What Economy Rent a Car offers in Fort Lauderdale

Economy Rent a Car operates a location at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and serves customers looking for budget-focused vehicle rentals in the area. The company rents compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and vans — the specific inventory changes based on demand and season. You pick up your rental at the airport location, return it there, and pay by the day or week. Rates are typically lower than major chains like Enterprise or Hertz, which is why the company markets itself as a budget option.

The rental process follows the standard model: you reserve online or by phone, arrive with your driver's license and payment method, sign the rental agreement, and drive off. Economy does not require you to book in advance, though prices are usually better if you do. The company offers optional add-ons like collision damage waiver, additional driver coverage, and GPS rental — each costs extra and is not included in the base rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Economy Rent a Car's Fort Lauderdale location is at the airport (FLL), so you pick up and return there unless you arrange otherwise.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or purchased from Economy) to rent.
  • Base rates do not include collision coverage, GPS, or additional drivers — these are separate charges you can decline or add at the counter.
  • Booking online before you arrive usually costs less than walking up to the counter, and you can often modify or cancel without penalty up to 24 hours before pickup.
  • Return the car on time and in the same condition you received it, or you will be charged for late fees and damage beyond normal wear.

What documents and information you need to bring

Bring your valid driver's license — a state ID, passport, or military ID works. The name on the license must match the name on the credit card you use to pay. If your license is from outside the United States, bring your passport as well. Economy will scan your license and run a background check, which takes a few minutes.

You also need a credit card in your own name. Economy holds a deposit on the card (usually $200 to $500, depending on the car type and your location) to cover potential damage or late fees. Debit cards are not accepted for the deposit hold, though some locations may accept them for payment if you also provide a credit card for the hold. Bring proof of insurance — either your own auto insurance card or documentation showing you purchased coverage from Economy at the rental counter.

How to reserve and what the costs actually include

You can reserve online at Economy's website, by phone, or in person at the FLL location. Online booking usually shows you the lowest available rate for your dates and car type. The quoted price covers the daily or weekly rental rate and taxes — nothing else. It does not include collision damage waiver (CDW), liability coverage beyond the state minimum, GPS rental, additional drivers, or fuel.

When you arrive to pick up, the counter staff will ask whether you want to add these options. Collision damage waiver typically costs $15 to $25 per day and covers damage to the rental car (though you still pay a deductible, usually $500 to $1,000). GPS rental runs $5 to $10 per day — most people use their own phone and a free app instead. An additional driver costs $5 to $10 per day. Fuel is your responsibility; you can prepay for a full tank at pickup (usually cheaper than paying per gallon at return) or return the car with a full tank yourself.

Insurance and damage coverage explained

Your own auto insurance may cover rental cars, but only if your policy includes rental coverage — many do not. Call your insurance company before you rent to confirm. If your policy covers rentals, bring a copy of your declarations page (the summary showing your coverage limits) to the counter. This usually satisfies Economy's insurance requirement and saves you the cost of buying their coverage.

If you do not have coverage through your own policy, you must buy collision damage waiver from Economy. Without it, you are liable for any damage to the car, even minor dents or scratches. The waiver limits your out-of-pocket cost to the deductible (usually $500 to $1,000) rather than the full repair bill. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage if you charge the rental to that card — check your card's benefits before you book. If you use a credit card benefit, bring documentation of that coverage to the counter.

Pickup and return procedures at Fort Lauderdale Airport

The Economy location is in the rental car facility at FLL, accessible from the baggage claim level. Follow signs for "Rental Cars" and look for Economy's counter. Have your reservation confirmation (email or printed) ready. The counter staff will verify your license and credit card, show you the car, walk you through the rental agreement, and explain any damage already on the vehicle. The agreement lists the car's condition, mileage, and fuel level — review this carefully and point out any existing damage before you sign.

Return the car to the same location. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your reservation end time; late returns incur daily charges (usually the full daily rate for each partial day). Return the car with a full tank of fuel if you did not prepay for fuel at pickup — if you return it empty or low, Economy will charge you for a full tank at a premium price. The counter staff will inspect the car, note the mileage and fuel level, and process your return. If there is damage beyond normal wear, they will document it and charge your credit card within a few days.

What to expect if you need to modify or cancel your reservation

Most Economy reservations can be modified or cancelled online up to 24 hours before your scheduled pickup time without penalty. If you cancel within 24 hours or do not show up, you may lose your deposit or be charged a cancellation fee — the amount depends on the rate type you booked. Non-refundable rates are cheaper upfront but cannot be changed or cancelled; refundable rates cost more but allow changes and cancellations.

If you need to extend your rental after pickup, call Economy as soon as you know. Extending at the counter on return day usually costs more than booking the extra days in advance. If you need to return the car early, you will not get a refund for the unused days on most rate types — the rental is charged through your original return date regardless.

Common issues and how to handle them

If the car breaks down or has a mechanical problem, call Economy's roadside information number (provided in your rental agreement) when ready. Do not attempt repairs yourself. Economy will arrange a tow or send a replacement vehicle. If you are in an accident, call the police non-emergency line to file a report, then call Economy to report the damage. Do not admit fault or sign anything except the police report and the rental agreement addendum.

If you return the car late, Economy will charge you for the additional time. A one-hour overage is usually charged as a full day. If you return the car with damage, Economy will send you a damage report and charge your credit card. If you dispute the charge, contact your credit card company within 60 days — they can dispute the charge on your behalf. Keep your rental agreement and any photos you took of the car's condition at pickup as evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up a car at Fort Lauderdale Airport and return it somewhere else?

Economy's standard policy requires pickup and return at the same location. Some locations offer one-way rentals for an additional fee, but this varies. Call Economy directly at their FLL location to ask whether one-way rental is available and what the extra charge would be.

What happens if I return the car with damage I did not cause?

If you have collision damage waiver, you pay only the deductible (usually $500 to $1,000). If you do not have coverage, you are liable for the full repair cost. Take photos of the car's condition when ready after pickup and before return to document its state. If Economy charges you for damage that was already there, dispute it with your credit card company and provide your photos as evidence.

Do I need to buy gas before returning the car?

You can either prepay for a full tank at pickup (usually $40 to $60, depending on the car) or return the car with a full tank yourself. If you return it partially empty, Economy will charge you for a full tank at a much higher per-gallon rate. Returning it full yourself is almost always cheaper.

Is Economy cheaper than Hertz or Enterprise at Fort Lauderdale?

Economy's base rates are typically lower, but the final price depends on what you book, when you book, and what add-ons you need. Compare quotes from all three companies for your exact dates and car type. Do not forget to factor in insurance costs — if you have to buy coverage from the rental company, that adds significantly to the total.

What if my driver's license is expired?

Most rental companies, including Economy, will not rent to you with an expired license. Your license must be valid on the day of pickup. If yours is expired, renew it before your trip or you will not be able to rent.