What Ace Rent a Car is and how to rent from them
Ace Rent a Car is a car rental company that operates locations across the United States, primarily in smaller cities and towns where the major chains have less presence. You reserve a vehicle online or by phone, pick it up at a local Ace branch, and return it when your rental period ends. The company focuses on short-term rentals—typically a few days to a few weeks—rather than long-term leasing.
Unlike some rental companies that operate from airport terminals, many Ace locations are in downtown areas or near local business districts, which can mean shorter wait times and easier access if you don't have airport proximity. You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (either your own or purchased through Ace) to complete a rental.
Key Takeaways
- Ace Rent a Car operates primarily in smaller cities and towns, with many locations in downtown areas rather than airports.
- You must provide a valid driver's license, a credit card, and proof of insurance before you can rent a vehicle.
- Rental rates vary by location, vehicle type, and season, so comparing prices across dates and branches can save money.
- Damage waivers and loss-damage waivers are optional add-ons that protect you from paying for certain repairs or theft, but your own insurance may already cover these.
- Returning the vehicle late, with damage, or on empty fuel will result in additional charges beyond your base rental rate.
How rental rates work and what affects the price you pay
Ace's daily rental rates depend on the vehicle class you choose, the location where you rent, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. A compact car will cost less than an SUV or truck. Renting during peak travel seasons (summer holidays, spring break) typically costs more than renting in slower months. Booking several weeks ahead often locks in a lower rate than booking the day before pickup.
The base rate covers the vehicle and mileage, but mileage policies vary by location and rental type. Some Ace locations offer unlimited mileage; others charge per mile after a certain threshold. Always confirm the mileage policy before you complete your reservation, because a cross-country trip on a per-mile plan can add hundreds of dollars to your final bill.
Taxes, airport fees (if applicable), and facility charges are added to your base rate at checkout. These vary by state and local jurisdiction, so the final amount you pay will be higher than the advertised daily rate.
Insurance and damage protection options
Ace offers two main protection products: a damage waiver (also called a collision damage waiver) and a loss-damage waiver. The damage waiver limits your financial responsibility if the rental vehicle is damaged in an accident or by vandalism. The loss-damage waiver covers theft or total loss of the vehicle. Both are optional add-ons that cost extra per day.
Before you purchase either waiver from Ace, check your personal auto insurance policy and your credit card benefits. Many personal policies extend to rental vehicles, and some premium credit cards include rental car coverage. If your existing coverage already protects you, buying Ace's waivers is redundant. If you have no coverage, the waivers may be worth the cost to avoid a large out-of-pocket bill if something goes wrong.
If you decline all waivers and damage occurs, you are responsible for repair costs up to the vehicle's actual cash value. Ace will document the damage with photos and provide you with an estimate. Disputes over damage assessment are common, so inspect the vehicle thoroughly before you drive away and photograph any existing dents, scratches, or stains.
What happens at pickup and what to inspect
When you arrive to pick up your rental, bring your driver's license, the credit card used for the reservation, and proof of insurance. The rental agent will review your reservation, confirm the vehicle class, and explain the fuel policy (most require you to return the car with a full tank, or you pay a refueling charge plus a service fee).
Before you sign the rental agreement, walk around the vehicle with the agent and inspect it together. Look for dents, scratches, cracks in the windshield, worn tires, and interior stains or damage. Point out every mark you see, and ask the agent to note it on the contract or take photos. This protects you from being charged for damage that existed before you rented the car.
Test the lights, wipers, air conditioning, and brakes before you leave the lot. Check that the spare tire and jack are present if you're renting for a long trip. If anything is broken or missing, report it when ready so it is not attributed to you later.
Fuel, mileage, and late return charges
Most Ace locations require you to return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel. If you return it with less, Ace will refuel it and charge you for the fuel plus a service fee. The per-gallon rate Ace charges is typically higher than what you would pay at a gas station, so filling up yourself before returning the car saves money.
If your rental agreement includes unlimited mileage, you can drive as much as you want without extra charges. If it has a mileage limit (common on longer rentals), exceeding that limit results in a per-mile overage charge. Ace records the odometer reading at pickup and return, so the mileage is verifiable.
Returning the vehicle after your agreed return time triggers a late fee. The amount depends on how late you are and the location's policy. Some branches charge an hourly rate for the first few hours; others charge a full day's rental rate if you are even one hour late. Confirm the late fee policy when you pick up the car, and set a phone reminder for your return time.
How to make a reservation and what information you need
You can reserve a vehicle through Ace's website, by calling a local branch directly, or through third-party booking sites. Online reservations let you compare rates across dates and locations and lock in a price before you commit. Phone reservations with a local branch can sometimes yield better rates or allow you to negotiate, especially for longer rentals.
To complete a reservation, you will need your driver's license number, the dates and times you need the vehicle, your pickup and return locations, and the vehicle class you want. You will also need a credit card to hold the reservation. The card is not charged until you pick up the vehicle, but Ace places a temporary hold on it to find the booking.
Cancellation policies vary by location and how far in advance you booked. Some reservations are fully refundable if you cancel within a certain window; others have cancellation fees. Read the cancellation terms before you confirm your reservation so you understand what happens if your plans change.
Common issues and how to handle them
One frequent problem is confusion over the fuel policy. Always confirm whether you must return the car with a full tank or whether Ace will refuel it for you. If you are unsure, ask the agent to write it on your contract.
Another common issue is unexpected charges after return. If Ace charges you for damage you did not cause or mileage you dispute, request an itemized receipt and photos of the alleged damage. If you believe the charge is wrong, contact the branch manager or Ace's customer service department. Keep your rental agreement and any photos you took at pickup—these are your evidence if a dispute arises.
If you have a breakdown or accident during your rental, contact Ace when ready. Most locations have roadside information or can arrange a tow. Do not attempt repairs on your own, and do not leave the vehicle unattended without reporting it to Ace first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own insurance to rent from Ace?
You need proof of insurance, but it does not have to be your own. You can purchase a damage waiver or loss-damage waiver from Ace, or you can use coverage from your personal auto policy or credit card. Ace will not rent to you without one of these three options in place.
What if I return the car with damage I did not cause?
Report the damage to Ace when ready when you return the vehicle. If Ace later charges you for it, request photos and an estimate. If you have evidence (such as your own photos from pickup) that the damage existed before your rental, provide that to Ace and dispute the charge. Keep all documentation from your rental agreement.
Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer?
Yes, you can usually extend a rental by contacting the branch where you rented the vehicle. Extensions are subject to availability and may be charged at a different rate than your original booking. Call as soon as you know you need more time, rather than returning the car late, because late fees are typically higher than extension rates.
What happens if I run out of fuel before returning the car?
You are responsible for returning the vehicle with a full tank. If you do not, Ace will refuel it and charge you for the fuel plus a service fee, which is more expensive than filling up yourself. Always plan to refuel before your return time.
Are there age restrictions for renting from Ace?
Ace typically rents to drivers 21 and older, though some locations may have different age policies. Drivers under 25 may be charged a young driver fee. Contact your local Ace branch to confirm their specific age policy and any additional fees that explore to you.