What you need to rent a car in Louisiana

To rent a car in Louisiana, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old, though some charge an extra daily fee for drivers under 25. A few companies will rent to drivers as young as 18, but those rentals come with higher rates and stricter damage policies.

Your driver's license must not be suspended or revoked. If you're renting with an international license, bring your passport as well—Louisiana rental agencies will ask for it. The credit card is used to hold a deposit, which can range from $200 to $500 depending on the car type and rental company. That money stays on your card until you return the vehicle in good condition.

Insurance is the piece many renters get wrong. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, but you need to call your insurer before you book to confirm. If it doesn't, the rental company will offer you their collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW)—these are optional add-ons that protect you if the car is damaged or stolen. Without coverage of some kind, you're liable for the full repair cost.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance or be prepared to buy the rental company's damage waiver.
  • Drivers under 25 typically pay a daily surcharge, and some companies won't rent to anyone under 21.
  • Check your personal auto insurance before booking—it may already cover rental cars and save you money on the rental company's add-on fees.
  • Louisiana requires you to carry liability insurance on any vehicle you drive, and rental companies will not let you leave the lot without it.
  • Fuel policies vary by company; some charge you for a full tank upfront, while others let you return it empty for a per-gallon fee.

Where to rent a car in Louisiana

The major national chains—Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National—have locations at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and in most Louisiana cities. Airport locations are convenient but often charge facility fees on top of the rental rate. If you're flying in and have time to take a taxi or rideshare to a downtown location, you may save 10 to 15 percent on the total cost.

Local and regional companies like Thrifty, Fox Rent A Car, and Advantage also operate in Louisiana and sometimes undercut national rates. Their vehicles are older on average, but they're reliable for short trips. Check their damage policies carefully—some local companies are stricter about wear and tear than the majors.

Online booking sites like Kayak, Priceline, and Autoslash let you compare rates across multiple companies at once. These sites show you the base rate, taxes, and fees upfront, so you can see the real total before you commit. Book directly with the rental company if you find a better rate on their website—some companies match or beat third-party prices.

Insurance and liability coverage explained

Louisiana law requires every driver to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. If you cause an accident in a rental car without insurance, you're personally responsible for damages that exceed those minimums, and the rental company can sue you for the full cost of the vehicle.

Your personal auto insurance likely covers rental cars if you have collision and comprehensive coverage. Call your insurer and ask whether rental cars are included in your policy and whether there's a deductible. If your deductible is $1,000 and the rental company's damage waiver costs $15 per day, the math changes depending on how long you're renting. For a three-day trip, paying $45 for the waiver might be smarter than risking a $1,000 hit to your insurance claim.

Credit card rental car coverage is a third option. Some premium credit cards (American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and others) include rental car damage coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card. Read the fine print—most credit card coverage is secondary, meaning it only pays after your personal insurance is exhausted. Also, coverage usually excludes luxury cars, exotic vehicles, and trucks.

What happens at pickup and return

When you arrive to pick up your rental, the agent will ask for your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. They'll walk you around the car and point out any existing damage—dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues. This is called the damage inspection. Look at every panel, check the tires, test the lights, and make sure the agent documents anything that's already there. Take photos with your phone if the company allows it. If you don't report damage at pickup, you'll be charged for it at return.

The agent will explain the fuel policy. Some rentals come with a full tank and require you to return it full; others charge you a per-gallon rate if you return it less than full. A few companies offer a "fuel prepay" option where you buy a full tank upfront at a set price per gallon—this is usually more expensive than filling up yourself at a gas station before return, so avoid it unless you're certain you won't have time.

At return, the agent will inspect the car again, check the mileage, and review your contract. If there's new damage, they'll photograph it and charge you. If you rented a damage waiver, those charges are covered. If you didn't, you pay out of pocket. The entire return process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Keep your receipt and any damage documentation for your records.

Understanding rental rates and hidden fees

The base rental rate is what you see advertised, but it's rarely the final price. Louisiana adds a 4 percent state sales tax to all rentals. New Orleans adds an additional 2 percent local tax. Airport rentals include a facility fee (usually $5 to $10 per day) and a concession recovery fee (another $3 to $5 per day). These fees are mandatory and don't show up in the advertised rate.

Optional add-ons include GPS rental ($10 to $15 per day), additional driver fees ($10 to $15 per day), and roadside information. If your phone has GPS and you have roadside information through your insurance or a membership like AAA, skip these. Damage waivers range from $12 to $25 per day depending on the car type and company.

Some companies charge for returning the car late—usually $40 to $75 for each hour or partial hour past your return time. Others charge a per-mile overage fee if you exceed the mileage limit in your contract. Read your contract before you leave the lot so you know what you're paying for and what happens if plans change.

Driving in Louisiana and what to do if there's an accident

Louisiana is a right-turn-on-red state, meaning you can turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign says otherwise. Speed limits on interstate highways are 70 mph; on US highways, 65 mph; on state highways, 55 mph. New Orleans has a 25 mph speed limit in residential areas and 35 mph on most city streets. Speeding tickets are expensive and will be charged to your rental agreement.

If you're in an accident, call 911 if anyone is injured. If it's minor and no one is hurt, move the vehicles out of traffic if it's safe to do so, then call the police for a report. Get the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate, vehicle make and model, and insurance information. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles and the accident scene. Then call the rental company when ready—don't wait until you return the car.

The rental company will tell you whether to file a claim through their insurance or yours. If you have a damage waiver, the rental company handles it. If you don't, your personal insurance will likely handle it, and you'll pay your deductible. Never admit fault or sign anything the other driver gives you—let the insurance companies sort it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I have a suspended license?

No. Rental companies run a check on your license status before they hand over the keys. A suspended or revoked license will disqualify you. If your license was recently reinstated, bring documentation of that to the rental counter.

What if I need to return the car early or keep it longer?

Call the rental company as soon as you know your plans are changing. Early returns usually result in a refund of the unused days. Extensions depend on availability and may cost more per day than your original rate. Some companies charge a fee for modifying your reservation.

Do I have to buy the rental company's damage waiver?

No, it's optional. If your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars, you don't need it. If you don't have coverage, the waiver protects you from paying for damage out of pocket, so it's worth considering for peace of mind.

What's the difference between a damage waiver and liability insurance?

Liability insurance covers damage you cause to other people or their property. A damage waiver covers damage to the rental car itself. You need both. Liability is required by law; the damage waiver is optional but protects you financially.

Can I drive a rental car outside Louisiana?

Yes, but tell the rental company where you're going. Some companies restrict rentals to Louisiana and neighboring states. Others allow travel throughout the US but charge a one-way fee if you're returning the car in a different state. International travel is usually not allowed without special permission.