Rent a Car One Way

One-way car rentals are ideal if you are planning a road trip, dealing with airline delays or cancellations, navigating unplanned trip changes or emergencies, or moving. One-way rental options are offered by most car rental companies and are convenient since they save you the time and hassle of returning the car to your original location. Rent a car one way by considering all options in your area, making a reservation, and returning the car in the same condition it was when you picked it up.

Steps

Reserving a Car

1. Compare prices. One-way rentals tend to be more expensive than booking a car round-trip, and rates vary depending on what company you rent a car from and on what dates. Using a comparison site like AutoSlash or KAYAK can help you find the best deal and decide the right rental company for you.
   • Inquire about hidden fees. When you find a rental company that you like and would potentially rent from, check the company website. One-way rentals often have additional fees that round-trip rentals don’t. The drop-off surcharge, which some companies charge for leaving the car somewhere other than where you picked it up, can add up to hundreds of dollars. It’s advisable to see what the company’s website says about these fees.
2. Search for discounts. Individual rental companies will often offer special deals, extras, and coupons on one-way rentals. These can range from 24 hour roadside assistance to unlimited mileage to a reduction of up to 35% on your price if you pay when you book your reservation instead of when you drop-off the car.
   • You can search for these discounts on the website of your selected rental company, through membership programs with AAA or AARP, or on a general site like Groupon or RetailMeNot.
3. Find out which companies have locations in your departure and arrival cities. A large national chain like Budget, Hertz, or Enterprise will offer more places to drop the car off than will a small company. Not only does this give you more options, but prices will typically be cheaper for companies with multiple drop-off locations.
4. Choose your vehicle. Car rental companies offer an array of options, including economy, full-size sedans, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Choose a model depending on your specific needs, but be aware that some car rental companies will only offer larger cars for one-way rentals.
5. Decide whether you need to purchase insurance. Check with your auto insurance company to see if the coverage you have for your main vehicle also extends to a rental car. It is likely that it will if you have full coverage, but it’s best to double-check by checking your insurance policy.
   • Buy insurance over the phone or online instead of at the counter. The rates will likely be lower, and you won’t feel pressured to purchase insurance that you actually may not need.
6. Book your reservation. You can do this online, over the phone, or in person, whichever option is most convenient for you.
   • List additional drivers, if applicable. This may cost more, but if you plan on letting somebody else drive, the liability will be on you if an accident happens.
   • Read over the rental agreement line by line and ask the service representative any questions you may have about the contract. It is better to be certain of what you’re signing than to have to face any surprises during your trip.

Picking up and Dropping off the Car

1. Choose a pickup location. Airports are the most common option, but rental companies charge higher rates for renting a car from the terminal. Consider picking up your car at a rental-car outlet, which will likely be priced at a lower rate and have shorter lines.
2. Inspect the car for damage. Do this before getting into the car. List any damage, however small - from a scratch to a dent. This can help protect you from being charged extra for damage you didn’t cause.
   • Take pictures of any damage for evidence.
3. Be aware of mileage caps. Some auto rental companies will offer unlimited daily mileage, but some rental plans may place a cap on 150 miles a day for larger cars or SUVs. Stay within the stipulated range to avoid extra fees.
4. Return the car at the end of the rental. Your rental agreement will stipulate a time and place to drop off the car. Put the keys, final odometer reading, and signature in the designated envelope and drop it off at the lot.
   • Make sure to return the car within the window of time specified - you can be charged extra for returning the car early or late.
   • Register the car’s return at the drop-off location. Many companies offer after-hours drop-off, so if it’s after hours, call the customer service number to notify that you returned the car before your rental period was over.
   • Make sure you have gathered all your belongings before returning the car.

Tips

• Avoid any extras you don’t need. A GPS feature, car seats for kids, and other such extras can significantly raise the price of the rental, so it’s best to avoid these.

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