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Hotwire Rental Car Deals and Tips

You've probably noticed how much retail car rental prices have increased. This makes getting big discounts more important than ever.

On this page, you'll find Hotwire rental car tips and rules that will help you save.

1. What are the best Hotwire car rental deals?

• Rental periods of at least five full days (at least 120 hours) are often significantly cheaper per day, as are weekend rentals.
  
  
• Large vehicles and luxury vehicles almost always offer the biggest discounts.
  

2. What rental car companies does Hotwire use?

Hotwire Hot Rates—the low rates you’re looking for—come from

• Alamo,
• Avis,
• Budget,
• Enterprise,
• Europcar (international only),
• Hertz, and
• National.
  

You’ll find which one of these after you pay.

At times, Hotwire may offer less-discounted rate rental cars from a wide range of companies that are named before you reserve.

3. How late can I book?

Currently, your Hotwire vehicle can be picked up as early as 2 hours after you began your Hotwire rental car search.

4. Does Hotwire offer one-way or off-airport rentals?

You have an option to book one-way, but must pick up and drop off your Hotwire Hot Rate—the lowest rate—car at the same airport location.

5. How will I know if a rental office will be open at my drop-off time?

Hotwire won't take your reservation unless the rental counter is scheduled to be open at the times you give. Most rental counters at large airports are open 24 hours.

In any case, if your flight's arriving late, be sure to call the contact number on your confirmation.

6. What's the trade-off with Hotwire Hot Rates?

Hotwire Hot Rates allow no refunds or changes of any type.

“These restrictions enable car-rental agencies to better manage their unsold rental cars, and they're a big reason why we can offer you great travel deals.”—Hotwire.com

You can buy trip cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

7. How old do I have to be to rent?

• At least 25 to book a Hotwire Hot Rate.
  
  
• At least 21 to book a less-discounted rate.

8. What about taxes and fees?

All taxes and fees are included in the total of Hotwire Hot Rate bookings.

For less-discounted rentals, Hotwire gives an estimate of the taxes and fees that you'll pay at the rental counter.

9. Will I get unlimited mileage with a Hot Rate?

Most rentals come with unlimited mileage. If not, Hotwire will tell you on the search results page before you book.

10. What about my driving record?

Regardless of age, drivers are expected to have reasonably clean records. However, most types of violations are not counted against you after a period of time.

For more information, see Hotwire Driving Record Requirements.

11. Can other people drive?

Yes, but they must be at least 25 and meet rental company requirements, such as having a credit card in their name.

NOTE: Extra drivers must be added to the rental contract when you pick up the car—the person holding the reservation must be with them. (You can't give your reservation to someone else.) There may be an extra charge for additional drivers, which you'll pay when you pick up the car.

Never let someone not listed on the rental contract drive. This could void the insurance.

12. Can I pay for someone else?

Yes, you can use your credit or debit card, but the reservation must be in the name of the driver.

The driver will have to present her or his credit card (not a debit card), with a name that matches the driver’s license, at the rental counter.

The driver’s card should have at least $200 in available credit at the time of pickup in Canada or the U.S., and at least $1,000 at pickup elsewhere. These amounts may vary.

13. Will I need to use a shuttle bus?

The top companies—Avis, Budget, and Hertz—that Hotwire uses for its "Hot Rates" usually have the most convenient airport locations.

Some airports like Los Angeles International do not offer car rental pickup at the airport. Others do, but may make you go to a special terminal.

14. Any last tips?

• As mentioned, car rental rates have increased rapidly over the past several years. Using Hotwire.com for big discounts saves you more than ever.
  
  Go for these savings, if your trip plans are firm.
  
  $13.95 per day rental cars with low Hotwire Hot-Rates!
  
  
• Be sure to take along a printout of your confirmation.
  
  
  
• Which hotels does Hotwire use?
• Hotwire Hotel Tips,
• Hotwire Airfare Tips, and
• Hotwire Vacation Package Tips.