Policies
Charge Cards
The charge card must be in the renter’s name. Check or Cash cards are not accepted as credit identification at the beginning of the rental. They can be used however at the end of the rental for payment of rental charges.Pre-paid credit cards are not accepted at any time. Debit cards with Visa/MC Logos may be accepted on short term- standard car rentals. Debit cards may not be used for SUV, luxury or Van rentals. A minimum of $300 must be available on a major credit card for a standard car rental. See customer service agent for limits required on specialty vehicles. A minimum of $500.00 must be available on a debit card, and current driver's license must accompany it. No debit cards will be accepted for luxury or specialty vehicles. Acceptable credit cards: American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club, Visa, Discover Card.
No Brand Guarantees
California Rent-A-Car does not guarantee specific brands or colors of vehicles at any time. If the vehicle that you reserved is not available, an alternate or upgraded vehicle may be assigned at management discretion.
Late Charge
We offer a 1-hour grace period. If you exceed the 24 hour period by more than 1 hour, a per hour late charge will apply until reaches the daily rate. When the total late fee reaches the daily rate, you will be charged only a day. The late fee policy will then apply on the next day if needed.
No Show Policy
Reservations are valid and honored for up to three hours after the requested pick up time. If the vehicle is not picked up within three hours of the requested pick up time your reservation status will be changed to a NO SHOW. We ask that you contact California Rent-A-Car if you need to change the pick up time of your requested vehicle to avoid any problems.
Age Requirements
- Minimum Age: 21
- All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and full coverage insurance.
- Drivers under the age of 25 are subject to an underage fee.
Additional Drivers
- Minimum Age for Additional Drivers: 21
- Must have valid drivers license and full coverage insurance.
- Additional Driver fee may apply.
Collision Damage Waiver
In California, the renter is liable for all damage to the California Rent-A-Car vehicle regardless of fault. The renter is also liable for loss of use of the vehicle (revenue lost while the car is being repaired).
Renters may purchase Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) which relieves them of all financial responsibility for loss or damage to the California Rent-A-Car vehicle as long as they comply with the terms of the rental agreement. In California, CDW does not relieve the renter for theft resulting from failure to use ordinary care. Cost of CDW will vary by car, group and rate. Please check with the rental agent or nearest California Rent-A-Car reservation center for details.
If you have rental car coverage through your personal insurance or charge card, CDW offers maximum protection while your personal insurance or charge card coverage may contain a deductible. If you have any questions, check with your insurance provider. Written proof of insurance is required at all of our locations.
GPS Navigation Systems
GPS systems may be rented at the counter when you rent your vehicle. If booked in advance, online, the fee is $10.00 per day. However, if you do not book in advance, the price or GPS is not guaranteed.
Vehicles Leaving California
California Rent-A-Car vehicles are permitted to be driven in California and Nevada only. If you wish to enter a state that is not CA or NV please see the location manager for details. If your rental agreement states "unlimited" mileage, it is unlimited mileage in the State of CA and NV only Vehicles are not permitted to enter Mexico at any time.
Liability Damage Waiver
Renters may purchase Liability Damage Waiver (LDW) at the time of rental. Liability coverage is required in the state of CA. You must either provide written proof of coverage or purchase our waiver. Liability coverage does not cover your rental car; it covers any damage that your vehicle would cause to any 3rd party property. LDW provides third party liability protection for bodily injury ($15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident) and property damage ($5,000) to third parties, as mandated and at the limits required by California.
Renters in California who purchase LDW will receive California required liability coverage.
Written proof of liability coverage is required if you decline LDW.
Pick-ups and Drop-offs
Free local pick-up and drop-off service