Navigating rental car policies can often be confusing, especially when you’re arriving at a busy airport like Denver International Airport (DIA). To ensure a smooth and hassle-free car rental experience at Denver Airport, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements and payment policies. This guide breaks down the key aspects you need to be aware of when renting a car at Denver Airport.
Renter Requirements
Like most rental agencies, renting a car at Denver Airport comes with specific requirements to ensure both renter and company are protected. These primarily revolve around age, driver’s licenses, and acceptable forms of identification.
Age Restrictions
The minimum age to rent a vehicle at Denver Airport is 21 years old. However, renters between the ages of 21 and 24 are considered underage and will incur an additional daily surcharge of $25. This surcharge is standard practice and helps cover the increased risk associated with younger drivers. It’s important to note that while younger renters are accepted, their vehicle class options might be limited. Typically, those aged 21-24 can rent vehicles from economy to full-size cars, including cargo and minivans, pickups, and compact to standard SUVs with seating for up to five passengers. Luxury vehicles and larger SUVs are generally restricted to renters 25 years and older.
Driver’s License
A valid driver’s license is mandatory for all renters and additional drivers. Learner’s permits or instructional permits are not accepted. The driver’s license must be valid for the entire rental period. For rentals at Denver Airport locations, it’s crucial to note the address on your driver’s license. While it should ideally match your current home address, active duty military personnel are exempt from this requirement. It’s always recommended to carry your driver’s license with you throughout your rental period as you may be asked to present it again when picking up or returning your vehicle.
Debit Card Policy at Denver Airport
Using a debit card to rent a car at airport locations, including Denver Airport, has specific conditions. Generally, debit cards are accepted at the time of rental only if you can present a ticketed return travel itinerary. This policy is in place to mitigate risks associated with debit card transactions and ensure the renter’s intent to return the vehicle. The name and address on your driver’s license must correspond to the current home address linked to your debit card for verification purposes. As mentioned earlier, active duty military personnel are exempt from the address matching requirement.
A standard driver’s license is required to rent a car at Denver Airport.
If you intend to use a debit card for any rental charges, including potential extra fees, be aware that the funds in your associated bank account will be immediately reduced by these amounts. Furthermore, you are responsible for any overdraft fees that might occur if your account balance is insufficient. It’s always wise to confirm with the rental agency at Denver Airport if your specific debit card is acceptable and if there are any additional requirements based on the card type or issuing bank.
Additional Drivers
Policies regarding additional drivers are also important to consider. At Denver Airport rental locations, besides your spouse or domestic partner, no other additional drivers are permitted when using a debit card for rental payment. If you plan to have other individuals drive the rental vehicle, ensure they meet the age and driver’s license requirements and clarify with the rental agency about their additional driver policy, especially if using a debit card.
Insurance Verification for Specific Vehicle Classes
For renters at Denver Airport who do not have a ticketed return travel itinerary and plan to rent certain premium or luxury vehicle classes, insurance verification is mandatory. This applies to vehicle categories such as Full Size Luxury Sedan, Premium Luxury Sedan, Midsize Sport Luxury Sedan, Electric Luxury Sedan, Premium Luxury SUV, Extended Luxury SUV, Electric Luxury SUV, Limo Van, and Corvette. You must provide proof of a transferable auto collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance policy that covers these specific vehicle classes. This ensures adequate financial protection in case of accidents or damages to these higher-value vehicles.
Forms of Payment
Understanding the accepted forms of payment is crucial for a smooth transaction when renting a car at Denver Airport. Most major credit and debit cards are generally accepted, but it’s always prudent to confirm specific card types with the rental agency.
Accepted Payment Methods
The following forms of payment are typically accepted for rentals at Denver Airport:
- VISA®
- MasterCard®
- American Express®
- Discover Network®
- Debit Cards (under specific conditions as mentioned above)
When you make a reservation, the estimated total for your rental will be charged to the payment method you provide. If you modify your reservation, the final rental amount might change, but it will still be charged to your original payment method unless updated. Upon picking up your vehicle, you will sign a rental contract detailing all terms and conditions, including a Rental Agreement Summary and Additional Terms and Conditions.
Major credit cards are widely accepted for car rentals at Denver Airport.
Deposit Amount
To cover potential additional charges or fees incurred during your rental period, a deposit is required when renting a car at Denver Airport. The standard deposit amount is $400. However, for premium or luxury vehicle classes such as Performance Sport, Full Size Luxury SUV, Electric Luxury SUV, Full Size Elite Electric Sedan, Midsize Sport Luxury Sedan, Full Size Luxury Sedan, Premium Luxury Sedan, Electric Luxury Sedan, Premium Luxury SUV, Extended Luxury SUV, Limo Van, and Corvette, the deposit amount increases to $850.
It’s important to note that this deposit amount will be held and unavailable for your use until the vehicle is returned in good condition. Any additional charges you incur during the rental period, such as extra mileage, late return fees, or damages, may be deducted from this deposit. If these additional charges are not deducted from the deposit, they will be charged to your payment method provided at the rental time, unless you provide an alternative accepted payment method.
Important Payment Information
Debit cards, while accepted under certain conditions, require careful consideration. When using a debit card for the deposit or any rental charges, the funds are immediately held or deducted from your account, reducing your available balance. Be mindful of potential overdraft fees if your account balance is low. Money orders and prepaid cards are not accepted for payment at the time of rental, including for the deposit. However, they may be used to pay any outstanding balance at the end of your rental after the vehicle has been returned. Cash is not accepted at any point during the rental process.
In addition to the standard accepted payment methods, credit cards listed in your renter profile or loyalty account (like Emerald Club or E Club) can also be used for all rental charges. All amounts owed will be processed as an authorization hold on your credit or debit card and subsequently charged.
For a comprehensive understanding of all rental policies, including detailed information on debit card usage and general rental requirements, it is recommended to thoroughly review the complete Renter Requirements policy provided by the rental agency at Denver Airport. Understanding these policies beforehand will contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable car rental experience when you arrive at Denver International Airport.
