Auto Rental Cars Companies

Renting a vehicle for your next trip gives you the flexibility of traveling when and where you want to. However, if this is your first time to go the rented-vehicle route, choosing from dozens of auto rental cars companies can be difficult.

Popular Auto Rental Cars Companies

Alamo – Missouri-based Alamo is owned by the company behind Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the Enterprise Holdings (since 2007). It has over 170 self-service kiosks in the U.S. and is known for being the first company to serve renters with the unlimited mileage program and the online check-in system.
Avis – New Jersey-based Avis Rent a Car System is known for being the first company to be located at the airport. It has over 4,400 locations and is geared towards business travelers.
Budget–The company began in 1958 with only 10 cars in its fleet, offering lower per-mile rates and daily fees. Now the New Jersey-based Budget still tries to provide unbeatable prices, but presently has over 800 locations in the U.S. alone, and about 1,800 licensees.
Dollar – California-based Dollar is under the Dollar-Thrifty Automotive Group. It serves 647 locations in 53 countries, 358 of which are in the United States.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car – Known as the largest of all auto rental cars companies in North America, Enterprise caters to 5,399 local locations and over 400 airport-based locations in the U.S.
Hertz – New Jersey-headquartered Hertz Rent-a-Car has worldwide locations in 145 countries. It is known for popularizing fun programs like the GT350H Mustang rent-a-racer and car sharing program Hertz on Demand. It boasts eco-friendly vehicles from its Green Collection.
National– Missouri-based National has over 2,000 locations worldwide. It is known for launching the first membership-based program called the ‘Emerald Club’ in 1987.
Thrifty – Also under the Dollar-Thrifty Automotive Group, Thrifty Car Rental has been in the business since 1958. Now it has 1,028 locations in 68 countries. It is popular for the Blue Chip Express Rental Program, which helps in expediting the booking process and maintains a point system for frequent renters.

All of these majorauto rental cars companies have their own loyalty programs, so make sure to check each one out to see what fits your needs best. Of course there are also smaller companies within cities which may have the same types of vehicles for rent as national companies, but they are often located far from the airports.

Auto Rental Cars CompaniesReward Renters who Plan Ahead

Booking in advance is always a good idea. However, you may still find yourself left without the vehicle of your choice, particularly during holidays. The good thing about reserving is that you will be prioritized over someone who books a vehicle on location and the company may even provide an upgraded vehicle at no additional cost.

Payment and Security Deposit

Most major car rental agencies only accept credit cards for payment. Some even require the cardholder and renter to be the same person. If a rental company allows cash, they usually charge extremely high security deposits for liability. Usually, those who accept cash still requires a credit card for the security deposit.