Top 10 Rental Fails: Why People Don’t Get Their Hire Car

By being aware of these common rental fails and following our tips to avoid them, you'll be much more likely to start your trip smoothly.

Picture this: you've just landed at your dream destination, excited to hit the road and explore. But when you get to the car rental counter, your plans come to a screeching halt. You're not alone – thousands of travelers face unexpected hurdles when trying to pick up their rental cars each year. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we've compiled the top 10 rental fails that leave people stranded at the counter.

1. No credit card in main driver's name

One of the most common rental fails is not having a credit card in the main driver's name. While many companies accept debit cards for domestic rentals, they often have restrictions, and credit cards are generally preferred, especially for international rentals.

Why it's a problem

Car rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit and to cover any potential damages. They specifically need the card to be in the name of the primary driver for liability reasons.

How to avoid it

• Always book the rental car using the credit card of the person who will be the primary driver.
• If you don't have a credit card, check with the rental company beforehand – some may accept debit cards, but often with stricter requirements.
• Never assume you can use someone else's card, even if they're traveling with you.

2. No driving license

It might seem obvious, but forgetting your driver's license is more common than you'd think.

Why it's a problem

Your driver's license is proof that you're legally allowed to drive. Without it, rental companies simply can't let you take the wheel.

How to avoid it

• Double-check that you have your license before leaving home.
• Take a clear photo of both sides of your license and store it securely online as a backup (though a rental company is unlikely to take a copy as proof).
• If you lose your license while traveling, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) immediately for guidance on obtaining temporary driving credentials.

3. No international driving permit

For international travelers, not having an International Driving Permit (IDP) when required can be a major setback.

Why it's a problem

Some countries require an IDP in addition to your regular license, especially if your license isn't in Roman characters.

How to avoid it

• Research the requirements for your destination country well in advance.
• Obtain an IDP from your home country before traveling – in the US, you can get one from AAA or AATA.
• Remember, an IDP is not a stand-alone document – you'll need to present it alongside your regular driver's license.

4. No voucher or advance reservation

Arriving at the rental counter without your booking voucher or confirmation can lead to delays or even cancellation of your reservation. If you don’t have the proof of your reservation, the rental company should be able to find it for you. But if you didn’t make a reservation, it’s possible that there won’t be a car available for you.

Why it's a problem

The voucher contains important information about your booking, including the type of car, insurance coverage, and any special rates or promotions applied. Booking in advance is important to ensure availability.

How to avoid it

• Save your booking confirmation email and voucher on your phone
• Print a hard copy as backup
• Use a travel app to organize all your travel documents in one place

5. Arriving late

Life happens, and sometimes delays are unavoidable. However, being significantly late for your car pickup can result in your reservation being cancelled.

Why it's a problem

Rental companies often hold your car for a limited time, after which they may release it to other customers, especially during peak travel seasons.

How to avoid it

• Plan to arrive at the rental counter well within your pickup window.
• If you're running late due to a delayed flight or other unforeseen circumstances, call the rental company to inform them and ask about their late or out-of-hours services .
• Consider adding your flight information to your car rental booking when possible – some companies will track your flight and adjust for delays.

6. Not enough credit limit available to cover deposit

Even if you have a credit card in the right name, not having enough available credit for the security deposit can derail your rental plans.

Why it's a problem

Rental companies place a hold on your card for the estimated rental charges plus a security deposit, which can be several hundred dollars.

How to avoid it

• Check your credit limit before traveling and consider requesting an increase if needed.
• Ask the rental company in advance about the expected hold amount so you can plan accordingly.
• If possible, bring a second credit card as backup.

7. Couldn't find rental counter

In large airports or busy tourist areas, locating the right rental counter can be surprisingly challenging. This can lead to frustration and delays, especially if you're short on time.

Why it's a problem

Missing your pickup time due to not finding the counter could result in your reservation being cancelled or you having to wait for another available vehicle.

How to avoid it

• Research the layout of the airport or pickup location in advance.
• Look for signs or ask airport staff for directions.
• If you've booked through Booking.com, make sure you know which specific rental company you're looking for.
• Allow extra time to find the counter, especially in unfamiliar locations.

8. No proof of ID

While your driver's license serves as ID in many cases, rental companies at international destinations may require additional identification like a passport.

Why it's a problem

Without proper ID, the rental company can't verify your identity, which is crucial for security and legal reasons.

How to avoid it

• Always travel with your passport for international rentals.
• Bring a second form of ID, such as a government-issued ID card, if possible.
• Check the rental company's ID requirements before traveling.

9. Undisclosed points on driving license

Having points on your license isn't necessarily a deal-breaker for renting a car, but failing to disclose them when asked can be.

Why it's a problem

Rental companies may have policies about renting to drivers with certain types of violations. If they discover undisclosed issues, they may refuse to rent to you.

How to avoid it

• Be honest about any points or violations when booking or picking up your rental.
• If you're unsure about your driving record, check with your local DMV before traveling.
• Some companies only care about major violations, so don't assume a minor speeding ticket will disqualify you – but always disclose when asked.

10. Unexpected charges

Arriving at the counter only to find that the total cost is significantly higher than expected can be a budget-busting surprise.

Why it's a problem

Additional fees, taxes, or mandatory insurance can drastically increase the cost of your rental, potentially exceeding your travel budget or available credit.

How to avoid it

• Read the fine print carefully when booking, paying attention to what is and isn't included.
• Especially take a look at whether or not insurance is included. If not, consider whether you have insurance through your personal car insurance policy or a credit card.
• Research common additional fees for car rentals in your destination.
• Ask for a breakdown of all charges before finalizing your booking.
• Consider booking through reputable travel sites like Booking.com, which often provide clear, upfront pricing information.

By being aware of these common rental fails and following our tips to avoid them, you'll be much more likely to start your trip smoothly. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you get the keys to your rental car without a hitch.