What National Car Rental Is and How to Rent

National Car Rental is a major U.S. car rental chain owned by Enterprise Holdings. You can rent a vehicle by visiting a National location, calling their reservation line, or booking online through their website. Most National branches are at airports, but they also operate at off-airport locations in cities and towns. When you arrive to pick up your car, you'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance.

The rental process itself is straightforward: you reserve a car for specific dates, show up at the location, complete paperwork, and drive away. National assigns you a vehicle from their available inventory in your reserved class — you don't always get the exact model you booked, but it will be in the same category (compact, midsize, SUV, and so on). The entire check-in usually takes 10 to 15 minutes unless the location is extremely busy.

Key Takeaways

  • National requires a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance to rent, and you must be at least 25 years old at most locations (some allow drivers as young as 21 with an underage driver fee).
  • Your daily rental rate depends on the car class, location, season, and how far in advance you book — booking early usually costs less than renting the day before.
  • You can decline the rental company's insurance if your personal auto policy or credit card covers rental cars, but you'll be responsible for any damage if you do.
  • National's Emerald Club membership program offers perks like faster check-in and car selection, but the membership itself is free and the benefits vary by membership tier.
  • Return the car on time and in the same condition you rented it, or you'll face late fees and potential damage charges that can add significantly to your bill.

Daily Rates and What Affects the Price You Pay

National's daily rental rates vary widely based on the vehicle class, the rental location, the time of year, and how far ahead you book. A compact car in a small town during the off-season might cost $30 to $50 per day, while an SUV at a major airport during peak travel season could run $80 to $150 or more per day. Booking a week or two in advance typically gives you a lower rate than booking the day before, because National uses demand-based pricing similar to airlines.

The rate you see online includes the base rental cost, but your final bill will also include taxes, airport fees (if you're renting at an airport location), and any optional add-ons you choose. Some locations charge a facility fee on top of the daily rate — this varies by airport and state. Always review the full estimated total before you confirm your reservation, because the final number can be 20 to 30 percent higher than the daily rate alone.

Insurance Options and What You're Responsible For

National offers several insurance products at the rental counter: collision damage waiver (CDW), loss damage waiver (LDW), and supplemental liability coverage. These cover damage to the rental car and, in some cases, liability if you cause an accident. However, you may already have coverage through your personal auto insurance policy or your credit card's rental car protection. Before you rent, check your policy documents or call your insurance company to confirm what's covered — if you're already protected, you can decline National's insurance and save that cost.

If you decline National's insurance and you cause damage, you'll be responsible for the full repair bill. National will document any damage with photos and send you an invoice, which can easily exceed $1,000 for significant dents, scratches, or mechanical damage. Some credit cards cover rental cars only if you decline the rental company's insurance, so verify your card's specific terms. If you're unsure whether you're covered, it's usually safer to purchase National's coverage than to risk a large out-of-pocket bill.

The Emerald Club Membership and What It Actually Saves You

National's Emerald Club is a free membership program that offers perks like skipping the counter line and choosing your own car from a designated lot. The base membership (Emerald Club) is free and gives you these benefits at most locations. Higher tiers — Emerald Club Plus and Emerald Club Executive — cost money and add benefits like free upgrades and late-model car selection, but they're only worth it if you rent frequently.

The real value of Emerald Club is speed and convenience, not price. Your daily rate doesn't change whether you're a member or not — the membership doesn't discount the rental itself. If you rent a car once or twice a year, the free membership is worth signing up for just to avoid the counter line. If you rent monthly for business, the paid tiers might save you money on upgrades and give you more control over which car you get, but do the math on your own rental history before you commit to a paid tier.

Picking Up and Returning Your Car Without Extra Charges

When you pick up your rental, National will walk you through the vehicle's condition and fuel level. Take a few minutes to inspect the car — look for dents, scratches, stains, and mechanical issues — and point out anything that's already damaged so it's not charged to you. Take photos or video of the car's exterior and interior if you want a record. The fuel tank should be full; if it's not, report it when ready.

Return the car on the date and time specified in your reservation. Late returns incur daily charges that can be substantial — often the full daily rate or more. Return the car in the same condition you rented it, with a full fuel tank. If you return it with less fuel, National will charge you for a fill-up at their pump, which costs more per gallon than a gas station. If you damage the car, report it to National before you leave the lot so they can document it and give you an estimate. Unreported damage discovered later will be charged to your credit card without warning.

One-Way Rentals and Drop-Off Fees

National allows one-way rentals — you can pick up a car in one city and return it in another. However, one-way rentals usually cost more than round-trip rentals from the same location. The difference depends on the distance and the direction: renting a car in New York and returning it in Boston might cost $50 to $100 extra, while a cross-country one-way rental could add $200 or more to your bill.

When you book a one-way rental, the system will show you the total cost including the drop-off fee upfront, so you'll know the full price before you confirm. Some locations have higher drop-off fees than others — airport locations typically charge more than off-airport branches. If you're flexible on your return location, compare the cost of returning to different National branches in your destination city, because fees vary.

What Happens If You Have an Accident or Mechanical Problem

If you're in an accident, stop safely, call the police if anyone is injured, and get a police report number. Then call National's roadside information line — the number is on your rental agreement and on the key fob. National will guide you through the next steps, which usually include documenting the damage and arranging a replacement vehicle if the rental is undriveable. If you purchased National's insurance, they'll handle the damage claim. If you declined it, you'll be responsible for repairs.

If the rental car breaks down or has a mechanical problem while you're driving, call National's roadside information when ready. They'll send a tow truck or arrange a replacement vehicle. You're not responsible for mechanical failures — that's National's responsibility. Don't attempt major repairs on your own or take the car to an independent shop without National's approval, because you could be charged for unauthorized work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?

Yes, but most National locations require you to be at least 21 years old, and you'll pay an underage driver fee — typically $15 to $25 per day — in addition to the standard rental rate. Some premium locations may have higher age requirements. Check the age policy for your specific rental location when you book.

What if I need to cancel or change my reservation?

National's cancellation policy varies by rate type and how far in advance you booked. Some rates are fully refundable if you cancel before the rental date; others have cancellation fees. Check your confirmation email for the specific terms of your reservation. You can modify your reservation online or by calling National's customer service line.

Do I need a credit card to rent, or can I use a debit card?

National requires a credit card in your name to complete the rental. Debit cards are not accepted as the primary payment method, though some locations may accept them as a secondary form of ID. The credit card is used to authorize the rental and to cover any damage charges or late fees.

What's included in the rental, and what costs extra?

The daily rate includes the vehicle and basic liability coverage (required by law). Everything else costs extra: insurance, GPS rental, child car seats, additional drivers, fuel (if you return it empty), late fees, and tolls. Some locations offer free Wi-Fi and phone charging, but these vary by branch.

Can I add another driver to my rental?

Yes, National allows additional drivers at no charge if they meet the age and license requirements and are present at check-in. They must provide a valid driver's license and sign the rental agreement. If you want to add a driver after you've already picked up the car, you'll need to return to the rental location to update the paperwork.