FAQ

Obtain the best rate by reserving your car rental online.

You must have a valid driver’s license and credit card (NO DEBIT OR CHECK CARDS) present, in your name, at the time of rental. If you will be declining our insurance coverage options, proof of insurance may be required when you pick up your vehicle.

A valid driver’s license, matching the credit card holder’s name, must be presented at the time of rental. If the license does not have English verbiage, an international license will be required.

Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards are acceptable forms of deposit. Debit cards are not accepted as a form of deposit, but can be used for payment once the rental is complete. The credit card must be in the name of the main renter and present at the time of rental.

Currently all cars must be kept within California state lines. Exceptions include Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas Nevada with notification at time of rental.

Reservations may be cancelled at anytime without incurring fees. We appreciate as much notice as possible, so that we may offer it to another inquiring customer. Please be aware that we will hold your reserved vehicle for 30 minutes past your reservation time. After 30 minutes, we reserve the right to consider you a “no show” and  cancel your reservation without notice.

We will do our very best to provide you with the vehicle of your choice. We have no control over vehicles being returned on time or if the vehicles are returned with physical or mechanical damage, therefore we can never 100% guarantee vehicle makes or colors.

You must be at least 21 years old to rent a compact or economy car from City Rent a Car and must be over 25 to rent all other classes and models. Drivers between 21 and 24 will incur a $15.00/daily underage fee. No one under the age of 21 may be listed as a driver regardless if they are a primary or secondary driver.

If you do not have your own insurance/coverage, you can purchase ours. At the time of rental, you will have the option to accept or decline our Renters Liability Insurance (RLI), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). Brochures are available at the counter at the time of rental.

Meets state minimum liability insurance requirements for damages to a 3rd party up to $30,000. Renters have the option of declining this minimum insurance with proof of valid personal liability insurance. See rental agent at counter for details and coverage limits.

Supplemental Liability Insurance covers 3rd party damages in excess of $30,000 and up to $1 million. See rental agent at counter for details and limitations.

By purchasing CDW, if there is any damage to the vehicle, you pay nothing. This covers all damage to the rental vehicle caused by the renter or 3rd party. If you do not purchase the CDW, renter is responsible in paying for any damage to the rental car upon return. See rental agent at counter for additional details.

Personal Accident Insurance provides medical coverage for passengers inside the rental vehicle. See rental agent at counter for details and limitations.

Yes, unless you have proof of your own personal liability insurance that covers car rentals in California. When driving the car rental you must have vehicle insurance that covers at least the minimum liability requirements for the state of California. If you intend to use your own insurance, please verify with your insurance policy and/or credit card company that driving car rentals in California are covered under your policy. Proof of insurance may be required when you pick up your vehicle in order to decline our coverage.

Please verify with your credit card company regarding coverage prior to arriving. Be aware that most credit cards offer coverage for damage to the rental car only (CDW), and do not cover liability insurance (RLI/SLI), which is required in the state of California. Proof of liability and limits may be required at the time of rental.

Rental charges are incurred per 24 hour rental periods. The vehicle must be picked up and returned at the same time of day to stay within a 24 hour period. Hourly fees, which may be prorated, may be incurred if returned past the 24 hour period. Additional fees, such as insurance or underage fees cannot be prorated and will be charged at an additional day’s rate.

Some vehicles may come with mileage charges of .50 per mile for miles driven over 150/day. This information will be reflected at the time of reservation.

Additional drivers are subject to the same qualifications as the primary driver. There is no additional charge for additional drivers, but all drivers must be present at the time of rental to sign the contract and provide his/her valid license and major credit card in his/her own name for verification.

We offer free after-hours returns in our downtown Union Square location until 11:00 PM. We work with a 3rd party valet company that collects our vehicles after our office is closed. Please note, vehicles returned after-hours will be checked-in by our staff the following business day and receipts will be emailed to the address on file.

Cars are available to be picked up during our regular business hours: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM 7 days a week, excluding major holidays.

For an additional fee and with authorization, rental cars may be returned to Park N Fly located at 160 Produce Avenue in South San Francisco, CA. We also offer return locations at the Oakland airport and Los Angeles airport. Please ask our rental agent for details.

Child safety seats are $8.95 per day. Please ask about child seat availability at the time of reservation – we will supply one for you, however you must install the equipment yourself.

Weekends usually sell out so make your reservation a few days ahead if possible.

We are happy to provide maps, ideas and great destinations to travel to. Our cars cannot go out of the state of California, except for Reno, and Las Vegas, Nevada. This exception must be stated at the time of rental and noted on the contract addendum.

Long term and insurance rates are available. Direct billing can often be arranged. Please inquire.

We offer portable GPS Navigation devices for $15.00 day. Please inquire at the rental counter.

We are closed Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.