Guide to Renting a Car in California for First Timers

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Renting a car in California for the first time?

You’ve come to the right place, as I’ve lived in California my entire adult life, and I’m going to walk you through the process of renting a car in California.

I’ve rented cars in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and other places in California, so I’m here to demystify everything for you.

By the end of the article, you’re going to feel comfortable with the entire California car rental process.

First and foremost, most travelers want to know about the best place to rent a car in California.

When I rent a car in California, I recommend and use Discover Cars, and you’ll see why in this article.

Discover Cars compares local, national and international companies so you always get the best rates from any California car rental service, even in peak season from May to August, when rates are highest.

Using an aggregate search service like Discover Cars means you get the best deals. As Discover Cars check all car rental company options at once, you know you get the best price at the highest-rated companies.

Ready to learn the ins and outs of renting a car in California? Let’s do it, starting with my personal experience renting a car in California with Discover Cars, and ending with a FAQ about renting cars in California.

I’ve researched for you, so you don’t have to.

Do You Need A Car in California?

Yes. If you are coming to California on vacation and want to see its many sights, having a car will be more cost-effective and efficient than not having one.

Public transportation systems like buses, trains, and subways can provide convenient and affordable transportation options in major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

Furthermore, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in most urban areas.

However, cities like Los Angeles and San Diego are widespread, and having a car is a must if you want to go from the Hollywood Sign to the beaches in Santa Monica.

If you are headed to San Francisco, you could get away without renting a car. But if you want to take a day trip to Napa or see the redwoods, you’ll need to rent a car.

Renting A Car in California with Discover Cars

I have lived in Los Angeles since 2003 and, before that, in San Francisco. Even though I have a car, I often rent a convertible to drive up the coast; it’s a lot more fun with the top down, enjoying the cool sea air, especially in the summertime!

When booking a car rental in California I highly recommend using Discover Cars.

I have consistently found that they offer the best deals, and their policy of allowing FREE cancellations up to 48 hours before the reservation has been a major factor in my choice.
The following is the exact process I follow to rent a car through Discover Cars:

1. Reserve Your Car Online with Discover Cars

Head to the Discover Cars website, and input your travel dates and preferred pick-up location. For most travelers, this will be the airport in the city you’re landing in, which is most likely Los Angeles International Airport (code: LAX), San Francisco International Airport (code: SFO), San Diego Airport (code: SAN), or somewhere in between. 

Travel Note: There are many airports in and around Los Angeles. LAX is the largest, but there is also: Burbank (BUR), John Wayne (SNA), Long Beach (LGB), and Ontario (ONT).

🌟 ONLY RENT FROM WELL-RATED PLACES

I recommend filtering car rental options by ratings because the cheapest deal often doesn’t equate to the best value.

In my personal experience, I only rent from locations with a rating no lower than 8 out of 10 stars. As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” and for me, saving some money isn’t worth compromising on customer service during my vacation.

Renting a car in california

2. Opt for Full Coverage with Discover Cars

Whenever I rent a car through Discover Cars, I make sure to include their Full Coverage Policy, which seems to be a popular choice among customers. As per the Discover Cars website, 85% of their clients opt for this policy to ensure a stress-free rental experience in California.

The drivers are a tad agro (crazy/have a death wish) here, so it’s best to be protected.

The Full Coverage Policy offered by Discover Cars typically costs between $7 to $10 USD per day, covering up to approximately $3,300 USD of damage to the rental car. This comprehensive coverage includes repair expenses for bodywork, scratches, dings, tires, windows/glass, towing, lost keys, and other related damages.

What’s covered with Discover Cars? (And what’s not covered?)

🧐 WILL CAR RENTAL COMPANIES ACCEPT THIS POLICY?

Legally, they have to, and personally, any company I’ve used has accepted this third party policy through Discover Cars. This is just one reason I encourage you to rent from a well-rated company known for good customer service.

On almost every occasion that I’ve rented a car, the rental company has attempted to persuade me to purchase their insurance, but I have always declined.

As previously stated, the insurance policy provided by Discover Cars fulfills all of the necessary car rental insurance requirements in the US.

If you choose not to purchase insurance from the car rental company, they will place a hold of approximately $2,700 on your credit card. Upon returning the rental car without any damage, the full deposit amount will be refunded to you.

Should you return the rental car with any damage, the rental company will deduct the repair costs from your deposit. Afterward, you will need to file a claim with Discover Cars, which typically takes 48 hours or less to process, as stated on their website.

Discover Cars’ Full Coverage Policy will reimburse you as long as the damage does not exceed $3,300), which does cover a significant amount of potential damage.

🧐 HOW DO I MAKE A CLAIM WITH DISCOVER CARS?

Making a claim with Discover Cars is easy.

You’ll need your login credentials which you’ll find in your booking confirmation email, which you can then use to log in via your laptop or the Discover Cars app (📱Android; 🍎 Apple).

Compared to the Full Coverage Policy offered by car rental companies, the Discover Cars’ policy is considerably cheaper, typically costing only $7-10 USD per day.

In contrast, direct policies from rental companies can cost up to $30 USD per day or more.

In case you prefer to acquire full coverage insurance directly from the rental company, you can do so while still renting through Discover Cars to enjoy their competitive rates and cancellation policy without any fees.

😎 DISCLAIMER

I’m sharing my personal experience of renting cars in California, which involved around 15 rental transactions.

While I cannot predict how your own rental experience will turn out, I hope that the information I’ve provided will be helpful for your upcoming trip to California.

If you require additional information regarding Discover Cars, I recommend getting in touch with Discover Cars directly. You can also check out their reviews on TrustPilot, where they have a 4.5 out of 5 Star rating and have amassed around 100,000 reviews.

Renting A Car in California: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to rent a car in California?

Yes – For the vast majority of travelers, renting a car in California is safe! Driving is another matter.

That’s not to say bad thing don’t happen in California; they do.

However, if you’re prepared (and you will be after reading this article!) you should be perfectly safe renting a car in California.

For a deep dive into this topic, check out “Is California Safe to Travel Right Now?” and “Is California Safe? 25 Tips to Stay Safe in California.”

Is it safe to drive in California?

For the most part, it is considered safe to drive in major cities and surrounding areas in California.

Having a general sense of where each place you’re visiting is while driving on California’s many freeways will help you feel more prepared.

When parked on the street, always keep the inside of your car empty to reduce the risk of someone breaking into your vehicle. Just this past month, my friend left her purse in the front seat of her car in plain view. Her window was smashed in when she returned to her car, and her wallet was gone. (This happened in a “safe” neighborhood in Los Angeles).

How are the roads in California?

Most of the roads in California are well maintained, with a few exceptions. Getting around California is made easy due to its extensive network of highways and surface streets.

Locals take pride in our many freeways and roads here, they are well organized and methodical.

Unless you’re venturing off the beaten path in Malibu or Lake Tahoe or Napa on a road trip, you’ll be just fine with mid-size or economy cars, and you shouldn’t need a full-size car, Jeep or SUV.

Should I rent a car in California?

When visiting California, renting a car is highly recommended. California is a sprawling state, and attractions may be located far from each other. Having a car can make it easier to get around and see more in a shorter time.

Although renting a car in California can be expensive (especially during peak seas), it will give you freedom and time to cover more ground. And renting a car is much more economical than booking the many California Tours you’ll want to go on!

With your own car, you can venture off the beaten path to see all this sprawling state offers, like Napa and Santa Clara outside of San Francisco or Santa Barbara and Laguna Beach, just outside Los Angeles.

Trips like shopping on Rodeo Drive and Melrose will be easier with a car. Or taking a day-trip to soak in the mud baths of Calistoga requires a vehicle.

You will need a car to take a day trip to one of the hundreds of beaches outside Los Angeles, like Malibu, Manhattan Beach, or Venice Beach.

You could opt for Uber or Lyft, but since these places are far apart and traffic is always bad, it would be cost-prohibitive to Lyft all around which ever city or town you plan to visit.

Is there Uber and Lyft in California?

Yes. Uber and Lyft are available in major cities and most surrounding areas in California, and almost anywhere you want to get one.  Cost per trip depends on when you plan to ride – expect higher costs (surge pricing) during rush hour.  

However, on a trip with attractions in different vicinities, it is expensive to Lyft all over town. Renting a car for your time in California is more cost-effective.

Is there public transportation in California?

Yes. Public transportation is provided in major cities in California. Here are the big four:

🚃 San Francisco: The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) serves the Bay Area. BART is efficient and reliable. When living in San Francisco in my 20s, I often took BART. I also rode the cable cars up and down California Street to go grocery shopping. I lived on one of San Francisco’s famous hills.

🚍 Los Angeles: In LA we have the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), which serves Los Angeles County. I have not taken this. Unfortunately, LA still is lacking in the public transportation area. It takes too long and is kind of scary.

🚍 Sacramento: The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) provides bus service in Sacramento and neighboring areas.

🚊San Diego: The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates bus routes primarily within San Diego County. 

What’s the best place to rent a car in California?

The best place to rent a car in California is in the airport you fly into. You’ll find the best and most extensive selection of vehicles and rental companies in major cities in California.

Opting for a car rental at California’s large airports can be highly convenient since you’ll likely fly into one. At the airport, you’ll find a multitude of rental car companies with a diverse range of vehicle options to choose from.

Although renting a car at a major airport may be slightly pricier than renting from an off-site agency, the money saved on transportation to and from an off-site location may offset the difference in rental costs.

Furthermore, renting a car in California at the airport will save you precious travel time, which is an invaluable commodity.

What’s the best car rental in California?

There’s no official best car rental in California. You’ll find all the major car rental companies at most airports, like Enterprise, Hertz, National, Dollar, and Alamo, but do read reviews before booking.

I love renting with Discover Cars because I can read reviews from recent customers. Also, their FREE cancellation policy gives me peace of mind in case my plans change.

5 Tips for renting a car at a California airport

• It’s advisable to rent a car from a reputable company like Discover Cars, the company I have personally used about 15 times and recommend.
• Before you drive off, take photographs and/or videos of any scratches, dings, or dents on the car’s exterior. Similarly, inspect the car’s interior and document any stains, rips in the fabric, or other damage.
• Keep all emails with rental agreement booking information accessible, and consider printing them out for your records.
• Each car rental company will have different locations in and around major cities. They will have a shuttle to bring you to their office. Make sure you have the exact address and number in your notes of the specific company you’re using so you know where you’re going.

What’s the cheapest car rental in California?

I recommend and use Discover Cars. Since around 2015 when I first heard of Discover Cars, I’ve used Discover Cars all over California.

Discover Cars compares local, national and international companies so you always get the best rates from any California car rental service, even during peak season from May to August, when rates are highest.

Through Discover Cars, I’ve found the cheapest California car rentals from Avis, Enterprise, and Budget, which all have good reviews.

My favorite would have to be Enterprise; their customer service is excellent. However, some offices are closed on Sundays, which can be inconvenient.

How much does renting a car in California cost?

Wondering, How much does it actually cost to rent a car in California? Renting a car in California can be expensive, especially in peak season – May to August.

California car rental rates vary but plan to spend about $40 per day for an economy car, not including the cost of full coverage insurance. The average car rental cost in California is $51 per day. But here are cheaper rates than this. By comparing prices from all rental companies, Discover Cars ensure the best rates.

How to save money when renting a car in California

✅ Plan and book your car rental ahead of time. This is the best way to ensure the cheapest rates.

✅ Book your car rental ahead of time using Discover Cars. Discover Cars compares rates from major car rental companies to give you the cheapest possible rate.

✅ Know the fuel and mileage limits. And make sure you tell the company if you plan to cross state lines. Some companies have restrictions.

✅ Visit California in off peak seasons, anytime but summer.

✅ When using Discover Cars’ website, sort by price to find the cheapest deals.

Cheapest month to rent a car in California

Cheapest: October – prices start around $35 per day.

Priciest: July – prices start around $70 per day. This is the most popular month to rent a car in California.

Can I rent a car California?

Wondering, What do I need to rent a car in California? As far as what’s required to rent a car in California, there are four things you need: 1) a valid driver’s license, 2) a credit card, 3) to be 21 years or older (in most cases), and 4) proof of liability insurance.

Non-U.S. citizens must have passports. 

1. A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE

If you have a valid driver’s license you can rent car in California. Non-US driver’s licenses are accepted. If the license is in a language other than English, an International Driver’s Permit, or IDP, is required. Need an IDP? You can apply here.

2. A VALID CREDIT CARD

When renting a car in California, they will swipe your credit to have on file in the event of damage to the car.

Different companies hold a different amount of money, but it’s usually about $500-3,000 USD. When you return the car undamaged, you’ll get that money back.

3. YOU MUST BE 21 YEARS OLD (IN MOST CASES)

Anyone aged 21 and older can rent a car in California from any car company without restrictions.

Some companies do rent to drivers aged 20 and younger, though they often have a $10-20 USD per day surcharge for underage drivers.

For 20-year-olds renting a car, you’ll need to call rental companies directly to see what their restrictions are. Make sure to double check each company’s policy before booking to see which one offers the best option for underage renters.

It’s just more expensive to rent a car as a 21-year-old because they are typically less experienced drivers.

4. PROOF OF LIABILITY INSURANCE

Rental car companies in California do not automatically provide liability protection as part of their standard rental agreement.

Drivers in California who rent a car must carry proof of liability insurance (whether their own insurance for the car rental contract if liability coverage was purchased). 

What type of a car can you rent in California?

In California, you can rent any brand and model of the car you want, from a Jeep to a Tesla to a Bentley to a Toyota.

Companies like Enterprise have luxury cars at their “Exotic Enterprise” locations, so you can get most any luxury car you want. California caters to the wealthy, so you can get anything your budget can afford.

The most popular car models rental suppliers stock in their inventory are:

• Toyotas
• Nissans – the Rogue and Kicks
• Jeep
• Kia
• Hyundai Accent
• Volkswagen Jetta
• Mazda

If you’re willing to pay more, luxury cars are available.

Are most rental cars in California automatic or stick shift?

Most California car rentals are automatic, unless you’re renting a specialty vehicle like a dune buggy, sports car or any of the top name luxury cars. As I’ve said, in California you can get what you want if you have the money to get it.

When I book with Discover Cars, all cars are labeled as automatic or manual (stick shift), so you know what you’re getting.

What side of the road do they drive on in California?

In California and all of the U.S., you’ll drive on the right side of the road, the same as Canada.

Note: If you have any general questions like this, don’t hesitate to ask when you pick up your reservation at the car rental agency. They are there to help you be as comfortable driving in California as possible. Which can be an experience all of its own.

What are the top California car rental companies?

The big name U.S. car rental companies have rental offices in California — Hertz, National, Sixt, Alamo, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise and Avis. I always check with Discover Cars first to make sure I’m getting the best possible rate.

🚘 Car Rental California Tips: Wherever you choose to rent a car in California, make sure to read reviews about that particular location.

Although some car rental brands and companies have a good reputation, it’s important to keep in mind that many of them are franchises.

As a result, some locations might be sub-par and not up to the same standards as others within the same brand or company. It’s advisable to do your research and avoid renting from locations with poor ratings.

WHAT’S THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK A CAR RENTAL IN CALIFORNIA?

I have found that the best place to book a car in California is Discover Cars because there are NO hidden fees — and I always know the total cost when I book. I also appreciate their FREE cancellation policy, it’s fabulous.

Using an aggregate search service like Discover Cars means you get the best deals. As Discover Cars checks all car rental company options at once, you know you get the best price at the highest-rated companies.

How to Avoid Common Car Rental Scams in California

Renting a car in California is mostly a stress-free process. However, it’s smart to know about scams that can make renting a car more expensive.

🚕 Hidden Fees: It’s important to ensure that the rental agency’s price quote is all-inclusive, as you may end up with additional fees or taxes after your trip if you don’t. (Discover Cars has NO hidden fees!)

🚗 Bait and Switch Tactics: To avoid falling prey to bait and switch tactics aimed at convincing you to rent more expensive cars than initially promised, be sure to carefully review all paperwork beforehand.

🚙 False Promises: Before signing any contracts or agreements, it’s important to confirm any assurances given by a rental company, such as free upgrades or discounts, by checking with multiple sources.

🚖 Unauthorized Charges: When completing the necessary paperwork during pick-up, be sure to pay careful attention to any additional charges that you may incur while using the rental car, such as late return penalties or fuel costs.

🚘 Damage Waiver Scams: It’s important to understand precisely what type of damage is included in the waiver provided by car rental companies, as this may vary from one agency to another.

🚙 Toll Road Overcharging: It’s crucial to keep track of all toll roads used during the rental period, as some unscrupulous car rental agencies may charge customers for toll roads even if they were not used.

Do I need car insurance in California?

Yes. You need proof of liability insurance when renting and driving a car in California

I’ve never had any issues using The Full Coverage Policy I get through Discover Cars. It’s not expensive and worth it for peace of mind.

Legally, third party insurance is completely valid.

Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware that some car rental agents will still try to persuade you to purchase their company’s insurance. In fact, some companies actively encourage their employees to do so. This is why it’s essential to read reviews and do your research before making a booking.

How much is car insurance when renting a car in California?

Different companies price coverage differently, but in general, Personal Liability Insurance (the minimum coverage legally required) is about $20 USD per day. For full coverage insurance, plan to pay about $40 USD per day.

When I’m renting a car in California, I always use Discover Cars. Their full coverage policies only cost about $10-15 USD per day.

🚘 Book now with Discover Cars

If you opt for Personal Liability Insurance, you’ll typically be faced with a deductible of over $2,000 USD.

However, if you choose full coverage, you may not have to pay any deductible at all, since you’re already fully protected (although this can vary depending on the terms and conditions of the rental company).

WHAT IS A CAR INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE?

If you’re not familiar with the term “deductible,” it refers to the amount of money you’re responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.

For example, if you have a $5,000 USD deductible and cause $5,750 in damages to the car, you’ll need to pay the $5,000 deductible, and the insurance will cover the remaining $750.

When it comes to selecting insurance, it’s important to keep in mind that with cheap car insurance, you often get what you pay for.

While full coverage with no deductible is typically the best option, it may be more expensive than other plans.

Ultimately, the choice will depend on your budget and individual needs.

Is car insurance through a credit card valid?

It’s worth noting that certain U.S. credit cards offer a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance for their cardholders, but this does not replace the need for Personal Liability Insurance, which is mandatory.

I always opt for Full Coverage when I rent with Discover Cars. It isn’t that expensive and gives me peace of mind when on vacation.

A word of caution about using credit card insurance when renting a car in California

It is always better to have Personal Liability Insurance and Full Coverage with no deductible.

Even if your credit card provides a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW insurance), it is not equivalent to Personal Liability Insurance, which is mandatory.

If you still want to rely on credit card insurance, make sure to carefully read their policies and terms, including the fine print. Keep in mind that if any damage occurs to the rental car, you will have to pay for it upfront and file a claim with the credit card company for reimbursement later.

However, be aware that they may not always fully reimburse you, so proceed with caution. It is best to have comprehensive coverage for peace of mind.

11 Tips for driving in California

Wondering, Is it easy to drive in California? As an experienced driver who has lived in California most of her adult life, I’m here to tell you, no, it isn’t easy driving in California, especially in big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. I’ll go one step further to say it’s terrifying. 

1. You need GPS when driving in California

I’ve lived in California my entire adult life, first in San Francisco, then in Los Angeles, and I still need to use Google Maps. California cities are big and complicated to drive in.

Bring a cell phone holder to attach to the dashboard when renting a car in California. You’ll need your phone for directions, but you can’t hold it (it’s illegal and dangerous!) Always have your eyes up and on the road when you drive. 

Travel Tip: I pack a car cell phone holder when I go out of town and know I’m renting a car. It is much safer to drive with one.

2. Pull up the directions before you start to drive

Or have the person sitting in the passenger’s seat be your navigator.

Make sure the directions are coming through your speaker via Bluetooth, so you won’t be tempted to look at your phone. It is extremely dangerous to be distracted by your phone. 

3. California freeways are wide with many, many lanes

I was recently on a freeway near Temecula, CA, and I couldn’t count how many lanes there were because they were so far across I couldn’t see all of them.

There can be anywhere from 6 to 8 lanes (on one side) on California freeways.

If you are uncomfortable with that – it can feel overwhelming – stay in the far right lane, where slower traffic tends to be. 

4. Avoid rush hour

Avoid getting on the freeway during rush hours: 6:00 am – 10:00 am and 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Avoid passing through downtown (in any city) if you can. These are high-traffic areas at all hours. I’ve experienced traffic in downtown LA at 4:00 am!

5. Avoid driving on Fridays

I have noticed that the roads on Fridays are busy most of the day, and heavy traffic starts at about 3:00 pm in most major cities for the commute home on Fridays. 

🚘 California Fun Fact: It’s illegal to smoke with a child in the car.

6. Use Uber and Lyft strategically

Uber and Lyft are great for short distances around California within neighborhoods. You won’t have to wait long, either.

For long distances, renting a car is best. 

7. Pedestrians have the right of way

By law, you have to yield to pedestrians crossing a street (they are supposed to cross at designated crosswalks, but once in a while, they jump out of nowhere). This happens more than you’d think. 

8. Large items are often in the middle of the highway

It isn’t uncommon to see a sofa, cushion, bike, or radiator in the middle of the highway. These objects come up out of the blue. 

You’ll be driving down the freeway, and all of a sudden, the car in front of you will violently swerve, and then a desk is in your face, and you have to avoid it without crashing into another car. Be aware. Stay alert.

9. The “California roll” is a thing

Make sure you fully stop at a stop sign, when you are required to.

We have something here locals like to refer to as the “California Roll.” Drivers slow down when they see a stop sign, take a quick look, and accelerate. You do not want to do this (you’ll receive a ticket if caught) or be a victim of one of these drivers.’

10. Carpool/HOV lanes

In California, certain lanes on the freeways are reserved for High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) or carpooling. These lanes are typically on the far left and are marked with a diamond symbol on the pavement.

Access to carpool lanes is limited, with entry and exit points only available where there is a break in the double yellow line. Most carpool lanes require a minimum of two passengers in the car, but some require three (indicated at the entrance).

You’ll receive a hefty fine if you violate the rule and are caught solo in the HOV lane.

11. Don’t honk – we are chill here

In California, it’s best to avoid honking your car horn unless there is an immediate danger.

Locals typically reserve honking for urgent situations, such as alerting someone distracted by their phone that the traffic light has turned green.

If you honk unnecessarily, you might stand out as a tourist.

Renting a Car in California – More Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Renting A Car in California

Driving in California is generally considered safe, and renting a car in California is a wise choice since it’s has sprawling cities with must-see attractions and things to do from one end of the state to the other.

For convenience, pick your rental up at your designated airport when you fly in, as it has plenty of local agencies on-site and around the airport’s perimeter.

One of the most important things to remember for a California car rental is to rent with a reputable company like Discover Cars. I also recommend their Full Coverage Policy, which I always use.

Looking to rent a car in other parts of California?

Check out these linked guides so you understand the process at car rental agencies throughout the state, and you avoid getting scammed when renting a car in California.

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