Car rentals in Ames: All you need to know

An Ames car rental allows you to go where you want, when you want. You can check out all the sights, and even see what else the rest of Iowa has to offer. We've gathered the most frequently asked questions about car rentals in Ames. Find out how to get the best rates on your ideal vehicle.

Where can I find a great deal on a car rental in Ames?

CarRentals.com makes it easy to grab budget-friendly rates. Just type in your travel dates and scroll through the list of car rental suppliers, pick the top rental locations, and find the most wallet-friendly offers in Ames. You can also:

• Compare vehicle pricing before you book
• Avoid pick-ups or drop-offs at airports, which usually cost more
• Know ahead of time the amount of fuel/mileage you may use
• Search and reserve as far in advance as you can

Just following even a few of these tips can help you save on your Ames rental car.

What rental companies have retailers in Ames?

From global names like Hertz and Sixt to budget-friendly brands like Budget and Thrifty, CarRentals.com has some of the best brands in the business. Scan through the online reviews to help you figure out which one is best for you.

What types and makes of rental cars are on offer in Ames?

That all depends on your needs and what activities you want to do in Ames. If you're having a bit of trouble deciding, make sure to look over our table below. We've compared the most popular categories for you:

How old do you have to be to rent a car in Ames?

Usually, the age limit for renting a car in Ames is 21—the same as it is across the rest of the USA. Additionally, many suppliers charge an extra fee if you are under 25. Be sure to read the rental agreement to determine what the exact fee will be before you book your rental.

Do I need insurance to rent a car in Ames?

Most countries require driver's insurance. You may be able to purchase additional insurance through rental car supplier, if you know your insurance won't cover your rental during your trip. Otherwise, as a United States citizen, you can also add on Collision Damage Coverage through CarRentals.com at checkout. Several credit card issuers (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) will provide some coverage. But many of them have restrictions, such as not covering larger automobiles like premium models or some SUVs. It is best to find out exactly what your credit card will cover and how much before you travel to Ames.

What are the different fuel policies?

Most suppliers allow you to choose which policy you want. Here is a list of the typical policies.

What fuel policy do you recommend?

Most suppliers provide you a full tank policy. We advise returning the car topped off. If you want to keep your expenses lower, find a filling station before returning the vehicle.

Is it worth getting unlimited miles?

Unlimited mileage is a good option for travelers who don't want to worry about incurring any extra charges with the distance they drive. Just make sure that your policy really provides unlimited miles. Read the fine print before you book.

Before you drive off

Before you begin on your Ames adventure, make sure you go over a few items before you leave the lot. It's important to:

• Check out the car and determine if there is any damage or scratches. If so, mark it down on the paperwork
• Make you have a properly inflated spare tire, lug wrench, and jack in the trunk
• Familiarize yourself with the car. Adjust the mirrors and seats, and note how to turn on the lights and windshield wipers
• Figure out how to work the radio or entertainment features. You don't want any unneeded distractions in a new city

Book your Ames car rental today

Maybe you're traveling with your partner and kids, or carpooling with co-workers to and from the hotel to the conference center. Maybe you're traveling solo. CarRentals.com has the ideal car that can align with your requirements and not deplete your travel piggy bank.