Car rental companies operating in Ames

Ames itself does not have a major rental car facility, but you have several options within a short drive. Enterprise and Budget both operate locations in Ames proper — Enterprise is at 320 South Duff Avenue, and Budget is at 1520 South Duff Avenue. Both are open six days a week, though hours vary by location and season.

If those locations are closed or don't have what you need, Hertz, Avis, and National all have counters at Ames Regional Airport (AMW), about 10 minutes from downtown. Airport locations typically stay open later and have larger fleets, but you may pay an airport facility fee on top of the daily rate.

For budget-focused rentals, Turo (peer-to-peer car sharing) and Zipcar operate in the Ames area if you need a vehicle for a few hours rather than days. These work differently from traditional rental companies — you book through an app, pick up from a parking lot or the owner's location, and return on your own schedule within the rental window.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise and Budget have physical locations in Ames on South Duff Avenue, while Hertz, Avis, and National operate from Ames Regional Airport about 10 minutes away.
  • Airport rental counters usually have more vehicles available and longer hours, but add an airport facility fee to your total cost.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance (your own or the rental company's), and a credit card in your name to rent a car.
  • Daily rates in Ames typically range based on vehicle type and season, and weekend rates are often higher than weekday rates.
  • Peer-to-peer services like Turo and Zipcar offer shorter-term rentals by the hour or day if you do not need a traditional multi-day rental.

What you need to bring to rent a car

All rental companies require the same core documents. Bring your valid driver's license — it must be current and not suspended. An international driver's permit is useful if your license is not in English, but not required if your license is valid in the United States.

You will also need proof of insurance. This can be your own auto insurance card (check that it covers rental cars — most do, but some exclude them), or you can purchase the rental company's collision damage waiver and liability coverage at the counter. The rental company will ask which you prefer before you drive off the lot.

Finally, bring a credit card in your name. Rental companies place a hold on the card for the full estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit, typically $200 to $500. This hold is released when you return the car undamaged. Debit cards are rarely accepted for this reason.

How rental rates work in Ames

Daily rates depend on the vehicle class, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. Economy cars (sedans, compact hatchbacks) are cheapest, usually ranging from $35 to $60 per day in off-season and $50 to $85 during peak travel times. Midsize and full-size cars cost more, and SUVs or vans can run $70 to $150 per day or higher.

Booking ahead almost always saves money. If you book three weeks in advance, you lock in a lower rate than if you walk in the day before. Weekend rates are typically 20 to 40 percent higher than weekday rates at the same location.

The quoted rate usually covers unlimited mileage within Iowa and neighboring states, but check the contract — some companies limit mileage on longer rentals or charge per mile after a threshold. Fuel is your responsibility: you can return the car with a full tank (you pay for the gas), or you can prepay for a full tank at the rental counter and return it empty (this is usually more expensive per gallon than filling it yourself).

Damage, insurance, and what happens if something goes wrong

When you pick up the car, the rental agent will walk you through an inspection and point out any existing damage — dents, scratches, stains. This is documented on your contract. You are responsible for any new damage that occurs during your rental period, unless you purchased the rental company's damage waiver.

If you decline the damage waiver and something happens — a fender bender, a cracked windshield, interior stains — your personal auto insurance may cover it, or you may pay out of pocket. The rental company will bill you after you return the car, sometimes weeks later. This is why bringing proof of your own insurance matters: you can verify coverage before you leave the lot.

If you are in an accident, contact the rental company when ready. Do not leave the scene, and do not admit fault. Get the other driver's information, take photos, and call the police if there is injury or significant damage. The rental company will guide you through their claims process.

Returning the car and avoiding extra fees

Return the car on time and with a full tank of fuel. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or higher, and fuel charges are steep — typically $4 to $6 per gallon if you return it empty and the company fills it. Some companies charge a restocking fee ($20 to $50) if you return the car with less than a quarter tank.

Return the car to the same location where you picked it up unless you arranged a one-way rental in advance. One-way rentals (for example, renting in Ames and returning in Des Moines) cost more and must be booked ahead. Returning to the wrong location or a different company's branch will result in additional charges.

Keep your rental agreement and receipt. If the rental company later disputes charges or claims damage you did not cause, your documentation is your proof. Many rental companies photograph the car at return, so if there is a disagreement, ask for those photos.

Renting from Ames Regional Airport versus downtown locations

Downtown Ames locations (Enterprise and Budget on South Duff) are convenient if you live or work in town and need a car for a day or two. They are easier to reach without a car, and you avoid airport fees. However, their fleets are smaller, so availability can be tight during peak travel times like holidays or summer weekends.

Ames Regional Airport (AMW) locations have larger fleets and longer hours — some counters stay open until 10 p.m. or later. This matters if your flight arrives late or you need to rent outside normal business hours. The trade-off is an airport facility fee, usually $5 to $15 per day, added to your bill. If you are flying in and out of Ames, airport rental is often simpler because you can pick up and return the car right there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I am under 25?

Yes, but most companies charge an underage driver fee of $15 to $30 per day for drivers under 25. Some companies require drivers to be at least 21; a few require 25 with no exceptions. Call ahead to confirm the company's age policy before you book.

What if I need to cancel or change my reservation?

Cancellation policies vary. If you booked directly with the rental company, you can usually cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup. If you booked through a third-party site like Kayak or Expedia, read the fine print — some third-party bookings are non-refundable. Changes to dates or vehicle type may be possible but could trigger a repricing.

Do I need to buy the rental company's insurance?

Not if your personal auto insurance covers rental cars. Call your insurance company before you rent and confirm that rental vehicles are covered. If you are not insured or your policy excludes rentals, the rental company's damage waiver (usually $15 to $25 per day) protects you from liability for damage to the car.

Can I rent a car with a debit card?

Most companies require a credit card because they need to place a hold for the full rental cost plus a deposit. Some locations will accept a debit card if you bring a second form of ID and proof of insurance, but this is rare. Call the location ahead of time if you only have a debit card.

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

Document the damage with photos when you pick up the car, and make sure the agent notes it on your contract. If new damage appears and you did not cause it, you have a record that it was not your responsibility. If you are unsure whether damage is pre-existing, ask the agent to photograph it before you drive away.