Car Hire Guide for British Travellers
Everything you need to know about renting a car in the United States. Booking, insurance, licences, pick-up tips, and avoiding common pitfalls.
Hiring a Car in the United States
Renting a car in the US is straightforward — but the insurance, fees, and counter upsells can be bewildering. This guide covers everything a British traveller needs to know, from booking to drop-off.
Before You Book
Licence Requirements
- Your UK photocard driving licence is accepted in all 50 states for visits up to 90 days
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but rarely required. You can get one from the Post Office for £5.50. Some rental companies technically require it — having one avoids debates
- Provisional licences are not accepted. You must hold a full licence
- You do not need additional US-specific endorsements
Age Requirements
- 25+ — standard age. No surcharges
- 21–24 — most companies will rent to you but charge a "young driver surcharge" ($15–30/day)
- Under 21 — very limited options. Some companies refuse entirely. Those that don't charge significantly more
Credit Card
- A credit card in the main driver's name is essential. Debit cards are accepted by some companies but often require additional checks, a larger deposit, or proof of return flights
- The credit card may be pre-authorised for $200–500 as a deposit (released after return)
- Some premium credit cards include rental car insurance — check yours before paying for CDW
Booking
Where to Book
- Comparison sites aggregate prices across multiple companies. Use them to search, but book direct for better flexibility on changes
- Major companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Dollar, Sixt
- Budget-friendly: Alamo and Dollar tend to offer the best rates for tourists
- Book as early as possible — prices rise as availability drops, especially in summer and at popular airports
What to Book
- Car size: Compact for city trips. Midsize or full-size for road trips (boot space for luggage). SUV for mountain/unpaved roads (Big Bend, Monument Valley). Nearly all cars are automatic
- Duration: Weekly rates are often cheaper per day than daily rates
- Pick-up/drop-off: Airport locations are convenient but may have higher fees. One-way rentals (different drop-off location) incur a fee ($50–300 depending on distance)
- Additional drivers: Typically $10–15/day per additional driver. Some companies include a spouse/partner free. Always declare additional drivers — uninsured drivers invalidate all coverage
Insurance — The Crucial Part
US rental car insurance is the area most likely to cost you money or cause problems. Understand it before you get to the counter.
Types of Coverage
| Coverage | What It Does | Included? |
|---|---|---|
| CDW / LDW (Collision/Loss Damage Waiver) | Covers damage to the hire car | Rarely included — $15–30/day extra |
| SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance) | Covers damage you cause to third parties beyond the basic minimum | Not included — $12–20/day |
| PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) | Covers medical costs for you and passengers | Not included — $5–10/day |
| PEP (Personal Effects Protection) | Covers theft of belongings from the car | Not included — $3–5/day |
How to Save on Insurance
- Check your credit card. Visa Signature, Mastercard World, and Amex Gold/Platinum often include CDW/LDW when you pay for the rental with that card. Call your card provider and confirm in writing before travelling
- UK travel insurance. Many comprehensive travel insurance policies include car hire excess cover. Check the small print for US coverage
- Standalone excess insurance. Companies like iCarhireinsurance.com and insurance4carhire.com sell annual policies for £40–60 that cover rental car excess worldwide. Far cheaper than the daily CDW at the counter
- SLI is important. The basic liability included in US rentals is often only $30,000–50,000 — medical bills in the US can easily exceed this. Consider SLI seriously
At the Counter
The rental counter is an upsell machine. You will be offered:
- GPS (use your phone instead)
- Fuel pre-purchase (almost always more expensive than filling up yourself)
- Premium roadside assistance (basic is usually included)
- Upgrades (sometimes genuine value if the price is modest)
Say no to everything you haven't pre-decided you need. Be polite but firm. The process takes 5–15 minutes once you've declined the extras.
Pick-Up Checklist
- Walk around the car and photograph any existing damage (scratches, dents, chips). Show the agent
- Check the fuel level — confirm whether you need to return it full or at the same level
- Adjust mirrors, seat, and familiarise yourself with the controls before leaving the car park. The indicator stalk is on the left (opposite to UK cars)
- Set up your phone as a sat nav while parked. Mount it safely — holding a phone while driving is illegal in most states
- Note the fuel type — virtually all hire cars use regular unleaded (87 octane in US ratings). This is displayed on the fuel cap
Drop-Off
- Return with a full tank (unless you've pre-purchased fuel). Refuelling charges are typically double the pump price
- Allow extra time — 30–60 minutes before your flight for the shuttle bus, queue, and inspection
- Remove all belongings — check the boot, glove box, and seat pockets. Rental companies are not obligated to return forgotten items
- Get a receipt or a final statement emailed to you before leaving
Common UK-to-US Hire Car Pitfalls
| Pitfall | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Windscreen wipers instead of indicators | The stalks are swapped. Practice in the car park |
| Driving on the wrong side | Particularly dangerous at roundabouts and when turning onto empty roads. Take extra care for the first 24 hours |
| Toll roads with electronic tolling | Confirm your hire car has a transponder. Unpaid tolls result in fees from the rental company |
| Not understanding "right on red" | You can turn right at a red light (after stopping) unless a sign says otherwise |
| Speed limits in mph | Same as the UK, but limits are generally higher (65–80 mph on interstates) |
| Fuel type confusion | US uses "Regular" (87), "Mid-grade" (89), "Premium" (91/93). UK 95 RON ≈ US 87 AKI. Your hire car takes "Regular" |
| Parking meters | Many US cities now use apps for parking. Download ParkMobile or the local equivalent |
Price Guide (Approximate, 2025)
| Car Type | Weekly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Economy / Compact | $200–350 | Sufficient for 2 people, limited luggage |
| Midsize / Full-Size | $300–500 | Good for road trips, 2–3 suitcases |
| SUV (Midsize) | $400–650 | 4WD optional, good for mountain/desert routes |
| Minivan | $450–700 | Families or groups with lots of luggage |
| Convertible | $500–800 | Pacific Coast or Florida — worth the premium |
Prices vary enormously by season (summer and holidays cost more), location (major airports are more expensive), and how far in advance you book.
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