California has many rules and fees when renting a car. You should also be familiar with the requirements and taxes for renting a vehicle. This will help you choose the car that best suits your needs. California's insurance requirements require all drivers to have it. You can purchase insurance at the time of renting if your vehicle is not insured.
Taxes
California's rental car costs are affected by many factors. California rental car taxes will vary depending on which company you choose. There may be an additional charge for renting a car at an airport kiosk. Additionally, rental fees may be charged off-site. The rental company could charge an extra fee if the car must be returned within a given timeframe, for example, 24 hours.
Fees
Renters are required to pay $21 per person for damage waiver. If the driver is caught, the fee can be doubled. This fee was between $11 and $17 per day previously, but it can now be as high at $25. This fee cap will rise with inflation. Another fee for additional drivers varies by state, but it is often between $13 and $15 per day. Some California rental car companies don't charge this fee at all.
Insurance
California rental car insurance offers several options. Some cover total loss, theft, and environmental damage while others only cover accidents. If you don't have insurance, loss damage waivers can be a great option to save money on repairs for your rental car. Only the difference is that there won't be a deductible. Choosing the right coverage depends on your situation.
Age requirements
California has the highest rental car renter age requirement. California is an excellent place to start your road trip if you plan to rent a vehicle in California. However, be aware that you may be required to pay a surcharge if you are younger than the minimum age. In some cases, you may have to pay up to $25 a day to drive a rental car.
California: Where to rent car
Consider which type of car you want to rent when you plan a California road trip. California's vast geography means you'll need a car with adequate fuel efficiency. For short trips in the city, compact cars will be fine, but if you want to travel long distances in the state, you should consider an SUV or van. You can also choose an economy car to rent in California if you don't plan on doing much off-roading.