What Fox Rent a Car offers at Denver International
Fox Rent a Car operates a rental counter at Denver International Airport (DEN), located in the baggage claim area on Level 5. You can pick up a car when ready after landing or reserve one in advance for a specific arrival time. Fox's Denver location stocks economy sedans, SUVs, and vans, with prices that typically undercut the major chains by 15 to 25 percent on comparable vehicles.
The company does not require a credit card to reserve or rent — you can pay with a debit card, which is unusual among rental agencies. This matters if your credit is limited or if you prefer not to authorize a hold on a credit line. You will still need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a second form of ID.
Key Takeaways
- Fox's Denver counter is in baggage claim on Level 5 of DEN, and you can walk there directly from your gate without leaving the terminal.
- You can rent with a debit card instead of a credit card, though Fox will place a hold on your account for the estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit.
- Daily rates at Fox Denver typically run $25 to $45 for economy cars, but add-ons like insurance, GPS, and tolls can increase your final bill by 30 to 50 percent.
- Fox allows unlimited mileage on all rentals in Colorado, so you pay the same rate whether you drive 50 miles or 500 miles.
- Returning the car to DEN costs the same as picking it up there; returning to a different location (like downtown Denver) usually adds $15 to $30 to your bill.
Reservation and payment methods at Denver
You can reserve a Fox car online at foxrentacar.com, by phone at 1-800-225-4369, or at the counter when you arrive. Online reservations let you lock in a rate and choose your vehicle type (economy, midsize, SUV, van) before you land. The website shows real-time availability for your dates, so you know whether the size you want is in stock.
Fox accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for payment. If you want to pay with a debit card, you must do so at the counter, not online. The company will place a hold on your debit account for the full estimated rental cost plus a $200 to $500 damage deposit, depending on the vehicle. That hold can take 3 to 5 business days to release after you return the car, so plan accordingly if your account balance is tight.
If you have a Fox loyalty account (Fox Plus), you can skip the counter line and pick up your car directly from the lot. You must enroll online before your trip and provide your membership number at reservation. Fox Plus is free to join and gives you a small discount (usually 5 to 10 percent) on daily rates.
Insurance, fees, and what they cost
Fox's base rate covers the car and unlimited mileage. Everything else is optional but common. Collision damage waiver (CDW) — which covers damage to the rental car if you hit something — costs roughly $12 to $18 per day. Liability coverage, which covers damage you cause to someone else's property, costs about $8 to $12 per day. Many personal auto insurance policies cover rental cars, so check your policy before buying Fox's coverage and avoid paying twice.
A GPS unit rents for about $8 per day; most people use their phone instead. Roadside information costs $5 to $7 per day and covers towing and lockout service. A second driver costs $5 to $10 per day if you want someone else to be able to drive the car legally.
Fuel is your responsibility. You can prepay for a full tank at pickup (usually $35 to $50 depending on vehicle size) and return it empty, or return it at the same fuel level you received it. If you return it with less fuel than you started with, Fox charges a refueling fee of $5 to $7 per gallon, which is higher than gas station prices. Airport tolls on I-25 and the E-470 toll road are charged to your rental agreement if you use them.
Age requirements and driver restrictions
Fox rents to drivers as young as 18 at Denver, though drivers under 25 pay a young driver surcharge of $15 to $25 per day. You must have a valid driver's license from any U.S. state or a valid international license with an English translation. A second form of ID is required — a passport, military ID, or state ID card will work.
Your license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired. If you have a learner's permit or a restricted license, Fox will not rent to you. If your license is from outside the U.S., you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on your home country; Fox's counter staff can tell you whether yours is required.
Pickup and return logistics at Denver International
The Fox counter is on Level 5 of the terminal in the baggage claim area. After you collect your luggage, follow signs for "Rental Cars" and take the elevator or stairs to Level 5. The counter is staffed during all airport operating hours. Pickup usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have a reservation; without one, add 15 to 20 minutes.
Your rental car will be parked in the Fox lot adjacent to the terminal. An agent will walk you to it or direct you to the lot. Inspect the car before you leave — check for dents, scratches, and tire condition, and take photos or video if you see damage. The agent will note any existing damage on your rental agreement, so you are not charged for it when you return.
To return the car, drive to the Fox lot at DEN and park in the designated return area. An agent will meet you, inspect the car, and process your paperwork. If you return after hours, you can leave the keys in the drop box and the car in the designated lot, though your rental period does not end until an agent inspects it the next business day. Return the car with a full tank of fuel to avoid the refueling surcharge.
Comparing Fox to other Denver airport options
Fox's main competitors at DEN are Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis. Fox typically charges $5 to $15 less per day than Enterprise or Hertz for a comparable economy car, and $10 to $20 less than Avis or Budget. However, Fox's counter is smaller and may have fewer vehicle options on busy days. If you need a specific car type (like a full-size SUV or a van), calling ahead to confirm availability is worth the five minutes.
Enterprise and Hertz have more locations around Denver, so if you want to return the car downtown or at a different neighborhood, they may be more convenient. Fox's return-to-different-location fee ($15 to $30) can add up if you are dropping the car far from the airport. Enterprise and Avis sometimes offer similar fees, so compare before you book.
If you have status with a major rental loyalty program (like Hertz Gold or Avis Preferred), that benefit does not transfer to Fox, so you lose any priority or discount. Fox Plus membership is free and gives a small discount, but it is not as valuable as elite status with the major chains.
Common issues and how to handle them
If the car you reserved is not available when you arrive, Fox will offer you a free upgrade to the next size up (for example, a midsize sedan instead of an economy car). This is not may provide, but it is Fox's standard practice. If no upgrade is available, you can cancel your reservation and rent from another company, or accept a different vehicle type at the same rate.
If you damage the car during your rental and did not buy CDW, you are responsible for the full repair cost. This can range from $500 for a minor dent to $5,000 or more for major damage. Your personal auto insurance may cover it, but you will have to file a claim and pay your deductible. Buying CDW for $12 to $18 per day is cheaper than risking a large out-of-pocket bill if you are not confident in your driving or the roads.
If you are charged a fee you believe is wrong, ask to speak with a manager at the counter before you leave. If you are already home, call Fox's customer service at 1-800-225-4369 with your rental agreement number. Disputes over fuel charges or damage assessments can take weeks to resolve, so document everything (photos, receipts, odometer readings) at pickup and return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a Fox rental online and pick it up at the Denver airport counter?
Yes. Book on foxrentacar.com, select Denver International as your pickup location, and choose your arrival date and time. You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation number. Bring that number and your driver's license to the counter on Level 5, and the agent will process your rental. You do not need to print anything; the agent can look up your reservation by your name and confirmation number.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate for each 24-hour period (or partial period) you keep the car. If you rent for three days at $35 per day and return it 6 hours late, you will be charged for a fourth day at the full $35 rate. Call the Fox counter as soon as you realize you will be late; sometimes they can adjust the rate if you notify them in advance.
Do I have to buy Fox's insurance if I already have car insurance?
No. If your personal auto insurance covers rental cars, you do not need to buy Fox's CDW or liability coverage. Call your insurance company before your trip and ask whether rental cars are covered and what your deductible is. Bring proof of coverage (your insurance card or a letter from your insurer) to the Fox counter; some companies require this documentation.
Can I add a second driver after I pick up the car?
Yes, but you will be charged the daily second-driver fee retroactively. It is cheaper to add the second driver at pickup. If you add them later, return to the Fox counter or call 1-800-225-4369 with your rental agreement number, and they will add them and charge your card for the days you have already driven.
What if I need to extend my rental?
Call Fox at 1-800-225-4369 or return to the counter before your rental period ends. If cars are available, Fox will extend your rental at the same rate you booked, or at the current rate if it is lower. If the lot is full, you may not be able to extend, so plan ahead if you think you might need extra days.