AARP Smart Guide to Renting a Car

These 27 tips cover research, reservations, inspecting the car, return and more

a blue car driving over the letter s and leaving tire marks over the s to form a dollar sign

AARP (Getty Images)

Matt Swenson,

AARP

Published July 18, 2025

Renting a car during a vacation is commonplace for many older Americans. And sometimes it comes with surprises.

Acclimating to a vehicle with features you are unaccustomed to is just the beginning. Travelers also need to be mindful of built-in costs, hidden fees and usage restrictions.

In many cases, it’s important to remember that you always have a choice as a customer. You’re probably renting a car to remain in control of your schedule. That same can-do attitude can save you unnecessary hassles and charges.

We have one word of warning if you have not rented a car in a few years: The days of major discounts are over. Consumer Reports found in a 2024 survey that its members spent an average of $86 a day, including taxes and fees, or roughly $600 a week.

Here, we walk you through the steps of renting a car and provide 27 tips for older travelers to consider before hitting the road.

a blue sign that reads passenger pick up and car rentals

While airports can be hassle-free places to rent a car, you can often find better deals a few miles away.

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BEFORE THE RENTAL

1. Consider the destination

Renting a vehicle in a big city may be more trouble than it’s worth, notes Jonathan Weinberg, founder of the discount car rental aggregator AutoSlash. Weinberg says some public transit systems are cheaper and more relaxing for getting around town than driving or paying for expensive parking. On the other hand, rural areas, such as regions around national parks — popular destinations among older travelers — won’t have much in the way of transit and rideshare options, making a car rental the only real choice, says Gabrielle Schmauderer, who covers cars and travel at the auto-centric online publication Guessing Headlights. Renting a car provides the “security of my time, knowing that I’m going to be able to get around when I need to,” says Schmauderer.

2. Third parties offer more options

There’s not much sense in spending more of your retirement funds on car rentals than you have to. A variety of online third-party platforms, including Booking.com, Expedia and Priceline, offer cheaper prices than booking directly through a car rental company. Booking.com, for instance, has access to more than 45,000 rental locations worldwide, including more than 18,000 in the U.S., says Angela Cavis, the company’s North American director of communications. That reach gives you access to a larger scope of options than going through a single car rental company. “This scale allows customers to easily compare top rental brands side by side, unlocking competitive pricing, exclusive deals, and often perks like free cancellation and 24/7 multilingual support,” Cavis says.

3. Paying ahead may add costs

While older travelers looking to avoid the stress of last-minute planning may prefer the security of locking in a car rental early, they could be sacrificing better deals down the road, Weinberg says. “The nice thing about car rentals is that in most cases you don’t have to put any money down up front,” he says, adding that as long as you didn’t sign a no-cancellation policy, you can then scrub your original reservation and rebook. But Jon Linkov, deputy autos editor for Consumer Reports, warns of potential headaches with rebooking: “Just beware that if you need to make any changes to your reservation, you’ll likely have to do it through that third-party vendor rather than the actual rental car company, which may not be as convenient.”

4. Take advantage of discounts

Among the benefits of being a little bit older are the discounted rates available to you. AARP offers up to 30 percent off car rentals to its members through its program with third-party platform Expedia, and 35 percent if booking through select rental companies. AAA and Costco Travel also offer member benefits for car travel. Weinberg explains that these member-based programs are connected to specific car rental brands. It’s important to watch for better prices at all times. “Remember that a ‘discount’ isn’t always the absolute lowest price — occasionally, a publicly available promo code could beat a group rate,” he notes.

5. Know your itinerary before picking a car

Patience can be its own reward for selecting the type of ride you’ll want for your vacation, says Schmauderer, who emphasizes the importance of selecting a car with enough storage for your needs and the ability to carry equipment. For instance, if you are joining a group of fellow golfers, it’s worth making sure you can fit your clubs in a convenient place like the trunk. Likewise, “If you’re traveling and you want to go to the beach, you want to make sure that you’re able to fit a cooler and your beach chairs in there,” she says. “It applies pretty much anywhere that you want to travel.”

6. You’re not too old to rent a car

Another advantage of being older: While there is a minimum age to rent a car (18 or 21, depending on the state), there is no age limit as long as you have a good driving record. “Whether you’re 55 or 85, the rental companies are happy to hand you the keys,” Weinberg says. However, the rules differ beyond our borders. Some countries and international companies impose age caps between 70 and 80, says Weinberg, adding it’s always a good idea to review restrictions before booking.

7. Consider renting outside the airport

In the convenience-versus-cost battle, 99 percent of travelers will opt to get their rental car from the airport, says John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Network, which has more than 5,700 travel agency locations in its membership. But there are advantages to heading into town via taxi or rideshare to find a car rental location that may have a shorter line, a better selection of cars and better prices, particularly when traveling to busy airports in major cities like Las Vegas and Boston. “Rentals at airports often include steep surcharges and facility fees that can really jack up the rate,” Weinberg says. “City or neighborhood rental offices, just a few miles away, might offer much lower prices because they don’t charge those airport-specific taxes. It’s worth comparing: You might save 20 percent or more by renting off-airport.” He adds that suburban locations may have fewer open hours than airport counters that handle late-night flights.

8. About renting a car abroad

Renting a car across borders or overseas has a few differences that older travelers seeking a hassle-free vacation should research ahead of time. As noted earlier, older individuals may run into age restrictions. Also, automatic cars are not as common abroad. “Make sure to let them know if you are uncomfortable driving a stick shift,” says Lovell. You might also end up driving a car from a company you’ve never heard of, Lovell and Schmauderer point out. Schmauderer adds that even in countries where drivers are in the “right” seat, the on-road experience is different from that in the U.S. “A lot of the European roads are a lot more narrow,” she observes. “They also have road regulations that we don’t have here.” Weinberg says to remember that an international driving permit is often recommended, and in some countries even required.

a person paying using a credit card on their phone

It can be more convenient for older drivers to use a credit card to pay for their car rental.

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AT THE RENTAL CAR CENTER

9. How to skip the counter line

After a long journey, the next vacation obstacle is the dreaded wait at an airport’s car rental center. That is, unless you plan ahead. Online booking engines typically give you the opportunity to search only for rental car companies that allow you to check in early and head straight to your parking lot — or, even better, to your rental, says Cavis. “Joining a free loyalty program can also speed things up,” she offers. Schmauderer says many travelers miss follow-up emails asking for information like their driver’s license details, which makes them have to go to the counter. “Make sure that you check your email or whatever text messages they’re sending you,” she says.

10. Have your Real ID ready

As of May 2025, Real ID requirements are now in effect for domestic air travel. The good news: Even if you don’t have a Real ID, when it comes to renting a car, your current, valid driver’s license is still what you’ll need to show at the rental counter. “You need a Real ID-compliant form of identification for domestic flights, and you’ll need to show your license when picking up your car,” says Lovell. “If you don’t have one yet, please make that change as soon as possible.”

11. Debit cards are allowed, but …

It’s better if you stick to your credit card, says Weinberg. Older travelers have long since aged out of the policies restricting drivers under 25 from using debit cards, but some car rental companies are upfront about placing an authorized hold on your account for the duration of the reservation. This may be the estimated rental cost plus an extra $200 to $500, notes Weinberg. “The whole process just tends to be less convenient than using a credit card,” he says.

12. Adding drivers

Whether your back aches over a long drive or you simply like to have a break behind the wheel, adding a second driver to a car rental has many benefits on a long trip. Begin with workarounds to the additional fees that adding a second driver may cost you, says Weinberg. Companies like Alamo, Enterprise and National will add a spouse or domestic partner for free. Membership perks can help in this regard, too, as individuals going through AARP or AAA receive a second driver as part of the deal. Do not try to sneak a driver in that’s not on the contract, Weinberg warns. “If your friend or spouse drives without being listed, you could be in hot water if there’s an accident.”

13. Be prepared to get a different car than you requested

While car rental companies have since restocked their fleets after the shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic, models can be limited at the airport, notes Weinberg. That’s why he says it’s important to manage expectations and set priorities. If you require a feature to meet a specific need, like accessibility, ask for it, even if the company doesn’t have the exact same vehicle you booked. It’s an important consideration, as 67 percent of travelers with a disability, chronic health issue or other age-related condition cite mobility in an AARP survey on travel challenges among 50-plus adults. “If the car you’re offered doesn’t meet your needs, politely ask if another is available — sometimes they can swap,” Weinberg says. “Inventory changes by the hour, so flexibility is key.”

14. Check your mileage plan

Older travelers may have greater flexibility on time because they no longer work full-time jobs, allowing them the luxury of taking longer, cross-state trips to enjoy regional attractions. In order to fulfill your travel plans, be sure to read the fine print in your contract, says Weinberg. Unlimited mileage could apply to staying within one particular state, and companies can put mileage or geographic limitations on customers renting from their home state, he notes. Extra permission may also be needed to cross into Mexico or Canada, Weinberg adds. “When in doubt, get clarity beforehand so your great American road trip doesn’t hit an unexpected roadblock,” he says.

15. Don’t bother with insurance

Among the extras car rental companies will try to upsell is purchasing car insurance. Linkov says this should be an easy pass for older drivers who are almost surely covered by their own plans. Don’t be afraid to say no. “Not every add-on offered at the rental car counter is a necessity, and many fees can be avoided with careful planning,” he says. “Take … additional insurance, for example. All rental car companies offer it, but you can skip it, because your personal auto policy or any of your major credit cards likely provide coverage for rentals.”

16. Factor in the weather

Just because you want your trip to be perfect doesn’t mean Mother Nature will cooperate. “Always taking weather conditions into consideration ... is important,” says Schmauderer, who once had a car rental during a snowstorm in Maine. Fortunately, she’d seen the weather forecast and chose a truck capable of handling slick roads. On the opposite end of the climate spectrum, severe storms in Florida and other southern hot spots can also test your rental vehicle, she adds.

a woman sitting in a car and being handed keys

Familiarize yourself with how your rental car operates before driving it off the parking lot.

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IN THE PARKING LOT

17. Document previous damage

Older drivers may be accustomed to snapping a few photos of a rental to record previous damage, but smartphones allow travelers to be more thorough, says Lovell. “Now that smartphones are ubiquitous, it’s so easy to snap some photos and shoot some videos before you leave the rental lot,” he says. “Take a few minutes to go all the way around the car, inside and out, to document the condition and note any scratches, dings, etcetera.” Lovell adds that you should not hesitate to swap cars if the vehicle isn’t in satisfactory shape.

18. What technology to expect

Most car rentals will come with the same technology commonly used in modern vehicles, such as rearview cameras and automatic headlights. Lovell says this could take drivers accustomed to older models some time to adjust. Lane-departure warnings can set off beeping sounds that your everyday vehicle does not employ, says Weinberg. Lovell suggests getting the rundown at the counter before stepping into the car: “Ask the person at the rental car counter to walk you through things.”

19. Get to know the car before driving it

Before taking off in their vacation ride, drivers accustomed to the settings in their own vehicle should become acclimated to how their rental works, says Schmauderer. “Press every button,” she suggests. Find out if the car has heated seating, how the GPS works, and how to connect your phone if you plan to use that feature. Drivers accustomed to a stick shift should know rentals are almost exclusively automatic in this country, Schmauderer adds.

people looking at two cars after an accident

If you get in an accident in your rental car, be sure you know what your insurance covers. And stay calm.

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ON THE ROAD

20. How to handle an accident

Experienced drivers know accidents happen. Reacting calmly is essential. This is where research is important, says Weinberg, who advises renters to review their insurance policy before traveling. “Understanding your insurance options before the trip means less stress if an accident happens,” he says. He advises that you treat the situation as if it had occurred in your own vehicle, beginning with ensuring all parties are safe and uninjured. Once that’s done, your mindset can return to the damaged property and documenting the incident. Take photos and videos of the car, and call the police to get an official report, says Weinberg, adding that you should file an insurance claim and notify the rental company as soon as possible.

21. Don’t pay extra for GPS

Here is another case where having smartphones pays off for older travelers. Rather than pay for a GPS service a rental car company offers, Schmauderer suggests relying on apps on your phone such as Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze. If you’re concerned about driving into areas without internet coverage, download the route the night before. “Apple CarPlay or Android Auto can be useful to that older generation, because you can save everything in your phone before you even leave the hotel room, and then you don’t have to learn the onboard navigation … the car has,” says Schmauderer.

22. How to handle toll payments

Older travelers taking a long road trip or heading south or west for snowbird season may encounter tolls along the way. Rental car companies offer prepaid transponders that remove some hassle but add costs, says Linkov, who suggests an alternative. “You can save money by seeing if your own personal one will be accepted in the state where you’re traveling, and bring that with you instead,” he says. That said, Lovell understands those who would rather absorb the cost. “Travelers often prefer the peace of mind that comes with tolls being prepaid in an unfamiliar place,” he says.

23. What to know about EVs

Linkov says electric vehicles (EVs) are among the cheapest cars to rent, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the right option. Older travelers accustomed to gasoline-powered cars have to factor in charging the car, and powering stations are not as readily available as gas stations. Schmauderer says that many hotels have a few parking spots with charging ports, but travelers staying in a cabin or a shared house may not have that same luxury. Sticking with the familiar may be the better bet, according to Lovell. “If you’re not already driving an EV at home, vacation might not be the time to start,” he says.

24. New ways to rent

Somewhere between relying on public transportation and driving a rental car exclusively are options like Kyte, Turo and Zipcar. Kyte, which is available in parts of New York City, San Francisco and Jersey City, New Jersey, allows users to order a rental via its app that is delivered to and picked up at the driver’s preferred location. With Turo, you can book rentals from the online marketplace’s hosts. Schmauderer, who has used the service as both a renter and rentee, has mixed feelings about the company after a person using her car blew out the engine. Older drivers may be concerned about damaging another person’s car and would prefer to deal with a corporation over an individual car host in the event of an emergency. “When it comes to insurance, I think renting from a rental car company is a little bit safer, because they’ve got their own built-in policies,” Schmauderer says. Zipcar, which is owned by Avis Budget Group, is a membership-based service that allows you to rent by the hour at fairly affordable rates ($9 per month or a $90 annual membership fee) in many cities. AARP offers an annual discount on Zipcars.

25. Let the pros take you off-roading

Schmauderer has seen travelers use a rental car for activities they wouldn’t do with their own vehicle. Yet there are limits to consider, says Weinberg. For example, trips to remote areas of the country could offer a chance to venture off the beaten path and onto dirt roads. Weinberg cautions against this, noting that most car rental contracts forbid driving off paved routes. He adds that companies may charge extra for cleaning off mud-crusted vehicles. “If true off-road adventure is on your agenda, consider booking an official tour or a specialty 4x4 experience,” he says.

a closeup of a person pumping gas into a car

Fill your rental car with gas before returning it. Rental companies can charge up to 30 cents extra per gallon to fill the tank.

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RETURNING THE CAR

26. Fill up the gas tank yourself

It’s common practice for car rental companies to include the option for them to fill the car’s gas tank upon your arrival. While that offer may sound tempting as you begin the return leg of your vacation, this is a case where most travel experts suggest a DIY approach. Schmauderer is among the many advisers who say filling the tank yourself is more economical and relatively hassle-free. “I like using Waze from my hotel or my Airbnb,” she says. “I’ll input whatever my first location is for gas to whatever is closest to the airport. … I’m not paying the 30-cent charge per gallon. I just can’t bring myself to do it.”

27. Protect your data

Among the considerations of using the technology offered in a rental car is that companies are able to track you and your data. For instance, GPS trackers monitor if you are abiding by the boundaries set in your contract, Weinberg says. While there is not much that can be done other than be aware that you are being monitored, there are other safeguards to protect yourself once the car is returned. Weinberg stresses the importance of deleting personal data like contacts, call logs and GPS history you may have used with connected technology like Bluetooth, CarPlay and Android Auto. “Assume the car is collecting data for the company’s use,” he says.

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Matt Swenson is a freelance writer in Atlanta. He has covered the hospitality and travel industries for the past decade.

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