Where to rent a side-by-side in your area

Side-by-side rentals are available through three main channels: outdoor recreation shops, equipment rental chains, and ATV dealerships. The fastest way to find one near you is to search "side-by-side rental" or "UTV rental" plus your city name, then call the top results to confirm they have inventory available on your dates. Many shops rent by the day, weekend, or week.

National chains like Home Depot and Sunbelt Rentals carry some models, though availability is spotty and limited to their locations. Local ATV dealerships and powersports shops are more reliable — they typically stock 2 to 5 units and know the terrain around you. State parks and recreation areas sometimes partner with rental operators on-site, which saves a trip if you're renting specifically to use their trails.

Call ahead rather than showing up. Rental shops often have only one or two side-by-sides in stock, and a weekend booking can be gone by Wednesday. Ask whether they require a deposit, what documents you need to bring, and whether they deliver or require you to pick up.

Key Takeaways

  • Local ATV dealerships and powersports shops usually have the most side-by-side inventory and can tell you about trails in your area.
  • Daily rental rates typically run $75 to $150 per day depending on the model and your location, with weekend rates often higher.
  • You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card for the security deposit, which usually ranges from $500 to $1,500.
  • Confirm availability by phone before visiting, because most shops stock only one or two units and they book up quickly on weekends.
  • Insurance coverage varies by shop — some include it in the rental price, others charge extra, and some require you to add it to your own policy.

What documents and ID you need to bring

Bring a valid driver's license — most shops require you to be at least 18 years old, though some set the minimum at 21. A few locations ask for a second form of ID, so bring a passport or state ID card if you have one. You do not need an ATV license in most states to rent a side-by-side, though some shops may ask whether you have off-road riding experience.

Have a credit card ready for the security deposit. Shops typically hold $500 to $1,500 on your card as a damage deposit — they do not charge it unless you return the machine with damage beyond normal wear. Some shops also require proof of insurance if you're bringing the rental onto private land; ask when you call.

Rental costs and what they cover

Daily rental rates range from $75 to $150 per day for a standard side-by-side, depending on the model, your location, and whether you're renting on a weekday or weekend. Weekend rates are typically 20 to 40 percent higher than weekday rates. Multi-day rentals sometimes come with a discount — a three-day weekend rental might cost $350 to $400 instead of $450.

The rental price usually includes the machine, a helmet, and basic safety gear. Fuel is sometimes included; sometimes you return it with a full tank. Ask specifically: "Does the price include fuel, or do I pay for what I use?" Some shops charge a fuel surcharge if you return the tank less than full.

Insurance is where costs vary most. Some shops include damage waiver coverage in the daily rate. Others charge $15 to $30 extra per day for coverage that reduces your liability if you damage the machine. A few shops require you to carry your own insurance and will not rent to you without proof. Confirm the insurance situation before you commit to a shop.

Damage deposits and what happens if you damage the machine

The security deposit is a hold on your credit card, not a charge. The shop releases it within 3 to 7 business days if you return the side-by-side in the condition you rented it. Normal wear — dust, minor scratches, small dents — is expected and not charged. Damage that requires repair — cracked plastic, bent frame, engine problems, or damage from collision — will be charged against the deposit.

Before you leave the rental shop, walk around the machine with the staff member and point out any existing damage. Ask them to note it on the rental agreement. Take photos of the machine from multiple angles on your phone. This protects you if the shop tries to charge you for damage that was already there.

If damage costs more than the deposit amount, the shop will charge your credit card for the difference. Some shops require you to sign a damage waiver that limits your liability to the deposit amount; others do not. Ask about this before you sign the agreement.

Age requirements and experience restrictions

Most shops require renters to be at least 18 years old, though some set the minimum at 21. A few locations in states with strict ATV regulations may require you to show proof of an ATV safety course, but this is uncommon for side-by-side rentals. Call ahead to confirm the age requirement at your chosen shop.

Shops do not usually test your riding ability, but they may ask whether you have off-road experience. If you have never driven a side-by-side before, tell the staff — they can show you the controls and how to operate the machine safely before you leave. Some shops offer a brief orientation; others assume you know how to drive.

Picking up versus delivery options

Most side-by-side rentals require you to pick up the machine at the shop. This means you need to arrange transportation — either a trailer you own or a trailer rental from the same shop. Some shops offer trailer rental as an add-on for $30 to $50 per day, which is cheaper than renting a trailer separately.

A few larger rental operations in urban areas offer delivery to your location for an extra fee, usually $50 to $150 depending on distance. Delivery is worth considering if you do not have a way to transport the machine or if you're renting for a full week and want to avoid the trip to the shop twice.

If you're picking up yourself, confirm the shop's hours and plan to arrive with enough time to inspect the machine, ask questions, and get a brief walkthrough of the controls. Most pickups take 15 to 30 minutes.

Fuel, maintenance, and return conditions

Ask whether fuel is included in the rental price or whether you pay for what you use. If you pay for fuel, fill the tank at a gas station before returning the machine — shops charge a premium if you return it on empty. Some shops charge a flat fuel surcharge ($10 to $20) if you do not return the tank full.

You are responsible for basic maintenance during the rental period. If the machine runs out of oil, overheats, or breaks down because you did not check the fluid levels, you may be charged for repairs. The shop should show you where the oil dipstick and coolant reservoir are during the orientation. Check these before you leave the property each day.

Return the machine clean and on time. Shops charge late fees (typically $25 to $50 per hour) if you bring it back after the agreed time. Mud and dirt are normal, but if the machine is caked in mud or debris, some shops charge a cleaning fee of $25 to $75.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a side-by-side if I don't have a driver's license?

No. All rental shops require a valid driver's license as proof of identity and age. If your license is suspended or expired, you cannot rent. Some shops accept an international driving permit if you are visiting from another country, but call ahead to confirm.

What happens if I get into an accident or flip the machine?

Report it to the rental shop when ready, even if the damage seems minor. If you have damage waiver coverage, your liability is limited to the deposit amount. Without coverage, you are responsible for the full repair cost. The shop may also require you to file a police report if the accident happened on public land.

Can I rent a side-by-side for off-road trails, or only for private property?

Both are possible, but confirm with the rental shop which trails are legal in your area. Some state parks and national forests allow side-by-sides on designated trails; others do not. The shop staff can tell you which local trails are open to rentals. If you take the machine onto a trail where it is not permitted, you may face fines and the shop may refuse to rent to you again.

Do I need my own insurance to rent a side-by-side?

Not always. Most rental shops include damage waiver coverage in the daily rate or offer it as an add-on. Your personal auto or homeowner's insurance typically does not cover rental equipment. Ask the shop whether their coverage is included and what it covers before you sign the agreement.

What is the difference between a side-by-side and an ATV, and does it matter for rentals?

A side-by-side (also called a UTV) seats two to four people side by side and has a steering wheel, while an ATV is a single-rider machine with handlebars. Rental shops stock both, but side-by-sides are easier for beginners because they handle more like a car. If you are renting for the first time, ask for a side-by-side — they are more stable and forgiving on rough terrain.