Tips for Hiring a car in America (2026)

Planning a road trip? Learn everything you need to know about hiring a car in America, including costs, insurance tips, and driving rules.

During our time living in Chicago, we loved taking a road trip and explore the USA; from the lesser-visited cities like Cleveland and Pittsburgh to the incredible Amish country and Hersheys town. There is so much on our USA bucket list to explore, and driving can help you see some of those local, smaller attractions.

If your dream is to make a road trip, this post is perfect for you, because I always do research on the option of making road trips, and here, I tell you everything you need to know to make your trip a unique journey.

Tips for Hiring a car in America

How to hire a car in the USA

Hiring a car in America is one of the best ways to experience the country. From iconic road trips along Route 66 to scenic coastal drives in California or exploring national parks at your own pace, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to travel where you want, when you want. While renting a car in the USA is generally straightforward, there are a few important things to know before you book, including age requirements, insurance options, and driving rules.

In this guide to hiring a car in America, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the process simple and stress-free. From choosing the right rental company to understanding insurance and avoiding common fees, these tips will help you hit the road with confidence and make the most of your American road trip. 

What do you need to rent a car in the United States?

When renting a car, you must take into account certain legal requirements that you must comply with and be as clear as possible so that your process is agile and simple:

• First, check if your driver’s license is valid because before thinking about renting a car it is the first document you must have ready.
• Prepare your credit card with which the rental company will freeze a certain amount called a security deposit, as soon as you return the car this amount will be reflected in your credit card.
• The minimum age to rent a car in the United States without any charge for your age is 25 years old; if you are between 21 and 24 years old several companies will rent you a car of some specific models, paying an additional cost; and if you are under 24 years old then your father will have to be the reservation holder and therefore the only one who can drive. There is no maximum age range for renting, i.e., your retired grandparents could be encouraged to drive on the road trip without much of a problem.
• As with many laws in this country, the rules of the game change depending on the state in which the rental is processed, so take a look at the specific rules of the place where you want to do the process so you know exactly how it works.

Documents You Need to Rent a Car in the USA

Before picking up your rental car, make sure you have the required documents. Most rental companies will ask for:

• A valid driver’s license
• A major credit card
• Your passport (for international travelers)
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English 

Rental companies prefer credit cards because they place a security deposit hold on the card during the rental period. While some companies accept debit cards, they often require additional checks or a larger deposit.

Types of cars to rent in the USA

On the other hand, keep in mind that there are several categories of cars that you will usually find in the companies, among the most common are:

• Economy and mid-size cars.
• Full-Size
• SUVs
• Minivans and Vans up to a maximum of 12 passengers
• Luxury cars and SUVs
• Convertibles and sports cars

With this information, I know you have a clearer idea of the process and that’s great!

What company to choose?

I took into account that whenever we are planning a trip we always try to get the cheapest price from reliable companies, so the best option is to look at car rental brokers in the United States, with the best reviews on Trustpilot, and thus identify which are the best and most reliable.

We have tried a few different companies when hiring a car in America and these are our top picks:

1. Viajemos.com
    Rating 4.8/5

This is a portal that should not be missing from your list because 85% of its customers highlight the excellent service it provides, plus the rental process is very fast and in a few steps. In addition, if you need to change your travel date you will not have any inconvenience because the modifications are totally free, so you can always have the availability of a car in any season.

2. Miles Car Rental
   Rating 4.6/5

83% of their customers rate it as excellent and recommend booking a car from this website, not only because of the quality of their service, but also because of the excellent prices they offer. You will be able to compare the rates of several of the most recognized car rental agencies in the market and therefore you can be sure that if you are going on a road trip you will be able to find many locations in the United States where you can return the car.

3. Priceline.com
   Rating 4.3/5

This is another alternative rated as excellent by 73% of their customers who left their comments, who consider that on this website you can not only rent your car, but also book hotel rooms and even get a cruise, so your trip will only need a click to make it happen. Their customer service team will always be very attentive to any eventuality that may occur with your reservation, even during your trip.

4. CarRentals.com
   Rating 4.3/5

70% of their customers have been very happy with this service, because one of the positive features that stand out is the fact that the process to book a car in the United States is very simple and you can also find different categories of cars and if for any reason you can’t travel, you can cancel your reservation at any time.

5. Rentalcars
   Rating 3.9/5

Finally, with 55% of its customers who have rated it as “Very Good” and for its long history I chose this web portal, in the comments of Trustpilot highlight aspects such as the kindness of its workers, and the speed of the process at the time of booking. They are a company registered in England that offers the rental service in different countries and therefore show their prices in different currencies.

Age Requirements for Hiring a Car in America

One of the biggest surprises for travelers is the age rules for renting a car in the United States. In most cases, the minimum age to rent a car is 21, but drivers under 25 usually have to pay a “young driver surcharge.” This fee can range from around $25 to $52 per day, depending on the rental company and location. 

Drivers under 21 are usually not allowed to rent a car in most states, although places like New York and Michigan have slightly different laws that allow younger drivers to rent with even higher fees. If you are under 25, it’s worth comparing companies before booking, as some waive young driver fees for certain memberships or corporate discounts.

Understanding Toll Roads in the USA

Many highways in the United States use electronic toll systems, especially in states like Florida, Texas, and across the Northeast. Instead of traditional toll booths, cameras often scan the vehicle’s license plate and charge the fee automatically, which is important to know when hiring a car in America.

Rental companies usually provide a toll transponder, but activating it may trigger daily convenience fees, sometimes around $5–$10 per day plus the tolls themselves. 

To save money, you can:

• Use Google Maps and select “Avoid tolls.”
• Pay tolls online using the car’s license plate number.
• Bring your own compatible toll pass if you have one.

Planning your route ahead of time can prevent unexpected charges on your rental bill.

Hidden Fees to Watch Out For When Renting a Car in America

Rental car prices in the USA can sometimes look cheap at first but increase quickly once extra fees are added. Some common hidden charges include:

• Airport pickup fees
• Additional driver charges
• Fuel refill fees
• GPS or satellite radio rentals
• Toll transponder fees

Many of these extras can be avoided by planning ahead. For example, use your phone instead of renting a GPS and refill the fuel tank before returning the vehicle.

Can You Drive a Rental Car Across State Lines?

One advantage of renting a car in the United States is the ability to travel long distances and cross multiple states. In most cases, driving a rental car between states is allowed, which makes it perfect for road trips.

However, you should always inform the rental company if you plan to cross borders, especially if you intend to drive into Canada or Mexico, as additional insurance or paperwork may be required. 

Some companies also charge extra for one-way rentals, where you pick up the car in one city and drop it off in another, so check these fees before booking.

Tips for Saving Money When Hiring a Car in America

If you want to keep costs down, there are a few simple strategies that can help:

• Book early, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Compare prices on different rental websites.
• Consider renting from locations outside airports, which can be cheaper.
• Skip unnecessary extras like GPS units or Wi-Fi devices.
• Return the car with a full tank of gas to avoid fuel surcharges. 

These small steps can make a big difference in the overall cost of your rental.

How to Road Trip America

Hiring a Car in America FAQ