Frequently Asked Questions

	What are the rental requirements?

	You must have a valid driver’s license and credit card (NO DEBIT OR CHECK CARDS) present, in your name, at the time of rental. If you will be declining our coverage options, proof of insurance may be required when you pick up your vehicle.

	What are the age limits for renting?

	You must be at least 21 years old to rent a compact or economy car from City Rent a Car and must be over 25 to rent all other classes and models. Drivers between 21 and 24 incur a daily $15 higher risk charge. No one under the age of 21 may be listed as a driver regardless if they are a primary or secondary driver.

	Can I drive my car outside California?

	Currently all cars must be kept within California state lines. Exceptions Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas Nevada with notification at time of rental.

	What are the credit card requirements?

	City Rent A Car accepts all of the major credit cards listed below. Debit, Check or Cash cards are not accepted as credit identification at the beginning of the rental. They can be used to pay for accrued charges at the end of the rental, however. A minimum of $250 must be available on your charge card at the time you pick up your car. American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Diners Club. (NO DEBIT OR CHECK CARDS)

	What are the driver’s license requirements?

	City Rent A Car will accept a valid license issued by any United States state, territory, or possession. A Canadian province, a country that participated in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1943 Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automobile Traffic or has a reciprocal agreement with the United States. The driver’s license must be an original, be present at the time of rental, and be in the name of the person picking up the car. City Rent A Car will not accept a faxed copy of the license.

What are the optional insurance/coverage options?

Optional Protection Plans / Options

CDW/LDW – Collision/Loss Damage Waiver ($8.99-$14.99/day):
When renting a vehicle, you are generally responsible for all loss of and/or damage to the vehicle regardless of fault. Your financial responsibility could be as much as the value of the vehicle plus other related expenses (e.g. the loss of use suffered by City Rent A Car while the vehicle is out of service). You can avoid this responsibility by accepting CDW/LDW.

RLI – Rental Liability Insurance ($11.95/day):
While operating a rental vehicle, you could become legally liable for bodily injury and/or property damage to others resulting from an accident. Liability insurance is the required coverage by California state law for 3rd party claims. This option will pay a maximum of $30,000 in the event of an accident. Brochures are provided at the time of rental.

SLI – Supplemental Liability Insurance ($9.00/day):
SLI is the excess liability insurance that increases the amount of third party protection available to you (and authorized drivers) up to $1 million. This option is offered to those who also select Rental Liability Insurance (RLI). Brochures are provided at the time of rental.

PAI/PEC – Personal Accident / Personal Property Insurance ($4.00/day):
PAI/PEC is a great option for tourists / international guests. It offer accidental death and accidental medical coverage IN or OUR of the rental vehicle. The Personal Property Coverage also protects the renter’s possessions IN or OUT of the vehicle. That means even items left in the hotel or their renter apartment are covered. Some exceptions and restrictions apply. Brochures are provided at the time of rental.

	Child Seats / Infant Seats?

	Please ask about child seats at the time of reservation – we will supply one for you, but you must install the equipment yourself.

	Can the rental car be delivered or picked up?

	We provide delivery to all local hotels. Delivery is generally available during office hours only although after hours may be arranged for a small fee. Please call the office to inquire. Delivery within California is available based on vehicle requested, length of rental, and our delivery/drop-off fees. Please inquire. We are happy to provide a free customer pick-up service within a designated area (generally 2 miles around each office).

Returning your vehicle to us at SFO?

IMPORTANT! We offer airport return through our affiliation with Fasttrack Airport Parking -- 24 hour service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Please allow 10 minutes for this service. $30 fee includes a shuttle ride to your terminal. From San Francisco (Hwy 101 southbound) Exit South Airport Blvd and stay left. Make a left turn on to Produce Ave and destination will be on the right hand side of the road next to the gas station. From San Jose (Hwy 101 northboundl) Exit South Airport Blvd. and stay left. Turn left on South Airport Blvd heading to the other side of the freeway. Turn left on to Produce Ave and destination will be on the right hand side of the road next to the gas station.

Upon entry tell the cashier you are returning a City Rent-A-Car and they will have you park in the area imediately to the right of the gate. Give the keys and ticket to the cashier prior to boarding the shuttle bus. Inform the shuttle bus driver of your airline.

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What are the City Rent A Car office hours?

Bush Street: M-F 7am to 6pm, Sat/Sun 8am - 4pm

If our hours do not meet your plans then call us. We are flexible and will do what we can to accommodate your needs.

After-hours drop-off in San Francisco is available at Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, 1500 Van Ness Avenue until 9:30 pm – keys must be taken to the gift shop in the lobby along with the parking ticket and fuel/odometer information.

	How are your rates structured?

	24 Hour rentals are standard. The vehicle must be picked up and returned at the same time of day to qualify. Hourly rates at 1/3 the rental rate are charged after due back time. 2 day minimums on specialty vehicles are required Friday-Sunday. This applies to all convertibles, luxury sedans, vans, sport utility vehicles, and sport coupes like the Mini Cooper.

What insurance, deposits, and fees are required to rent exotic cars?

In order to qualify to rent a specialty vehicle (Porsche, etc), you must carry transferable Comprehensive/Collision coverage. You should call and verify coverage with your carrier and if needed upgrade your existing coverage. In some cases, we are prepared to sell Renter's Collision Insurance* to you - maximum vehicle value cannot exceed $35,000. In all cases, we offer Liability coverage but may need to choose to verify your Comp/Collision Coverage through your own insurance carrier prior to arrival..
We need to be able to secure a minimum $2000 hold on your credit card. Amount will depend on length and cost of rental.
Debit cards cannot be used for the deposit; however, they may be used for the final payment.

*Renter's Collision Insurance is sold through Travel Guard™, via internet at the time of rental.

	How do I cancel my rental reservation?

	Canceling an existing reservation within 72 hours notice will incur a $100 fee or one day charge, which ever is greater. Give us more than 72 hours notice, and for most all reservations no cancellation fee is charged. Please note: 15 Passenger Van and Exotic car reservations have a $100.00 non-refundable deposit and a one rental day charge for no shows.

	What is the best time to rent a vehicle?

	Weekends usually sell out so make your reservation a few days out if possible. Take the day off work - renting midweek will always save you money! Look for Internet Specials on the homepage.

	Which cars have two-day minimum weekend rentals? There are exceptions.

	All specialty vehicles, vans, suv’s and exotics are subject to a two-day minimum on weekends during summer months. Please call the office to check if an exception applies to you.

	Where can I take my rental car?

	We are happy to provide maps, ideas and great destinations to travel to. Our cars cannot go out of the state of California, except for Reno, and Las Vegas, Nevada. This exception must be stated at the time of rental and noted on the contract addendum.

	What is the charge for miles?

	Some vehicles in the compact-fullsize categories are rented with unlimited miles, as stated on your contract. We may offer a lower daily rate with a mileage limit, however. We allow some free miles with each specialty vehicle rental. It varies with different models. Excess miles are charged at a rate between $0.25 and $.50 per mile.

	What is City Rent A Car’s policy for additional drivers?

	Additional drivers are subject to the same qualifications as the primary driver. There is no additional charge for additional drivers, but all drivers must be present at the time of rental to sign the contract and provide their valid license for inspection.

	Do you handle insurance replacement rentals?

	Long term and insurance rates are available. Direct billing can often be arranged. Please inquire.

	GPS Navigation units / Portable DVD players?

	We offer portable GPS Navigation devices and portable dvd players --- inquire about these at the rental counter.

	Holiday Hours?

	Please call us to discuss arrangements. Closed New Years Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

	Am I guaranteed a specific vehicle?

	We will do our very best to provide you with the vehicle of your choice. We have no control over vehicles not being returned by customers on time or if the vehicle is returned with physical or mechanical damage.