An idiot’s guide to renting a car needed please…

Question

Hi!

We’ve booked a car hire (Avis) for our time in LA/San Francisco. I’m just looking for a bit of clarification please.

I shamefully admit…my dad sorts everything to do with my car insurance here, so feel like I need a bit of an idiot’s guide to renting a car please…

I’m from the UK, I am fully insured for driving in the UK and have had my licence for approximately 13 years.

1. Do I need an IDL/IDP? (With my licence being in English, am I right to think that I don’t need one? Or should I just get one anyway as a precaution?)

2. My main worry is insurance.

I drove in South Africa last summer and I didn’t need to get anything extra/show anything to do with my insurance from UK because the cover that was included within the rental agreement was suffice. Is this the same with USA? Or do I need to get specific insurance to allow me to drive there? I have added the damage, loss, theft protection etc with Avis, but not sure whether I need anything else?

I am just worried that I’ll get there and they won’t hire the car to me because I don’t have what I need. Therefore, I thought it would be beneficial/clearer to hear from people who have experienced/know of people who have experienced hiring a car in the USA (from UK) on the forum.

Thank you in advance :)

Answer

Renting a car in the USA as a UK driver is generally straightforward, but it’s good to clarify a few things so you feel confident when you pick up your vehicle. Here’s a step-by-step guide addressing your main concerns:

1. Driving Licence Requirements:

Since your UK licence is in English, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in most states, including California. An IDP can sometimes be useful as a precaution or if you plan to drive in other countries, but for California, your UK licence is sufficient.
Ensure your licence is valid for the entire rental period and not close to expiry.
Bring a passport or other photo ID, as the rental company will require identification in addition to your driving licence.

2. Age and Licence Requirements:

Most US car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge a “young driver” fee if under 25.
You’ll need to have held your licence for at least one year, which is not a problem for you with 13 years of experience.

3. Insurance:

Insurance in the US can be confusing because the minimum coverage required by law differs from what rental companies offer. Since you’ve added collision damage waiver (CDW), loss, and theft protection with Avis, you already have the primary cover that rental companies typically require. Some points to consider:

Your UK car insurance usually does not cover driving in the USA, so relying solely on your UK policy is risky unless you’ve purchased international coverage.
The CDW, loss, and theft protection you added with Avis generally covers damage to the rental car, so you won’t need extra insurance for that.
Liability coverage (covering damage to other vehicles or injury to others) is legally required. Rental companies often include the minimum liability in the rental price, but sometimes it is optional. You can purchase additional liability coverage for more peace of mind.
If you have a credit card, check whether it offers rental insurance in the USA, as many major cards provide secondary coverage (covering deductibles or gaps in the rental company’s insurance).

4. Additional Tips:

Bring your credit card in the driver’s name; most US rentals require a credit card for security/deposit purposes.
Confirm the rental pickup location and operating hours, especially if arriving in the afternoon or evening.
Inspect the car carefully before driving off and take photos of any existing damage.
Familiarize yourself with California road rules, including speed limits, freeway etiquette, and right-of-way rules.
Be aware of toll roads and parking requirements, especially in urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

In summary, for a UK driver with a valid English licence, you do not need an IDP in California. Your insurance through Avis covering damage, loss, and theft is usually sufficient, but consider checking liability coverage and your credit card benefits for added security. Bring your licence, passport, and credit card, and you should have a smooth rental experience.

An idiot’s guide to renting a car needed please…

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