Questions, answered before you land
The 20 questions our counter team hears most, grouped by topic.
Booking & payment
No. Most reservations are pay at pickup with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Prepaid rates save a sample 8 percent and are refundable minus a $25 fee.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards in the main driver's name. Debit cards are accepted at the airport with a round-trip flight itinerary and a larger deposit.
Between $200 and $500 depending on the car class. It is a hold, not a charge, and is released within 3 to 7 business days of return.
The daily rates on our site are base rates. Your full price with California tourism assessment, sales tax and any airport fees is shown before you confirm.
Pickup & airport
Follow signs from baggage claim to the transportation plaza at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 and board the blue Rental Car Center shuttle. It runs every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day.
Upload your license when you book and add your flight number. We text you a stall number when you land, so you walk straight to your car.
Yes, within Downtown, La Jolla, Coronado, Pacific Beach and Carlsbad for $19 per trip. Free on luxury rentals of two days or more.
Add your flight number and we track it. Airport reservations are held until the counter closes, and SAN is open 24 hours.
Drivers & requirements
21 for most car classes, with a young driver fee of $25 per day for drivers under 25. Convertibles, luxury sedans and the Tahoe require drivers 25 or older.
A valid license in English is enough. If your license is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit along with your original license and passport.
Spouses and registered domestic partners drive free under California law. Other additional drivers are $13 per day and must be present at pickup.
Protection & insurance
No. Our Essential, Plus and Complete options are optional. Many personal auto policies and some credit cards cover rental cars. Check with them before you travel.
No. A collision damage waiver is a contract term where we agree not to hold you responsible for damage. It is not an insurance policy.
Make sure everyone is safe, call 911 if needed, then call our 24/7 line at (619) 555-0192. Take photos and do not admit fault at the scene.
On the road
Travel into Baja California is allowed in Economy, Midsize and SUV classes with Mexican liability insurance bought at the counter for $35 per day. Tell us when booking. Convertibles, luxury and electric cars cannot cross the border.
San Diego has few tolls: the SR-125 South Bay Expressway and I-15 Express Lanes. Add a FasTrak pass for $8.99 per day, or pay tolls online within 5 days to avoid admin fees.
Return the car with the same fuel level you received. If it is lower, we refuel at a sample $6.49 per gallon. Prepaid fuel is available at local pump prices.
Returns & one-way
Returns between any of our six San Diego County branches are free. One-way drops to LAX, Las Vegas, Phoenix and other cities carry a fee shown when you book.
Yes, 29 minutes. After that, an hourly rate applies up to the cost of one extra day.
Text or call us before your return time. We will extend at your original rate when the car is available.
Didn't find your answer?
Call or email. A San Diego local replies around the clock.
