How to Rent a Car in the USA for the First Time (And Actually Enjoy It)
I’ll be honest — the first time I looked into renting a car in the USA, I had no idea what I was doing. There were so many options, confusing insurance add-ons, and fine print that made my head spin.
But here’s the thing: once you know what to look for, it’s actually pretty straightforward. And having a reliable rental car completely changes how you experience America — no waiting for buses, no expensive Ubers, just you, the open road, and whatever playlist you feel like.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know as a first-timer, and share why I keep coming back to National Car Rental whenever I’m stateside.
Do You Actually Need a Rental Car in the USA?
Short answer: almost always, yes.
Unlike Europe, most American cities aren’t built around public transport. Outside of places like New York City or Chicago, getting around without a car is genuinely difficult — and even in those cities, a car opens up so much more once you want to explore beyond the city center.
If you’re planning a road trip, visiting national parks, heading to smaller towns, or just want the freedom to stop wherever you feel like — renting a car is non-negotiable.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in the USA?
Before you book, make sure you have these sorted:
- A valid driver’s license — an international driving permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn’t in English
- A credit card — most rental companies require one for the security deposit (debit cards are sometimes accepted but come with restrictions)
- A credit card — most rental companies require one for the security deposit (debit cards are sometimes accepted but come with restrictions)
One thing that trips up a lot of first-timers: you must be at least 25 years old at most rental companies to avoid a “young driver surcharge.” Some companies, including National Car Rental, do rent to drivers aged 21–24 with an additional fee, so check the policy when booking.
How to Choose the Right Rental Company
There are plenty of options out there — Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo — but after trying a few, I kept coming back to National Car Rental, and here’s why.
National is particularly well set up for travelers who just want things to be easy. Their Emerald Club program lets you skip the counter entirely, walk straight to the car lot, and choose your own vehicle. No forms, no waiting, no upsells you didn’t ask for. When you’ve just landed after a long flight, that alone is worth everything.
They’re also available at over 1,500 locations worldwide — including all major US airports — so wherever your trip starts, there’s almost certainly a National location right there.
What Size Car Should You Rent?
This depends on your trip, but here’s a simple breakdown:
- Economy or Compact — great for solo travelers or couples, easy to park, best on fuel
- Midsize or Standard — the sweet spot for most trips, comfortable for 2–3 people with luggage
- SUV or Full-size — ideal for families, road trips with lots of gear, or driving in snowy or mountainous areas
My personal go-to is a midsize — it handles well on highways, fits two big suitcases easily, and doesn’t feel like you’re driving a boat through a parking garage.
One of the things I love about National’s Emerald Club is that you can often upgrade yourself by just picking a larger car from the Emerald Aisle — and you only pay the midsize rate. That’s a genuinely good deal.
Do You Need the Rental Car Insurance?
This is the question everyone asks, and the answer is: it depends on what you already have.
Here’s how to think about it:
- Check your personal car insurance — many policies extend coverage to rental cars in the USA
- Check your credit card — a lot of travel credit cards (especially Visa Signature or Mastercard) include rental car collision coverage when you pay with that card
If you have neither — it’s worth taking the rental company’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for peace of mind
Don’t let the rental agent pressure you into buying every add-on. Know what you’re covered for before you get to the counter, and you’ll save yourself $20–30 a day easily.
Tips for the Day You Pick Up Your Car
A few things that will make your pickup experience smooth:
- Take photos of the car before you drive off — document any existing scratches or dents so you’re not charged for them later
- Check the fuel policy — most rentals are “full to full” (pick up full, return full), which is the fairest option
- Set up GPS on your phone before you leave the lot — US roads are easy to navigate but it’s nice to have it ready
- Familiarize yourself with the car basics — especially if you’re used to driving on the other side of the road
With National’s Emerald Club, you can even check in via the app before you arrive, so your car is essentially ready and waiting. It genuinely feels like a VIP experience without the VIP price tag.
Once You've Got the Keys — Where Should You Go?
The beauty of having a rental car is that America really opens up. A few routes that are absolutely worth doing:
- Pacific Coast Highway (California) — one of the most scenic drives in the world, from San Francisco down to Los Angeles
- Route 66 — the classic American road trip, full of quirky towns and wide open skies
- The Florida Keys — drive from Miami all the way down to Key West on the Overseas Highway
- New England in fall — Vermont and New Hampshire are stunning in October, and you need a car to really explore
- Southwest road trip — Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon make an unforgettable loop
Final Thoughts — Just Go For It
Renting a car in the USA for the first time sounds more intimidating than it actually is. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll wonder why you ever worried.
The key is to book with a company you trust, know your insurance situation ahead of time, and show up ready to enjoy the ride. National Car Rental has made my US trips so much smoother — the ability to skip the counter and just grab a car is something I genuinely look forward to now.
Whether you’re doing a big cross-country road trip or just need wheels for a week in Florida, I hope this guide helps you feel prepared and excited. The open road is waiting.
✔ 1,500+ locations across the USA ✔ Skip-the-counter pickup ✔ Free Emerald Club membership
Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car in the USA?
It depends on your home country. If your driver’s license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended and may be required by the rental company. You can obtain one through your country’s automobile association before you travel.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in the USA?
Most rental companies in the USA require drivers to be at least 25 years old to avoid a young driver surcharge. Some companies, including National Car Rental, allow drivers aged 21–24 to rent with an additional daily fee.
What is National Car Rental's Emerald Club?
The Emerald Club is National Car Rental’s free loyalty program. Members can skip the rental counter, go directly to the car lot, and choose their own vehicle from the Emerald Aisle — paying only the midsize rate regardless of the car they pick. It’s free to join and makes pickup significantly faster and easier.
Should I prepay for fuel or return the car full?
Always return the car with a full tank if possible. The “full to full” policy is the most cost-effective option. Prepaying for fuel with the rental company is usually more expensive per litre/gallon than simply filling up yourself before returning the car.