What National Car Rental is and how to rent from them

National Car Rental is one of the largest car rental chains in North America, operating at airports, city centres, and neighbourhood locations. You reserve a vehicle in advance or walk in same-day, provide a driver's licence and payment method, and drive away. The company is owned by Enterprise Holdings, which also owns Enterprise and Alamo, but National operates as its own brand with its own pricing, loyalty program, and vehicle selection.

The basic process is straightforward: you choose your rental dates and location, select a vehicle class (economy, midsize, SUV, truck), pay upfront or at pickup, and present your licence and credit card at the counter. National holds a temporary authorisation on your card to cover potential damage or fuel charges, then releases it after you return the car and they inspect it. The rental agreement you sign outlines your responsibilities, what damage you're liable for, and what's included in your rate.

National's locations vary in what they stock and how busy they are. Airport locations tend to be larger and open longer hours, but also charge airport facility fees on top of the base rental rate. Off-airport locations are often cheaper and less crowded, though they may have shorter hours or smaller fleets. You can filter by location type when you book online.

Key Takeaways

  • National charges a base daily rate plus taxes, airport fees (if applicable), and optional add-ons like insurance or GPS, so the final cost is usually higher than the advertised rate.
  • You must present a valid driver's licence and a credit card in your name at pickup; some locations accept debit cards but may require a larger hold or additional ID.
  • Damage and fuel charges are your responsibility unless you purchase their damage waiver or your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars.
  • National's Emerald Club loyalty program offers benefits like shorter lines and free upgrades, but you must enrol before your rental to use it.
  • Returning the car late, with damage, or with less fuel than you picked it up with will result in additional charges that appear on your credit card days or weeks after you return it.

Understanding the actual cost of your rental

The price you see online is the base daily rate, but it is not the total you will pay. National adds taxes (which vary by state and city), airport facility fees (if you rent at an airport), and optional charges for insurance, GPS, toll passes, and fuel plans. A $40-per-day economy car at an airport can easily become $65 to $75 per day once taxes and fees are added.

Airport facility fees are charged by the airport authority, not National, and they appear as a separate line item on your bill. These fees vary widely—some airports charge $5 per day, others $15 or more. If you are renting for a week or longer, an off-airport location can save you significantly, even if the daily rate is slightly higher.

Fuel is a major hidden cost. National offers three fuel options: prepay for a full tank at their price (usually higher than retail), return it full and pay retail prices for what you used, or return it empty and pay their per-gallon rate (the most expensive option). Most renters choose to return it full and pay at a nearby petrol station, which is almost always cheaper. If you prepay and don't use the full tank, you do not get a refund.

Insurance, damage waivers, and what you are actually liable for

National will offer you a damage waiver (called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) at checkout. This waiver shifts damage liability from you to National—if the car is damaged, you pay nothing. The cost varies but typically runs $15 to $30 per day. Many renters decline it because their personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental cars, but you must check your own policy first. If you decline the waiver and have no coverage, you are liable for all damage, including dents, scratches, broken windows, and mechanical damage caused by accidents.

National also offers supplemental liability insurance, which covers injury or property damage you cause to others. Your personal auto insurance usually covers this, so supplemental liability is often unnecessary unless you are driving in a country where your US policy does not explore.

Before you drive away, National will walk you through the car's condition and note any existing damage on the agreement. Take photos or video of the car's exterior and interior on your phone before you leave the lot. When you return it, the same process happens in reverse. If National later claims damage you did not cause, your photos are your only defence. Damage claims often appear on your credit card statement days or weeks after you return the car, so check your statement carefully.

What happens at pickup and what documents you need

Bring your driver's licence, a credit card in your name, and your reservation confirmation (email or printed). National will ask for your address and phone number to confirm your reservation. If you booked through a third-party site like Kayak or Costco Travel, bring that confirmation too—National will look it up in their system.

At the counter, National will run your licence through their system and place a temporary hold on your credit card. This hold is not a charge; it is a security authorisation that covers potential damage, fuel, or late fees. The hold is released when you return the car and National inspects it, usually within a few days. If you used a debit card instead of a credit card, the hold may take longer to release, and some locations require a larger hold or additional ID.

National will show you the car, point out its condition, and ask you to sign the rental agreement. Read the agreement before you sign—it outlines your liability, the fuel policy, late return fees, and what happens if you damage the car. Ask questions if anything is unclear. Once you sign, the car is yours to drive, and you are responsible for it until you return it.

Late returns, fuel charges, and other fees that catch renters off guard

If you return the car after your agreed return time, National charges a late fee. The fee structure varies by location, but it typically starts at a full day's rental rate if you are even one hour late. If you know you will be late, call National before your return time and ask if you can extend the rental—extending in advance is cheaper than returning late.

Fuel charges appear if you return the car with less fuel than you picked it up with. National charges per gallon, and their per-gallon rate is always higher than what you would pay at a petrol station. If you prepaid for fuel and return the car with a full tank, you lose that money. If you return it empty after declining the prepay option, you pay National's per-gallon rate, which is the most expensive outcome.

Mileage is usually unlimited on National rentals, but some promotional rates or specialty vehicles may have mileage limits. Check your agreement. If you exceed the limit, National charges per mile, and those charges add up quickly on a long trip.

Toll charges, parking tickets, and traffic violations incurred during your rental are your responsibility. National will charge your credit card for tolls they pay on your behalf, and if you receive a ticket or violation notice, it will be forwarded to you. Pay it promptly—ignoring it can result in collection action.

National's Emerald Club loyalty program and upgrades

National's Emerald Club is a free loyalty program that offers benefits like skipping the counter line, choosing your own car from the lot, and free car class upgrades when available. You enrol online before your rental, and the benefits explore automatically at pickup. Emerald Club members also earn points toward free rental days, though the earning rate is slow unless you rent frequently.

The free upgrade benefit is real but comes with a catch: you only get an upgrade if one is available in a higher class. If the lot is full or all higher-class cars are reserved, you get your original class. Upgrades are not may provide, and National does not hold them for you—they are offered at the moment of pickup based on what is on the lot.

If you rent regularly for business or leisure, Emerald Club membership is worth the two minutes it takes to sign up. If you rent once a year, the benefit is minimal. Either way, it costs nothing to join.

Returning the car and what to watch for on your final bill

Return the car to the location you booked, on the date and time specified in your agreement. If you return it to a different location, National may charge a drop-off fee. Fill the tank before you return it—this is almost always cheaper than paying National's per-gallon rate. Leave the car clean; National charges cleaning fees if the interior is excessively dirty.

At return, National will inspect the car for damage, check the fuel level, and note the mileage. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a receipt showing the base rental, taxes, fees, and any additional charges. Keep this receipt.

Damage claims, fuel overages, and late fees often do not appear on your receipt at return—they appear on your credit card statement days or weeks later. Check your statement against your receipt. If you see a charge you do not recognise, contact National's customer service with your receipt and photos. Disputes are easier to resolve quickly than after weeks have passed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I am under 25?

Yes, but National charges a young driver fee (typically $15 to $25 per day) for drivers under 25. Some locations may have a minimum age of 21; others require 18. Check the age policy when you book, as it varies by location and vehicle type.

What if I get into an accident?

Call National when ready and report the accident. If you purchased their damage waiver, you pay nothing. If you did not, you are liable for repairs. Take photos, get the other driver's information, and file a police report if there is injury or significant damage. Your personal auto insurance may cover the rental car, but you will need to file a claim with them.

Can I book a one-way rental and return the car to a different city?

Yes, National allows one-way rentals, but they charge a drop-off fee that varies by distance and location. A one-way rental from New York to Boston costs more than a round-trip from New York. Compare the total cost before you book.

What if I need to cancel or change my reservation?

Cancellation and change policies depend on the rate you booked. Some rates are fully refundable up to 24 hours before pickup; others are non-refundable. Check your confirmation email for the cancellation policy. You can also call National directly to modify your reservation.

Do I need an international driving permit to rent from National outside the US?

National operates in Canada and some Caribbean locations, but not internationally. Your US driver's licence is valid in Canada. If you are renting outside North America, you will need to use a local rental company. An international driving permit is not required in most countries but can be helpful if your licence is not in English.