodily injury or property damage that results from an accident with an uninsured/underinsured motorist (up to state minimums).
  • A copy of the actual policy is available and details all of the terms and conditions.

Rental liability insurance (RLI):  up to $13.95/day

  • Commercial Rental Liability Insurance (RLI) provides primary liability coverage up to the required financial responsibility limits of the state in which the vehicle is licensed
  • Coverage is primary insurance

Highway Helpers (24-hour roadside assistance):  up to $3.00/day
Services offered in this program include:

  • Delivery - up to 3 gallons at no charge if you run out
  • Key service for contracted drivers who are locked out of a vehicle (ID required)
  • Change flat tires (install customer provided spare tire)
  • Jump starts
  • Towing due to mechanical failure

In order to keep the costs for this service to a minimum, Highway Helpers must coordinate provider services for the rental customer. If provider services are contacted directly, Highway Helpers will be unable to provide reimbursement.

The primary renter and/or all recognized renters enrolled in the program must be present at the service location for service expenses to be covered by Highway Helpers. The service is assigned to the vehicle.

Do you offer car seats?
Infant seats, ski racks and other special equipment available for rental are charged at a per day rate.  See individual city policies for more information about special equipment for rent at each location or call the rental location directly.

What are the restrictions for driving internationally?
For non-US citizens, the renter must have a passport, international driver’s license and major credit card in his/her own name.

Guarantee Policy
A credit card may be required to reserve a specific vehicle class or all vehicles classes during certain times of the year based on vehicle or seasonal peaks.  Please be advised that there is a 48-hour cancellation policy for all reservations with a credit card guarantee.  If you do not cancel guaranteed reservations at least 48 hours prior to the reserved rental time, you will be charged for one day of rental.

Can we take our pet in the car?
Advantage Rent A Car allows pets to ride in vehicles provided they are properly contained in a travel kennel, container or cage at all times. For the health and comfort of subsequent renters of the vehicle who may be allergic to animal dander, the vehicle must be returned in its original condition with no animal hair or feathers anywhere in or on the vehicle. Renters whose vehicles require a detailed cleaning to remove animal hair or address sanitary issues will be assessed a $75 fee.

Do you have specialty rates?
Some discount rate plans may have special terms and conditions related to car class, date/time of pickup, date/time of return or location.  Renters should carefully review reservation information, rate calculations and any rate terms and conditions before renting the vehicle.  If a change is made in the reservation, renter should get a new estimated total based on changes.

Do you offer one way rentals?
Starting at only $60 per day, with NO DROP FEE and unlimited miles, our one way program let's you pick up the car and return between any two Advantage U.S. locations.

Rates will vary according to location and some locations have higher one way rates than others.

  • Advantage does not monitor renter's driving route; therefore, if renter drives to a destination in excess of 500 miles from point of origin during one 24-hour period, mileage fees will be applicable.
  • Vehicles have limited availability and special one way rate may not be available during holidays or peak periods.  14-day maximum rental. Offer valid at all US Advantage locations.

Impaired/Disabled
Advantage Rent A Car welcomes our impaired/disabled travelers and is pleased to offer the following accommodations and information for their safe, enjoyable rental car experience.

Any vehicles available to the general public will be available for rental to visually impaired and hearing impaired travelers.  For visually impaired renters:

  • All normal rental requirements apply with the exception of driver’s license; however, renter must present identification
  • There will be no charge for additional assigned drivers (all drivers must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid driver’s license)
  • Please advise at the time of reservation if the renter is physically impaired and needs additional assistance or will have an additional assigned driver.  The impaired renter and any additional drivers must all be present at the time of rental.

For our physically impaired/disabled renters:

  • Disabled parking permits are not furnished, but may be provided by the individual renter.
  • All major airport locations are equipped with hand control devices.
  • Hand controls are available for most vehicle classes; however, the most requested classes are standard size (SCAR) and full-size (FCAR) cars.
  • Hand controls must be reserved 72 hours in advance (48 hours for State of Texas employees) and the request should include the designation of right-hand (HCR) or left-hand (HCL) controls in the OSI field.  There is no additional charge for hand controls.  For more information or to confirm receipt of request for special assistance, call our reservations department at 1-800-777-5500 or e-mail us at reservations@advantage.com.

Do you offer ski racks?
Infant seats, ski racks and other special equipment available for rental are charged at a per day rate.  See individual city policies for more information about special equipment for rent at each location or call the rental location directly.

Do you offer Travel Agent rates?
Advantage Rent A Car is pleased to offer travel agent programs including discount rates on travel agent rentals and commission incentive programs.  For more information on current programs and incentives as well as a travel agent Frequently Asked Questions section, log on to Advantage for Travel Agents at www.a4ta.com.