Can you take a rental car out of state?
Can you take a rental car out of state? Major car rental companies will allow you to take a car out of state, while smaller companies usually have more restrictions or a daily mileage limit.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
UPDATED: Jul 4, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 4, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Car rental chains often charge a drop-off fee for returning the car to a different rental location
- Rental companies often install GPS tracking devices and will be able to determine if you cross state lines or ignore rental restrictions
- Most companies allow you to rent a car if you’re at least 21 years old, but in some states, the minimum age is 18 years old
Are you looking forward to an upcoming road trip across state lines? If so, renting a car might be your ideal road trip solution. But when planning to cross state lines in a rental car, knowing the rental restrictions helps reduce your risk of paying unexpected fees. So, can you drive a rental car out of state?
Most major rental chains are fine with you driving across state lines. It’s the smaller chains that may have tighter restrictions.
Then, other restrictions like mileage caps may impact your trip budget too. And, of course, you need to consider rental auto insurance as well.
Before you hit the open road, read this guide to prepare for your trip. But before you learn more about taking a rental car out of state, make sure you have the insurance you need. Enter your ZIP code to compare rates from top companies today.
Can you take a rental car out of state?
Major car rental chains have tons of locations across the nation. So, they have the network to support customers driving rentals out of the state.
If you’re looking to rent from one, the three major rental groups and their national chains are:
- Enterprise Holdings own Enterprise, Alamo, National
- Avis Budget Group owns Avis, Budget, Payless
- Hertz Global Holdings own Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty
Are you planning a one-way trip? Remember that car rental chains may charge a drop-off fee for returning the car to a different rental location.
Verification for Driving a Rental Car Out of State
While most major chains will allow out-of-state driving, it doesn’t hurt to review the rental agreement or tell them about your travel intentions.
For example, if you rent from Budget specifically:
- Rentals from Las Vegas can only travel to certain states like Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.
- Rentals from Hawaii cannot leave the island.
- Most rental locations in Alaska are also restricted from leaving the state.
When it comes to car rental restrictions, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure to contact the rental car company for their specific regulations.
Compare over 200 auto insurance companies at once!
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Rental Cars to Drive Out of State: Smaller Chains
Are you interested in renting from a smaller car rental company? Out-of-state travel might be a bit trickier.
Smaller, regional chains tend to be more affordable, but they often lack the nationwide network of larger chains. Their restrictions on travel may be stricter, especially for one-way trips.
Before making a final decision, you can compare your options to see which company works best for your trip and your car insurance coverage.
Car Rentals and Unlimited Miles Out of State
Most major chains offer unlimited mileage, even for out-of-state road trips. But some may have different rules depending on promotional offers or bank partnerships.
To give an example:
- Enterprise offers unlimited mileage for most vehicles even if you’re driving across state lines or taking a one-way trip.
- Yet, Hertz has a program with USAA where they may offer members unlimited mileage or mileage caps where they’ll charge you if you exceed the cap.
It all depends on which company you choose, but unlimited mileage is ideal for long trips. With it, you can travel without worrying about extra fees or tracking your mileage.
Can you take a rental car out of state? Other Considerations
With rental restrictions, it’s important to check the fine print of your rental agreement. While rental companies are okay with you driving out of state, certain restrictions may limit your trip or cost you extra.
Here are a few specific considerations to take into account before your road trip:
- Special promotions such as a discounted weekend rate may have a mileage limit that could shorten your trip or cost you extra for every mile you go over. Read our guide on how to get discounts on car rentals to learn more.
- If you’re preparing for a long trip, some companies may have a mileage cap and charge you extra for going over it.
With GPS tracking, rental companies will know if you break any of their restrictions. It’s best to be honest and upfront with the rental company about your plans.
Age Restrictions for Rental Cars
Your age won’t necessarily interfere with your travel plans, but it may cost you extra. Most companies allow you to rent a car if you’re at least 21 years old. In states like New York and Michigan, the restriction minimum is 18 years old.
But, if you’re under 25, you’ll likely have to pay an underage fee for a rental vehicle. They’ll also limit you to specific vehicle classes.
To rent a car, the renter will have to meet the following:
- Proof of identification
- A valid form of payment, often a credit card or debit card
- Valid driver’s license
- Surcharge fee payment
Make sure you are aware of any rules particular to the company, as well.
Compare over 200 auto insurance companies at once!
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Exploring Car Rental Policies Across States
When planning a road trip across state lines, having a car rental with unlimited miles out of state is crucial for a hassle-free journey. Many rental companies offer vehicles that allow you to drive long distances without worrying about additional charges.
If you’re wondering whether you can rent a car to drive out of state, the answer is yes, as many agencies, including Hertz, support car rental across states, giving you the freedom to explore without mileage restrictions.
Choosing a rental service that offers rental car with unlimited miles in any state can significantly enhance your travel experience. This option is ideal for those who wish to rent a car to go out of state and not be confined by distance limitations.
Before booking, check the Hertz’s out of state policy or the specific terms of other providers to ensure they support your intended travel plans. Understanding how many miles can you drive with a rental car will help you avoid unexpected fees and maximize your travel budget.
It’s essential to note that not all rental cars come with unlimited mileage. Therefore, confirming whether rental cars have a mileage limit before finalizing your reservation is important. By selecting a provider that offers car rental for out of state travel with unlimited miles, you can enjoy the flexibility to visit multiple destinations.
These policies vary, so always read the fine print and ask about car rental across state lines conditions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Navigating Out of State Car Rentals
Can you drive a rental car out of state? The Bottom Line
Additional fees because of rental restrictions can cost you more than you planned for, especially when crossing state lines. To find the best car rental deal and save in the long run, it’s important you know your options.
It’s also important to make sure you are covered with the right insurance. Make sure that your insurance policy will cover you in a rental car, and if you choose to buy the rental car company’s insurance, make sure it covers you in other states.
Before you book a rental car to drive out of state, get the insurance you need. Enter your ZIP code now to compare auto insurance rates from top companies right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a rental car out of state?
Yes, most major car rental companies allow you to take a rental car out of state. However, smaller companies may have more restrictions or daily mileage limits.
Are there any restrictions or fees for driving a rental car out of state?
While major car rental chains generally allow out-of-state driving, it’s recommended to review the rental agreement or inform the rental company about your travel intentions. Some companies may charge a drop-off fee if you return the car to a different location. It’s essential to check the specific regulations of the rental car company.
Do rental cars come with unlimited mileage for out-of-state trips?
Most major car rental companies offer unlimited mileage for out-of-state road trips. However, it’s advisable to check for any promotional offers or partnerships that may have different rules. Unlimited mileage is ideal for long trips, as it allows you to travel without worrying about extra fees or tracking your mileage.
What are some other considerations when taking a rental car out of state?
When driving a rental car out of state, it’s crucial to check the rental agreement for any additional restrictions that may limit your trip or result in extra costs. It’s also important to be honest and upfront with the rental company about your travel plans, as they may track the vehicle using GPS. Age restrictions may apply, and if you’re under 25, you may have to pay an underage fee and have limitations on vehicle classes.
Do I need to ensure my rental car is covered by insurance when driving it out of state?
It’s important to ensure you have the right insurance coverage when driving a rental car out of state. Check your existing insurance policy to see if it covers rental cars, and if not, consider purchasing the rental car company’s insurance. Make sure the coverage extends to other states as well.
Compare over 200 auto insurance companies at once!
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.