FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • What are the requirements to rent a car from Basic Car Rental?
  • The minimum age required to rent a car is 21 for standard cars. Standard cars are full size cars and smaller. You must be 25 or older to rent a luxury car, 7 seater suv, 15 pass van, cube truck and or specialty vehicle. Check with the specific rental location or the nearest Basic Car Rental office for details. Additional charges apply to all renters under 25. The rental charges differ for each location.
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  • How are the rates calculated? How do I get the best rates possible?
  • The rates are based on a 24 hour rental day starting with the hour you pick up the vehicle. Base rate is the total cost of rental not including the taxes, fees, surcharges, mandatory coverages, mileage (if applicable) and optional items (child seats, navigational systems, additional driver, coverages, etc.). We guarantees that you will get our best rate online. You can book directly from our home page, or browse through our deals to see special offers. See our Best Rate Guarantee to learn more .
  • While it may cost less to rent a smaller car, be sure to rent a car adequate for your space and luggage requirements. See our online listing of vehicles to find the best vehicle for your needs. Your passengers will thank you for it!
  • Keep in mind, just like airlines, availability at promotional rates may be limited, so the sooner you call, the better your chances of receiving one of these rates.
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  • What are your requirements for Driver's License? Do You accept out of state or international driver's license?
  • The following driver's licenses are accepted by Basic Car Rental in the United States:
    • - A 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 Drivers license must be an original, be present at the time of pick up, and be in the name of the person who is picking up the car.
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  • I donot have a driver's license. can I rent a car for someone else to drive?
  • You must pressent to our office with a valid driver's license in order to initiate the contract.
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  • Does Basic Car Rental conduct driver's record check?
  • In the U.S., before we will rent a vehicle to you and when you arrive at our location, you and any additional authorized drivers may be subject to a driving record and license check with the DMV. In the rare instance the driving record and license check fails to meet our criteria, we reserve the right to deny the rental based on the DMV report. Please contact our office for more information
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  • What credit cards do you accept? Do you accept debit cards fro payments?
  • - American Express
    - MasterCard
    - Optima/Optima True Grace
    - Diners Club
    - Visa
    - Discover Card
  • As a general rule, a major credit card is required at the time of rental. However, when renting from many US locations, you may be allowed to use a debit or check card to rent. Some restriction may apply for cash deposit rentals. Some locations will perform a debit card check and credit inquiry screening on debit card holders. Please check our General Policies and the local policy of the location where you intend to rent for more specific information. A debit/check card is considered to be any non-credit card bearing the Visa or MasterCard logo. Any other non-credit card without the Visa or MasterCard logo is not accepted. Prepaid credit cards, gift cards and debit/check cards are only accepted for payment at the end of the rental.
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  • Can I use a key ring credit card when I rent a car from Basic Car Rental?
  • No, Basic Car Rental does not accept the small credit cards issued by credit card companies that fit on a key ring. If you should present a key ring credit card at the time of rental, the rental location may ask you to present the standard size credit card or another form of payment.
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  • Will a deposit/Authorization will be taken from my credit card?
  • Most car rental companies will take a deposit on your credit card at the time of pick up. The deposit may vary from location to location, but generally it is the estimated rental charges plus 15%. Some companies are changing their procedures to match the procedures at other retail establishments. Instead of taking a deposit, they will go ahead and charge the estimated cost of the rental onto your card. Should the car be returned earlier than originally agreed, a credit for the unused portion is issued upon return depending on your contract terms.
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  • Do you offer airport shuttle service? Do you offer a pick up of drop off service?
  • You can schedule a service with us at the time of reservation. Pick up service is available with advance notice at our other locations. If you are 5 miles or less from the location, you may arrange to get pick up service for your rental. Since this service is based on availability, please call the office directly in advance to schedule your pick up. Certain fees may apply.
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  • Do you offer one way rentals?
  • Yes, Basic Car rental offers one way rentals. Rates and vehicle availability for one-way rentals can be obtained through our Reservations Center by calling 1-877-702-2742 (1-877-70-Basic) within the U.S.
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  • What do I do when I get into an accident withmy rental car? What happens if the car is damaged or stolen?
  • If the car is stolen or has been involved in an accident, first call the local police or appropriate law enforcement agency. Next, call the nearest office of the rental car company, give them your rental agreement or confirmation number and explain what has happened. If it's after hours, Basic Car Rental customers always can call toll free to 1-877-702-2742 (1-877-70-Basic). You'll be led through the procedure to get you going again. Finally, call your own auto insurance company with information on the incident. Be sure to check with the rental company on their breakdown policy before you drive away.
  • Accidents and vehicle theft aren't something we like to think about, especially on a trip, but they can happen even to the most careful driver. Optional waivers (as outlined above) can be purchased to reduce or eliminate your financial exposure which could include the full value of the vehicle and lost rental revenue during its replacement period.
  • Be careful not to violate your car rental agreement by driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance, allowing an unauthorized personal to drive the vehicle, leaving the windows, doors or trunk unlocked, or leaving the keys in the ignition when parked. If the agreement if violated, it makes the waiver void. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.
  • Remember that, as the renter, you are liable for all parking and moving traffic violations, both domestic and international, so please drive safely and observe all ordinances.
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  • Do you offer GPS navigation system in your vehicles?
  • Most of our vehicles are not equipped with a GPS navigation system. However, GPS systems may be rented at the counter when you rent your vehicle based on availabiltiy. For additional questions regarding GPS systems please contact the office directly.
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  • Do you offer child seat in your vehicles?
  • The decision is yours. All states and several countries require children under a certain age to be secured in child seats. You can save time at check-in by placing a request for your child seat when you make an advance reservation. You should know that we cannot guarantee the availability of child seats, so please make your decision accordingly.
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  • What safety issues do I consider?
  • Safety on the road, particularly in a city other than where you call home, is important. Basic Car Rental has some traveling recommendations for you as well as some tips from other veteran travelers.
  • - If you are new to the city, the Basic Car Rental staff will be happy to assist you and provide directions or maps of the area.

  • - Traveling in a new city or area can sometimes create anxiety because of the unfamiliarity with the locale. The following tips, obtained from the American Automobile Association and the American Car Rental Association, are meant as guidelines and Basic Car Rental urges you to use your best judgment in any particular situation.
  • - Before leaving the rental center, be sure you know the route to your destination. If you must ask directions, ask a police officer or find a well-lighted public place. Stay out of high crime areas even if it means going out of your way.

  • - Do not stop on the roadway or shoulder and do not get out of your car, if any of the following situations occur:

  • ------Your vehicle is bumped from behind;
    ------Another motorist advises you of problems with your vehicle;
    ------Your car is malfunctioning, or
    ------Someone on the roadside needs assistance.

  • - If any of these situations occur, drive to the nearest well-lighted public place to notify the proper authorities and to request assistance. In most areas, dial 911 for the police.

  • - Do not stop for flashing white lights. Lights on emergency vehicles in the U.S. are red and blue.

  • - If you are threatened with a gun or knife, give up your car immediately and report the incident to police and the rental car company.

  • - Keep doors and windows locked and keep your valuables locked in the trunk or glove compartment. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Do not pick up hitchhikers.

  • - Always park in well-lighted areas. If stopping to buy gas, use a pay phone or use an automatic teller machine (ATM), choose well-lighted, busy locations.

  • - If possible, avoid using an ATM at night.

  • - Never leave your car unattended with the engine running.

  • - When walking toward a parked car, be aware of your surroundings and check the interior of the vehicle before unlocking doors. Have your keys in hand and ready when approaching your vehicle.

  • - Don't be your own worst enemy... buckle up!
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