What you need to rent a car in Los Angeles
To rent a car in Los Angeles, 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 extra fees for drivers under 25. Your driver's license can be from any U.S. state or a valid international license if you're visiting from abroad.
The credit card must be in the same name as the person renting the vehicle. Rental companies use it to hold a deposit, which is separate from the rental charge itself. The deposit amount varies by company and vehicle type, but typically ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. Your insurance can come from your own policy, your credit card company, or you can purchase it from the rental company.
Los Angeles has rental locations at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), Long Beach Airport, Burbank Airport, and throughout the city. Airport locations are convenient but often charge facility fees on top of the base rental rate. Off-airport locations in neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Downtown LA, or Hollywood may have lower daily rates but require you to arrange your own transportation to pick up the car.
Key Takeaways
- You must show a valid driver's license, credit card in your name, and proof of insurance to complete a rental.
- Rental companies place a hold on your credit card for a deposit separate from the daily rental charge, which is released when you return the car undamaged.
- Airport rental locations charge facility fees that can add 10 to 20 percent to your total cost, while off-airport locations are often cheaper but less convenient.
- Los Angeles traffic and parking are significant factors in your rental experience, and you should understand the vehicle's size and your route before you drive.
- Damage waivers and insurance options vary widely in cost and coverage, so comparing what your own policy covers can save you money.
How rental rates work and what affects the price
Rental rates in Los Angeles change based on demand, season, and how far in advance you book. Summer months (June through August), holiday weekends, and special events drive prices up significantly. Booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead usually gives you better rates than booking the day before, though this varies by company and availability.
The daily rate is only part of your total cost. You also pay taxes (Los Angeles sales tax is 9.5 percent), facility fees if you rent at the airport, and any insurance or damage waiver you purchase. Some companies charge extra for additional drivers, GPS units, or child car seats. Fuel is another major variable: you can return the car with a full tank, prepay for a tank at the rental company's rate (which is usually higher than gas station prices), or return it empty and pay the company's per-gallon rate.
Mileage is typically unlimited in Los Angeles, but confirm this when you book. Some companies or vehicle types may have daily mileage limits or charge per mile over a threshold. Reading the rental agreement carefully before you sign protects you from unexpected charges at return.
Understanding insurance and damage coverage
Damage waiver (also called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) is the rental company's insurance product. It covers damage to the rental car if you're in an accident or the car is vandalized. The cost ranges from $15 to $30 per day depending on the vehicle and company. If you decline the waiver and the car is damaged, you pay for repairs out of pocket, which can easily exceed $1,000.
Your own auto insurance may already cover rental cars, so check your policy before you rent. Many policies include rental coverage at no extra charge. Credit card companies also offer rental car coverage if you use their card to pay for the rental, though the coverage varies by card and issuer. Call your insurance company and credit card company before you book to confirm what they cover and what they don't.
If you decline the rental company's damage waiver and rely on your own insurance or credit card coverage, you are responsible for paying the rental company upfront if damage occurs, then submitting a claim to your insurance or credit card company for reimbursement. This can take weeks or months. Many renters buy the rental company's waiver for peace of mind, even if their own insurance covers it, because it eliminates the hassle of claims.
Picking up and returning your rental car
When you arrive at the rental location, bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. The agent will show you the car, walk you through its features, and point out any existing damage. This is critical: the agent will document the car's condition in a photo or written report. If there is damage you don't report now, you may be charged for it at return. Take your own photos or video of the car's exterior and interior before you leave the lot.
At return, the agent inspects the car for new damage, checks the fuel level, and confirms the mileage. If the car has damage beyond normal wear, you will be charged. The rental company may also charge cleaning fees if the interior is excessively dirty. Your credit card hold is released within a few days if there are no charges, or the company will charge you for damage and fees before releasing the hold.
Los Angeles traffic can make it difficult to return a car on time. If you are late, you will be charged for an extra day or partial day depending on the company's policy. Some companies charge a flat daily rate for late returns; others charge an hourly rate for the first few hours. Check the rental agreement for the late return policy and plan to return the car earlier than you think you need to.
Navigating Los Angeles traffic and parking with a rental
Los Angeles is known for heavy traffic, especially on the 405, 101, and 10 freeways during rush hours (7 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.). If you're unfamiliar with the city, consider renting a smaller car that is easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Parking in Los Angeles is expensive and sometimes difficult to find, especially in Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Downtown LA. Many hotels charge for parking, and street parking in popular neighborhoods requires a permit or has time limits.
If you're renting at LAX, expect to spend 30 minutes to an hour getting out of the airport area due to traffic. The airport rental car center is located off-site, and you take a shuttle from the terminal. Plan extra time for this process. If you're picking up a car in the city, ask the rental agent about parking at your destination before you drive there.
GPS and smartphone navigation are essential in Los Angeles. Most rental cars come with a built-in navigation system, or you can use your phone with Google Maps or Apple Maps. read offline maps before you drive in case you lose cell service. Tolls on some Los Angeles freeways (like the 110 and 10 in certain sections) are charged electronically; confirm with the rental company how tolls are handled and whether they charge a processing fee.
Comparing rental companies and finding the best rate
Major rental companies in Los Angeles include Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National. Each has different pricing, vehicle selection, and customer service records. Enterprise and Budget tend to have lower daily rates but may have older vehicles. Hertz, Avis, and National often have newer cars and more premium options but charge more per day. Regional companies like Fox Rent A Car operate in Los Angeles and sometimes offer competitive rates for economy cars.
Comparison websites like Kayak, Autoslash, and Priceline let you search multiple companies at once and see total costs including taxes and fees. These sites show you the base rate, facility fees, and estimated total, which makes it easier to compare. Book directly through the company's website if you find a better rate there, because some companies offer discounts for direct bookings that don't appear on third-party sites.
Membership programs like AAA, AARP, and corporate travel programs sometimes offer discounts on rental rates. If you belong to any of these, enter your membership number when you book. The discount may be 10 to 20 percent off the base rate, though it doesn't always explore to the lowest available rate.
What to do if the rental car breaks down or is damaged
If the car breaks down while you're driving, pull over safely and call the rental company's roadside information number. This number is on your rental agreement and on the key tag. The company will send a tow truck or replacement vehicle to your location. You are not responsible for the breakdown if the car was in normal condition when you picked it up.
If you are in an accident, do not leave the scene. Call the police and get a report number, then call the rental company when ready. Take photos of the damage, get the other driver's insurance information and license plate, and get contact information from any witnesses. The rental company will guide you through the claims process. If you purchased their damage waiver, you typically pay a deductible (often $500 to $1,500) and the waiver covers the rest. If you declined the waiver, you are responsible for the full repair cost unless your own insurance covers it.
If the car is stolen, report it to the police and the rental company right away. You are not liable for the car's value if you purchased the damage waiver, though you may owe a deductible. Without the waiver, you are responsible for the car's full value, which can be $20,000 or more for a new vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Los Angeles with an international driver's license?
Yes, most rental companies accept an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your passport and home country driver's license. Some companies require an IDP; others accept just your home license. Call the rental company before you book to confirm their policy. You must also have a credit card in your name and proof of insurance.
What happens if I return the car with damage I didn't cause?
Report the damage to the agent at return when ready. The agent will document it and you will not be charged. If you don't report it and the company charges you later, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company or contact the rental company's customer service with photos from pickup showing the damage was pre-existing.
Do I have to buy the rental company's damage waiver?
No, it is optional. If your own auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars, you can decline the waiver and save $15 to $30 per day. Confirm your coverage before you book by calling your insurance company and credit card issuer. If you have no coverage, buying the waiver is usually worth the cost to avoid paying for repairs yourself.
Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?
Yes, but most companies charge an additional daily fee for drivers under 25, typically $15 to $25 per day. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; others require you to be 25 to rent without the extra fee. Check the company's age policy when you book. You still need a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance.
What is the best time to book a rental car in Los Angeles?
Booking 2 to 4 weeks in advance usually gives you the lowest rates. Avoid booking during summer vacation (June through August), holiday weekends, and major events like the Academy Awards. Weekday rentals are often cheaper than weekend rentals. If you have flexible travel dates, comparing rates across different days can save you money.