Empire Rent a Car: Basic Facts and What to Expect

Empire Rent a Car is a rental company that operates locations across the United States, primarily in urban areas and near airports. They rent sedans, SUVs, vans, and other vehicle types to customers who need short-term transportation. Unlike some national chains, Empire tends to have lower daily rates, which appeals to budget-conscious renters, but the trade-off often involves older vehicle inventory and fewer premium locations.

When you rent from Empire, you're dealing directly with a regional operator rather than a major national brand. This means policies, vehicle conditions, and customer service can vary significantly between locations. What works smoothly at one branch may involve different procedures or pricing at another. Before you book, it's worth checking reviews specific to the location where you plan to pick up and return your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Empire Rent a Car typically charges lower daily rates than major chains, but vehicles are often older and may have higher mileage.
  • You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance before you can rent.
  • Damage waivers and additional insurance options vary by location, so compare what's included versus what you need to purchase separately.
  • Return policies, fuel requirements, and late fees differ between Empire locations, so confirm the specific terms for your pickup branch.

What Documents and Information You'll Need to Bring

Empire requires a valid driver's license from every renter. If you're renting in the United States, a standard state license works. International visitors need a valid passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license. Some locations may ask for a second form of ID, so bring two pieces of identification to be safe.

You must present a credit card in your own name at pickup. Empire uses this card to place a hold for the rental cost plus a damage deposit, which typically ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle type and location. Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but policies vary by branch—call ahead if you only have a debit card available.

Proof of insurance is required. This can be your personal auto insurance card, a rental car coverage endorsement from your homeowner's or renter's policy, or a credit card that includes rental car protection. If you don't have any of these, Empire will offer you their damage waiver and liability coverage at an additional daily cost. Review what your existing insurance covers before you arrive, because buying coverage you already have wastes money.

Damage Waivers and Insurance Options

Empire 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. The cost varies by location and vehicle type but typically runs $15 to $25 per day. If you decline the waiver, you're responsible for all damage costs up to the full value of the vehicle.

Before you buy Empire's waiver, check what your personal auto insurance covers. Most standard policies extend to rental cars, meaning you're already protected for collision and comprehensive damage. If your policy covers rentals, buying the waiver again is redundant. Credit card rental protections work similarly—many premium cards include rental car coverage, so review your card's benefits guide before renting.

Empire also sells Supplemental Liability Insurance, which covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. Your personal auto insurance typically covers this too, so again, verify your existing coverage first. If you're renting in a state where you're unfamiliar with liability laws or if you're an international visitor without U.S. insurance, this add-on may be worth considering.

Fuel, Mileage, and Return Conditions

Most Empire locations operate on a full-to-full fuel policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. If you return it with less fuel, Empire charges you for the missing gas at a per-gallon rate that's typically higher than what you'd pay at a gas station. Some locations offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront; if you return the car with fuel remaining, you don't get a refund, so this option only makes sense if you expect to use most of the tank.

Mileage policies vary by location and rental type. Some Empire branches offer unlimited mileage, while others charge per mile after a daily allowance (often 100 to 150 miles per day). Confirm the mileage terms when you book or call the specific location, because overage charges add up quickly on longer trips.

When you return the vehicle, Empire inspects it for damage. Return the car clean, with no trash inside and no new dents, scratches, or stains. Take photos of the vehicle's condition before you leave the lot—this protects you if Empire later claims damage you didn't cause. If the rental agent notes damage during return, ask for a written description and photos, and don't sign anything you disagree with.

Age Requirements and Restrictions

Empire's minimum age to rent is typically 21 years old, though some locations may require renters to be 25. Drivers under 25 often face a Young Driver Surcharge of $15 to $25 per day. This fee is in addition to the daily rental rate, so factor it into your total cost when comparing Empire to other companies.

Drivers with recent violations, accidents, or suspended licenses may be declined. Empire runs a driving record check, and the results vary by location and the severity of your history. If you have concerns about your record, call the specific branch before you book to ask whether they'll rent to you.

Booking, Cancellation, and Late Return Policies

You can book an Empire rental online, by phone, or in person at a location. Online booking often shows lower rates than walk-in pricing, so reserve ahead when possible. When you book, confirm the pickup and return times, the vehicle type (not just the class, but the specific model if available), and all fees included in the quoted price.

Cancellation policies vary by location and how far in advance you cancel. Many Empire branches allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before your reservation, but some charge a cancellation fee regardless. Read the terms when you book, and if you need to cancel, do it through the same channel you used to book (online, phone, or in person) to may support it's processed correctly.

If you return the car late, Empire charges a late fee. This is typically calculated as a percentage of the daily rate (often 50% of the daily cost per hour, up to a maximum of one full day's rental) for the first few hours, then a full day's charge if you're more than a few hours late. Some locations charge a flat fee instead. Call your rental location before you're due back if you know you'll be late—occasionally they can waive or reduce the fee if you notify them in advance.

Common Issues and How to Handle Them

One frequent complaint about Empire is that vehicles arrive with existing damage that wasn't documented at pickup. Protect yourself by inspecting the car thoroughly before you leave the lot. Check the exterior for dents and scratches, test the lights and wipers, look under the seats for trash or damage, and take photos or video of the entire vehicle's condition. If you spot damage, point it out to the rental agent when ready and ask them to note it on your contract.

Another common issue is surprise fees at return. Some renters discover charges for fuel overage, mileage, or damage they didn't expect because they didn't confirm the terms at pickup. Before you drive away, make sure you understand the fuel policy, mileage allowance, damage waiver coverage, and any other fees that explore to your specific rental.

If you have a problem with your rental—mechanical issues, a vehicle that doesn't match what you booked, or a dispute over damage—contact the location manager when ready. Get the manager's name and the date and time of your conversation. If the issue isn't resolved to your satisfaction, follow up in writing (email or letter) to the location and keep copies of all correspondence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent from Empire if I don't have a credit card?

Some Empire locations accept debit cards, but policies vary by branch. Call the specific location where you plan to rent and ask whether they'll accept a debit card and what additional requirements they have (such as a higher deposit or a second form of ID). Having a credit card is the safest option to avoid complications at pickup.

What happens if I get into an accident while renting from Empire?

Contact Empire when ready and report the accident. If you purchased their damage waiver, your financial responsibility is limited according to the waiver terms. If you declined the waiver, you're responsible for repair costs. Your personal auto insurance may also cover the damage, so file a claim with your insurer as well. Get a police report if the accident involved another vehicle or property damage.

Is Empire cheaper than major rental companies?

Empire's daily rates are often lower than Hertz, Enterprise, or Avis, especially for budget vehicle classes. However, compare the total cost including all fees—damage waivers, young driver surcharges, fuel policies, and mileage charges—before you decide. A lower daily rate doesn't always mean the lowest total cost.

Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer?

Yes, you can usually extend a rental by calling the location where you rented. 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 extra time, rather than waiting until your return date, to increase the chance the vehicle is available.

What should I do if Empire charges me for damage I didn't cause?

Request documentation of the damage, including photos and a written description. Compare this to the photos or video you took at pickup. If the damage wasn't present when you rented the car, dispute the charge in writing to the location manager and the corporate office. Include your photos, the rental agreement, and a detailed explanation of why you believe the charge is incorrect.