Where to rent a car in Indianapolis and what each company offers
Indianapolis has rental desks at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) on the lower level, plus downtown locations and neighborhood branches run by the major companies. The airport location is the most convenient if you're flying in, but you'll pay an airport concession fee on top of the daily rate — typically 11 percent of your rental cost, though this varies by company. If you're renting locally without flying, a downtown or neighborhood branch avoids that surcharge.
The companies operating in Indianapolis include Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National. Each maintains multiple locations across the city. Enterprise and Budget tend to have the most branches, which matters if you need to return the car somewhere other than where you picked it up. National and Avis cater more to frequent business travelers and offer loyalty programs that waive some fees. Hertz operates at the airport and select downtown locations. Prices vary significantly between companies and by the day of the week — weekend rates are often higher than weekday rates at the same location.
Key Takeaways
- Airport rentals include an 11 percent concession fee on top of the daily rate, so renting from a downtown or neighborhood branch costs less if you can arrange ground transportation.
- You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — either your own policy or the rental company's coverage — before you can pick up a car.
- Fuel charges depend on which plan you choose: prepay for a full tank at a lower per-gallon rate, or return the car full and pay the pump price, or return it empty and pay the company's inflated rate.
- Damage waivers and liability coverage are optional but important; your personal auto insurance may cover rentals, so check your policy before buying the rental company's protection.
- One-way rentals (picking up in Indianapolis and dropping off elsewhere) cost more than round-trip, and some companies charge extra for drivers under 25.
What documents and payment methods you need to bring
You must have a valid driver's license — a U.S. state license, military ID, or passport card all work. The name on your license must match the name on the credit card you use to pay and to hold the security deposit. Rental companies place a hold on your card (typically $200 to $500 depending on the car size) that releases after you return the vehicle and they inspect it for damage. You cannot use a debit card for this hold at most companies, though some will accept one if you bring a second form of ID.
Proof of insurance is required. This can be your own auto insurance policy, a printed declaration page from your insurer, or a screenshot of your policy on your phone — bring whichever is easiest to show. If you don't have personal auto insurance, you must buy the rental company's damage waiver and liability coverage before you drive off the lot. Some credit cards include rental car coverage if you charge the full rental to that card; call your card issuer before you book to confirm what's covered and what's not.
Bring your reservation confirmation number if you booked online. If you're renting as a business expense, bring a corporate credit card if your company requires it. Some companies ask for a second form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card) if you're paying with a credit card that doesn't match your driver's license exactly.
How fuel charges work and which option costs least
Rental companies offer three fuel plans. The first is prepay: you pay for a full tank of gas when you pick up the car at a per-gallon rate that's usually lower than the pump price at a gas station. You return the car empty, and the company keeps any unused fuel. This works well if you know you'll use most of a tank. The second is pay-as-you-go: you return the car with a full tank and pay the pump price for whatever fuel you used. This is the fairest option if you're unsure how much you'll drive, because you pay only for what you burn.
The third option is return empty: you bring the car back empty and the company charges you for a full tank at their inflated rate, which is always higher than the pump price. Avoid this unless you're in a genuine time crunch and can't reach a gas station before returning the car. The difference between the pump price and the rental company's rate can be $1 to $2 per gallon, which adds up quickly on a full tank.
To minimize fuel costs, fill up at a gas station near the rental return location the day before you drop off the car. This gives you time to find a reasonably priced station and avoid the rush of returning on your last day. If you're returning at the airport, fill up on the drive to the airport rather than relying on the rental company's fuel option.
Damage waivers and insurance: what you actually need to buy
Rental companies offer a damage waiver (also called a collision damage waiver or CDW) that covers dents, scratches, and major damage to the car. Without it, you're liable for any damage, which can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. With it, you typically pay a daily fee (usually $15 to $30 per day) and the company covers damage up to the car's full value. Some waivers have a deductible — you pay the first $500 or $1,000 of damage, and the company covers the rest.
Before you buy the rental company's waiver, check your personal auto insurance policy. Most policies cover rental cars at the same level they cover your own car, which means you may already have collision and comprehensive coverage. Call your insurer and ask specifically whether rental cars are covered and what the deductible is. If your policy covers rentals, you don't need to buy the rental company's waiver — you're already protected. If you don't have personal auto insurance, you must buy the rental company's coverage.
Liability coverage (which covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property) is usually included in the rental price, but the limit is often the state minimum — $25,000 in Indiana. If you cause a serious accident, that limit may not be enough. Check whether your personal auto insurance extends to rentals and what your liability limit is. If it's higher than the rental company's default, you're covered. If not, consider buying the rental company's liability upgrade.
Age restrictions and additional driver fees
Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Indianapolis. Drivers under 25 typically pay an additional daily surcharge — usually $15 to $25 per day — because insurance companies charge higher rates for younger drivers. Some companies have a minimum age of 25 and do not rent to younger drivers at all, so check the company's policy before you book if you're under 25.
If a second person will drive the car, you may need to add them as an additional driver. Some companies allow one additional driver at no charge if they're a spouse or when ready family member. Others charge $10 to $15 per day for each additional driver. The additional driver must have a valid driver's license and meet the company's age requirement. If you don't list them as an additional driver and they get in an accident, the rental company may deny coverage.
One-way rentals and drop-off fees
A one-way rental means you pick up the car in Indianapolis and return it to a different city — for example, renting in Indianapolis and dropping off in Chicago. One-way rentals cost significantly more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the car back or reposition it for another customer. The fee varies by distance and destination; dropping off 50 miles away costs less than dropping off 200 miles away.
Some companies charge a flat one-way fee ($50 to $150) plus the daily rental rate. Others build the fee into the daily rate, so the per-day cost is higher for one-way rentals. Always compare the total cost of a one-way rental to the cost of renting round-trip and paying for your own transportation back to Indianapolis — sometimes it's cheaper to rent round-trip and take a bus or rideshare home.
If you're returning the car to a location outside Indianapolis but still within Indiana, confirm the drop-off location is actually open before you book. Some smaller towns have limited rental locations or hours, and you may not be able to return the car when you need to.
How to book and what to expect at pickup
You can book online through the rental company's website, through a travel site like Kayak or Expedia, or by calling the company directly. Online booking usually shows you the lowest available rate and lets you compare prices across companies. Travel sites sometimes offer discounts or bundle deals if you're booking a hotel or flight at the same time. Calling directly can sometimes yield a lower rate if you mention you're a returning customer or have a membership discount.
When you arrive to pick up the car, bring all your documents (license, credit card, proof of insurance) and your reservation confirmation. The agent will ask you to inspect the car for existing damage — dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues — and will document anything they find. Walk around the car with the agent, take photos of any damage on your phone, and ask the agent to note it on the rental agreement. This protects you from being charged for damage that was already there.
The agent will explain the fuel plan, damage waiver, and insurance options again at pickup. Don't feel rushed; ask questions about anything you don't understand. Before you drive away, confirm the return location, return date, and return time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or higher, so set a phone reminder the day before you're due back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I have an international driver's license?
Most companies accept an international driving permit (IDP) along with your passport, but some require a U.S. state license or military ID. Call the rental company before you book to confirm they'll accept your documents. If you're visiting from another country and don't have a U.S. license, ask whether the company has a location that rents to international visitors.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. A return that's 30 minutes to an hour late may incur a full day's charge. Call the rental location as soon as you realize you'll be late and ask what the charge will be. Some companies waive a small grace period (15 to 30 minutes) if you call ahead.
Can I rent a car with a debit card instead of a credit card?
Most companies require a credit card because they need to place a security hold. Some will accept a debit card if you bring a second form of ID and proof of insurance, but policies vary. Call ahead to confirm the company will accept your debit card before you arrive at pickup.
Do I need to buy the rental company's insurance if my credit card covers rentals?
No, if your credit card includes rental car coverage and you charge the full rental to that card, you don't need to buy the rental company's damage waiver. However, credit card coverage usually has a deductible and may not cover certain types of damage. Read your card's rental coverage details or call the card issuer to confirm what's covered before you decline the rental company's insurance.
Is there a cheaper way to rent a car in Indianapolis if I'm staying for a week or longer?
Weekly rates are usually lower per day than daily rates, so a seven-day rental costs less per day than a three-day rental. Some companies offer discounts for rentals longer than a week. Compare the weekly rate to the daily rate before you book. If you're renting for 10 days, it may be cheaper to book two five-day rentals with different companies than to book a single 10-day rental.