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What should I know about renting a car?
There are different ways to rent a car in Ontario. You can use car share services to rent by the hour or car rental companies for days or weeks.
You can find out how to rent a car through car share services, in the What is car sharing? article.
For most car rental companies, you need to meet some requirements before renting a car. These requirements will vary depending on the company, but there are some general guidelines.
What are the requirements?
Valid Driver’s Licence - You need to have a valid driver’s licence. In Ontario, that means a G or G2 licence to rent a car. It must be valid for the entire rental period. If you only have a learner’s permit, called a G1 in Ontario, you will not be able to rent a car. If you have a driver’s licence from another country, you may still be able to rent a car. You can check with your rental company to see what their requirements are.
Minimum Age - Most rental companies across Canada have minimum age requirements to rent. In Ontario, the minimum age is usually 21 years old. Most major rental companies charge an additional fee if you are under 25. They may also place restrictions on renting luxury cars, minivans, or SUVs.
Good Driving Record - Maintaining a good driving record is important if you want to rent a car. Rental companies have different ways of screening for acceptable driving records.
Authorized Operators - Major rental companies usually authorize a single driver to operate the vehicle. Additional authorized operators can be added to the rental agreement, sometimes with an extra fee.
Insurance - By law, the car you drive has to be insured. Most rental companies will offer you a liability waiver in case of damage during an accident, with an additional charge. If you have car insurance, you may already have coverage for damage to a vehicle you do not own. Some credit cards also provide insurance if you pay for the rental with the card. Be sure to check with your own car insurance and credit card policies before paying for additional coverage from a rental company.
Credit Card - Most rental companies require you to pay for their rental services by credit card if any damages occur during the rental period. They can also put ”holds” on your credit card for a certain amount of money while you rent the car. Debit cards and payment by cash are generally not accepted, but some companies may allow you to use them as payment when returning the vehicle.
Before you decide to make a reservation, it is a good idea to review different rental companies and their requirements, insurance coverage policies, additional fees, vehicle options, and contract details. You can search online for a car rental company in your area.
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Last updated:
August 27, 2024
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