What Advance Rent a Car is and how to use it

Advance Rent a Car is a car rental company that operates locations across the United States, primarily in urban areas and near airports. You reserve a vehicle online or by phone, pick it up at a designated location, and return it at the end of your rental period. The company focuses on short-term rentals—typically days or weeks rather than months—and serves both leisure and business travelers.

The basic process is straightforward: you choose your pickup and return dates and locations, select a vehicle class (economy, midsize, SUV, and so on), provide a valid driver's license and payment method, and complete the reservation. When you arrive to pick up your car, you'll inspect it for existing damage, sign the rental agreement, and receive the keys. At return, you drop the vehicle off at your chosen location, and the rental ends.

Advance operates as a regional alternative to national chains like Enterprise or Hertz. Their pricing and vehicle availability vary by location and season, so what you find in one city may differ from another. Understanding what's included in your rental, what costs extra, and what your responsibilities are helps you avoid surprises at pickup or return.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Rent a Car requires a valid driver's license, proof of insurance or the option to purchase their coverage, and a credit card for the rental deposit.
  • Damage waivers and additional insurance are optional but cost extra; your personal auto policy or credit card may already cover rental vehicles, so check before buying.
  • Fuel is typically charged on a "full-to-full" basis, meaning you pay for a full tank upfront and return the car full, or you pay their per-gallon rate for any fuel missing.
  • Late returns incur additional daily charges, and some locations charge hourly overage fees if you're only a few hours late.
  • Reservation changes and cancellations depend on your rate type; non-refundable rates cannot be changed or cancelled without penalty.

What documents and information you need to provide

Before you can rent from Advance, you must present a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state or territory. An international driver's permit is accepted alongside a passport if you are renting as a visitor from outside the United States. The license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must be at least 21 years old; drivers under 25 may face an additional young driver fee.

You will also need a credit card in your name for the security deposit. Advance holds this amount during the rental to cover potential damage, fuel shortages, or traffic violations. The deposit is released after you return the vehicle and it passes inspection. Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but policies vary by location, so confirm when you book.

Proof of insurance is required. This can be your personal auto insurance policy, a credit card's rental car coverage, or Advance's own damage waiver and liability coverage. Your personal policy must explicitly cover rental vehicles; many do, but some exclude them. If you're unsure, contact your insurance company or credit card issuer before renting. Bringing a copy of your policy's declarations page or coverage summary speeds up the check-in process.

Insurance, damage waivers, and what happens if you damage the car

Advance offers a Damage Waiver (sometimes called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) that limits your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen. This is optional but costs extra—typically $15 to $25 per day depending on the vehicle class and location. If you decline the waiver and damage occurs, you are responsible for repair costs, which can easily exceed $1,000 for even minor collisions.

Before purchasing Advance's waiver, check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental vehicles. Most standard auto policies do cover rentals, and many premium credit cards include rental car damage coverage. If your coverage is already in place, buying Advance's waiver is redundant and wastes money. If you have no coverage, the waiver is worth the daily cost as protection against a large unexpected bill.

If you damage the car, you must report it to Advance when ready—do not attempt to repair it yourself or hide the damage. Advance will document the damage, obtain repair estimates, and charge your credit card for the cost. If you purchased the damage waiver, Advance covers the repair (minus any deductible, which varies). If you did not purchase the waiver and have no personal coverage, you pay the full repair bill. Damage from normal wear and tear—minor scratches, small dents from parking—is typically not charged, but significant damage is.

Fuel charges and how the full-to-full policy works

Advance uses a full-to-full fuel policy. You receive the car with a full tank and are expected to return it full. If you return the car with less fuel, Advance charges you for the missing fuel at their per-gallon rate, which is typically higher than the local gas station price. If you return the car empty, you pay for a full tank at this inflated rate.

To avoid overpaying, fill the tank at a gas station near the rental location before you return the car. Keep your receipt as proof of the fuel purchase. Some renters prepay for a full tank of fuel when they book, locking in a price; this can be cheaper if gas prices are rising, but you lose money if you return the car with fuel remaining, since Advance does not refund unused prepaid fuel.

Calculate which option makes sense for your trip. If you're renting for one day in the city and won't use much fuel, prepaying may not be worth it. If you're renting for a week and driving highway miles, prepaying locks in a known cost and removes the risk of Advance's per-gallon markup.

Late return fees and what to do if you cannot return on time

Your rental agreement specifies an exact return date and time. If you return the car late, Advance charges additional fees. The structure varies by location: some charge a full day's rental rate for any return after the agreed time, while others charge an hourly overage fee (for example, $10 per hour) if you're only a few hours late. A few hours of delay can cost $30 to $50 or more.

If you realize you cannot return on time, contact Advance as soon as possible. Many locations allow you to extend the rental by phone or online, and you'll be charged the daily rate for the additional days. This is almost always cheaper than late fees. Extensions are subject to availability—if another customer has reserved the car, you cannot extend. Booking a one-way rental to a different location is another option if you need the car longer but cannot return to the original pickup point.

Plan your return time conservatively. If your flight is at 2 p.m. and the rental location closes at 5 p.m., do not schedule a return at 4:45 p.m.—traffic, a long line at the rental counter, or a damage inspection can delay you past the important date. Return the car at least an hour before you need to leave the area.

Reservation changes, cancellations, and refund policies

Advance offers different rate types, and your ability to change or cancel depends on which one you booked. Refundable rates allow you to cancel without penalty up to a certain time before pickup (often 24 hours). Non-refundable rates cannot be cancelled or changed; if you cancel, you lose the entire payment. Some rates fall in between, allowing changes but charging a fee.

To change your reservation—different dates, different vehicle, different location—log into your Advance account online or call the location directly. Changes are subject to availability and rate differences. If you're moving your rental to an earlier date and prices have risen, you pay the difference. If prices have fallen, you do not receive a refund; you pay the original rate.

Cancellation policies are strict for non-refundable rates. If you book a non-refundable rate and your plans change, you lose the money. Read the rate terms carefully before booking. If your plans are uncertain, pay extra for a refundable rate so you have flexibility.

How to compare Advance with other rental companies

Advance is a regional operator, so it's not available everywhere. National chains like Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget have more locations, but Advance may offer competitive pricing in areas where it operates. When comparing, look at the total cost: base rental rate plus insurance or damage waiver, fuel charges, and any location fees.

Advance's website shows rates for your specific dates and locations. National chains' websites do the same. Enter identical dates, locations, and vehicle class into each site and compare the final quoted price. Do not compare base rates alone—insurance, fees, and fuel policies vary, and the cheapest base rate may not be the cheapest total cost.

Consider convenience as well. If Advance has a location near your home or destination and a national chain does not, Advance may save you time even if the price is slightly higher. If you travel frequently and earn loyalty rewards with a national chain, the rewards value may offset a small price difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to rent from Advance?

Yes. Advance requires a credit card in your name for the security deposit. Debit cards are sometimes accepted depending on the location, but a credit card is the standard requirement. The deposit is held during the rental and released after you return the vehicle in acceptable condition.

What if I get a speeding ticket or parking ticket while driving the rental car?

You are responsible for any traffic violations or parking tickets incurred during the rental. Advance may receive the citation and forward it to you, or the citation may come directly to your address. Either way, you must pay the fine. The damage waiver does not cover traffic violations.

Can I rent a car for someone else to drive?

No. The person whose name is on the rental agreement must be the primary driver. Additional drivers can be added at pickup for a fee (typically $10 to $15 per day), and they must present a valid driver's license and sign the agreement. The renter remains liable for any damage or violations.

What happens if the rental car breaks down during my trip?

Contact Advance when ready. They will arrange roadside information or a replacement vehicle. You are not responsible for mechanical failures—Advance maintains the fleet and covers repair costs. Keep the phone number for roadside information in your rental documents or call the location where you rented the car.

Is there a minimum age to rent from Advance?

Yes, you must be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 typically pay an additional young driver surcharge, which varies by location and vehicle class. Some vehicle types (luxury or high-performance cars) may have higher minimum age requirements.