Choose a rental car company. Most of the major national chains have branches in Las Vegas. To make it easier on yourself, plan ahead and rent a car to be ready for you at the airport when you arrive in Las Vegas. Compare rates among the big chains such as Enterprise and Hertz with the smaller companies such as Payless and Savmor (see Resources for a list of rental car companies at Vegas' McCarran International Airport). However, you can generally get a cheaper rental if you pick a non-airport location. Consider the prices and your budget to see whether it is worth it to pay for a cab to take you to another location.
Choose a car type. Rental companies typically categorize their cars into groups such as economy, mid-size, full-size and premium classes. SUVs and large vans are often available as well. If you are going to be exploring Nevada's desert region, you may want to get a vehicle that can handle a more rough terrain.
Pick up your vehicle at the rental facility. When you arrive at the rental facility, the agent at the desk will ask you for proof of insurance, a driver's license and your credit card. Some companies charge a daily surcharge if you are younger than 25 years old. The car rental agent will put a hold on your credit card as a deposit, which is generally between $150 and $200, depending upon the company.
Choose optional insurance and add-ons, if you want them. Once the agent has your credit card information, he will take you to your rental car. The agent will strongly encourage you to take the company's optional insurance on the car, but you don't have to take it if you know that your own car insurance covers rental cars. The agent will have you sign a waiver if you decline the insurance. You can also rent a GPS system if you plan to visit sites outside the Strip, such as the Hoover Dam or the shopping outlets in nearby Primm, Nev.
