Find a local rental car company. Check online or in your local phone book for rental car companies. Most of the national rental car companies have websites that list the cars available in your area and give you an online quote.
Determine the type of car you want. Rental companies categorize their cars into economy, compact, mid-size, full size, SUV and premium classes. Categories vary slightly in each company, however. Economy cars are very small, but the most affordable. Premium cars are luxury cars; sometime sports cars and will be the most expensive. Once you have decided on a class of car, reserve online or call and make a reservation by phone. Prices vary wildly from company to company, depending upon the location, day of the week, and type of car, so get quotes from several companies.
Go to the rental company to pick up the car. When you arrive, the agent at the front desk will ask you for your driver's license and proof of insurance. If you are under the age of 25, you may have to pay a daily surcharge, depending on the agency's policy. The agent will hold your credit card information for a deposit. He typically will put a $200 hold on your account, although that amount can vary.
Determine if you would like their optional insurance coverage. The agent will take you to your car and encourage you to opt-in to their insurance, saying that it will be cheaper than your insurance if anything happens. However, check with your insurance company to see whether you have car rental insurance. Many policies do, so taking their insurance is unnecessary and will cost more.
