What to Know Before Renting a Car With National Car Rental
Renting a car is usually pretty straightforward, but there are a few details that are easy to miss when you are booking a trip. National Car Rental has different requirements depending on the rental, so knowing what you need before picking up the car can save some time and surprises later.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car?
When picking up a National Car Rental in the U.S., you will generally need a valid driver's license and a credit card in the renter's name. The exact requirements can vary by location, vehicle and rental type, so it is worth checking the details of your reservation before you arrive. If someone else will be driving the car, they may also need to be added as an additional driver and meet National's requirements. This is particularly important for longer road trips when you plan to share the driving.
Booking and Choosing a Car
You can make a reservation online or through National Car Rental's reservation team. One thing to keep in mind is that National guarantees the vehicle category rather than a specific make or model, so you should not expect to reserve an exact car. If your plans change, reservations made through National's website can be viewed or modified online before the rental. Reservations made through another booking service generally need to be changed or cancelled through that same service.
Can You Pick Up the Car in One City and Return It Somewhere Else?
Yes, one-way rentals are available, although an additional transfer or drop-off charge may apply. The amount depends on the distance between the pickup and return locations. This can be useful for a road trip when you do not want to drive all the way back to your starting point. It is worth checking the fee before booking, though, since it can vary depending on the route.
A Few Things to Know About the Rental
National's rental rates are based on a 24-hour rental period, so returning the car late can result in additional charges. The company also offers accessories such as baby seats and GPS, although these are subject to availability. You should also have a credit card available when starting the rental. National Car Rental may place a pre-authorization on the card as a security deposit, with the amount depending on factors such as the vehicle, rental period and final charges.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
If you have an accident, National Car Rental asks renters to contact the appropriate authorities and notify the rental location within 24 hours. Roadside assistance is also available when the appropriate protection coverage has been purchased. Lost keys, locked keys inside the vehicle and running out of fuel can result in additional charges, so these are worth keeping in mind before setting off. And if you leave something in the car after returning it, contact the rental office as soon as possible, since National's rental agreement does not make the company responsible for forgotten belongings.
For most travelers, the important thing is simply to check the rental requirements before the trip. Knowing what documents and payment method you need, understanding the return policy, and checking any additional charges in advance can make the whole National Car Rental experience much easier.