What RVA Rent a Car is and how to use it

RVA Rent a Car is a car rental company based in Richmond, Virginia that rents vehicles to people who need short-term transportation. You reserve a vehicle online or by phone, pick it up at their location, drive it for the period you've paid for, and return it when your rental ends. The company operates from a single Richmond location rather than multiple branches across the state or region.

The rental process itself follows the standard car rental model: you provide a driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card for the deposit, then take the vehicle and return it at the agreed time. Rates and vehicle availability change based on demand and season, so what you pay depends on when you rent, how long you keep the car, and which vehicle type you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • RVA Rent a Car operates from one location in Richmond, Virginia, so you must pick up and return your vehicle there.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card to complete a rental.
  • Daily rates and vehicle availability vary by season and demand, so prices are not fixed year-round.
  • The company rents standard passenger vehicles rather than specialty or commercial equipment.

What documents and information you need before you rent

Before you can rent from RVA Rent a Car, you must have a valid driver's license issued by any U.S. state or a valid passport if you are an international driver. The license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must be at least 21 years old to rent most vehicles (some companies require 25 for certain car types, though specific age policies vary by rental company).

You will also need proof of insurance. This can be your personal auto insurance card, a rental car insurance policy you purchase from the rental company, or a credit card that covers rental vehicles—check your card's benefits before you arrive. The rental company will ask to see this documentation before handing over the keys.

Bring a credit card in your name for the security deposit. This is not a charge for the rental itself; it is a hold that covers potential damage or fuel costs. The hold is released after you return the vehicle in the agreed condition and with a full tank of gas (or whatever fuel level was specified in your contract).

How to reserve a vehicle and what information to provide

You can reserve a vehicle through RVA Rent a Car's website or by calling their Richmond location directly. When you reserve, you will need to provide your pickup date and time, your return date and time, your driver's license number, and the type of vehicle you want (economy, mid-size, SUV, etc., depending on what they have available).

During the reservation, the company will quote you a daily rate and a total rental cost based on the number of days you are keeping the vehicle. This quote is an estimate; the final price may change if you return the car late, if you add insurance options, or if you choose to refuel at the rental location instead of arriving with a full tank. Ask about any current promotions or discounts when you call or book online.

Confirm your reservation details in writing—either through an email confirmation or by writing down the confirmation number the agent gives you. Bring this confirmation and your documents to pickup.

What happens at pickup and what the rental agreement covers

When you arrive to pick up your vehicle, staff will inspect the car for existing damage and document it on a damage report. Walk around the vehicle with them and point out any scratches, dents, or interior wear you notice. Take photos of the vehicle's condition if the company allows it. This protects you from being charged for damage that was already there.

You will then sign the rental agreement, which outlines the daily rate, the total cost, the fuel policy, mileage limits (if any), and your responsibility for damage or traffic violations. Read this agreement carefully before signing. It will specify whether the rental includes unlimited mileage, whether you must return the vehicle with a full tank, and what happens if you return it late.

The agreement also explains what you are responsible for: damage beyond normal wear, traffic tickets or parking violations incurred during the rental period, and toll charges. Some rental companies charge a processing fee if you are cited for a violation after you return the car.

Fuel, mileage, and late return policies

Most car rental companies, including RVA Rent a Car, operate on a "full-to-full" fuel policy: you receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it with a full tank. If you return it with less fuel, the company will refuel it and charge you for the gas plus a service fee—this is almost always more expensive than filling up yourself at a gas station before returning the car.

Ask whether your rental includes unlimited mileage or has a daily mileage limit. Economy and mid-size rentals typically offer unlimited mileage, but some longer rentals or special rates may cap your miles per day. Exceeding the limit results in per-mile charges that add up quickly.

If you return the vehicle after your agreed return time, you will be charged for additional days or partial days, depending on the company's late return policy. Some companies charge a full day's rate if you are even one hour late; others charge an hourly rate for the first few hours. Confirm the late return policy when you make your reservation so you know what to expect.

Insurance options and what your personal policy covers

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental vehicles, but you need to verify this before you rent. Call your insurance company and ask whether rental cars are covered under your policy and whether there are any limits or exclusions. Some policies cover rentals only within the United States, and some exclude certain types of damage.

If your personal insurance does not cover rentals, or if you want additional protection, RVA Rent a Car will offer you a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) at the time of rental. This shifts responsibility for damage to the rental company in exchange for a daily fee, usually between $10 and $25 per day depending on the vehicle type. You can also purchase rental car insurance through your credit card company or a third-party insurer before you rent.

Do not assume you are covered. Gaps in coverage can leave you responsible for thousands of dollars in damage. Spend five minutes confirming your coverage before pickup day.

What to do if the vehicle breaks down or you have an accident

If the vehicle breaks down while you are driving it, pull over to a safe location and call RVA Rent a Car when ready. They will provide roadside information or arrange a tow to a repair facility. You are not responsible for mechanical failure that occurs during normal use; the rental company's insurance covers this.

If you are in an accident, do not leave the scene. Call the police and request a police report, then call RVA Rent a Car to report the incident. Exchange information with the other driver (name, phone number, address, insurance company, policy number, driver's license number, and vehicle details). Take photos of the damage to both vehicles and the accident scene if it is safe to do so. Provide all of this information to the rental company when you report the accident.

The rental company will investigate the accident and determine fault. If you are found to be at fault and you did not purchase damage coverage, you may be charged for repairs. If you purchased a damage waiver, the waiver typically covers your liability up to the vehicle's actual cash value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I do not have insurance?

You can rent a car without personal insurance, but you must purchase a damage waiver from the rental company at the time of rental. This protects you from liability if the vehicle is damaged. The daily cost for this coverage varies but typically ranges from $10 to $25 per day. Ask about the cost when you make your reservation.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late return charges depend on the rental company's policy. Some charge a full day's rate if you are even one hour late; others charge an hourly rate for the first few hours before moving to a daily rate. Confirm the late return policy when you reserve so you know what to expect. If you think you will be late, call the rental location as soon as possible.

Can I add a second driver to my rental?

Most rental companies allow additional drivers, but they must meet the same age and license requirements as the primary renter and must be present at pickup to sign the rental agreement. Some companies charge a small daily fee for each additional driver. Ask about this when you make your reservation.

What if I need to extend my rental?

Call RVA Rent a Car as soon as you know you need the car longer. If the vehicle is available, they can extend your rental and adjust your bill. If the vehicle is already reserved by another customer, you may not be able to extend. It is easier to arrange an extension before your return date than to scramble for a new rental after you return.

Do I have to return the car with a full tank of gas?

Yes, under the standard full-to-full fuel policy. If you return the vehicle with less than a full tank, the rental company will refuel it and charge you for the gas plus a service fee, which is significantly more expensive than filling up yourself. Fill the tank at a gas station near the rental location before you return the car.