Renting a car at San Juan Airport (SJU) offers you the freedom to explore Puerto Rico at your own pace. However, to ensure a smooth rental experience, it’s crucial to understand the renter requirements and payment policies in advance. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what you need to know before you pick up your keys and start your island adventure with your San Juan Airport Car Rental.
Renter Requirements at San Juan Airport
Like any car rental service, san juan airport car rental agencies have specific criteria that renters must meet. These requirements are in place to protect both the rental company and the renter. Here’s a breakdown of the essential renter requirements you’ll encounter:
Age Restrictions for Car Rentals
The minimum age to rent a car at San Juan Airport is 21 years old. This is a standard policy across most rental companies. However, if you are between 21 and 24 years of age, be aware of the following:
- Underage Surcharge: Renters in this age bracket are typically subject to a daily underage surcharge. This fee can be around $25 per day, but it’s always best to confirm the exact amount with your chosen san juan airport car rental provider.
- Vehicle Class Restrictions: Younger renters may have limitations on the types of vehicles they can rent. Generally, those aged 21-24 can rent:
- Economy through Full Size cars
- Cargo and Minivans
- Pickup Trucks
- Compact, Small, and Standard SUVs (with seating for up to 5 passengers)
- Luxury or premium vehicle classes are usually restricted for renters under 25.
Driver’s License Requirements
A valid driver’s license is mandatory for anyone renting and driving a vehicle. Here are the key points regarding driver’s licenses for san juan airport car rental:
- Valid License: Your driver’s license must be valid and current. Expired licenses will not be accepted.
- Learner’s Permits Not Accepted: Individuals holding learner’s or instructional permits are not eligible to rent a vehicle. You must possess a full, unrestricted driver’s license.
- Matching Name and Address: The name and address on your driver’s license should ideally match your current home address. While active-duty military personnel may have exemptions, it’s generally advisable to have your license information up-to-date.
- Additional Drivers: Only the renter and their spouse or domestic partner are typically permitted to drive the rental vehicle. Adding other additional drivers might be restricted or incur extra charges.
Debit Card Policy for Airport Rentals
Using a debit card for your san juan airport car rental can be possible, but it often comes with specific conditions, especially at airport locations:
- Ticketed Return Travel Itinerary: At San Juan Airport, debit cards are generally accepted for rental only if you can present a ticketed return travel itinerary (e.g., a plane ticket showing your departure from SJU). This serves as proof of your planned return with the vehicle.
- Address Verification: The address on your driver’s license must match the billing address associated with your debit card.
- Funds and Overdrafts: When using a debit card, the estimated rental cost and any deposit will be debited from your account. Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover these amounts. You are also responsible for any overdraft fees that your bank might impose.
- Deposit Requirements: Renters using debit cards may face stricter deposit requirements compared to those using credit cards.
Insurance Verification for Specific Vehicle Classes
For certain premium or luxury vehicle classes, san juan airport car rental agencies may require renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary to provide proof of insurance. This typically includes:
- Transferrable Auto Insurance Policy: You might need to demonstrate that you have an existing auto insurance policy that offers collision, comprehensive, and liability coverage that extends to rental vehicles.
- Applicable Vehicle Classes: This insurance verification is generally requested for vehicle categories like:
- 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
It’s always recommended to check directly with your chosen san juan airport car rental company to confirm their specific insurance verification policies, especially if you plan to rent a higher-end vehicle and don’t have a return travel itinerary.
Forms of Payment Accepted at San Juan Airport Car Rental
Understanding the accepted forms of payment is essential for a hassle-free san juan airport car rental experience. Most major payment methods are accepted, but it’s good to be prepared:
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Credit Cards: Major credit cards are widely accepted, including:
- VISA®
- MasterCard®
- American Express®
- Discover Network®
Credit cards are generally the most straightforward payment method for car rentals and often come with lower deposit requirements compared to debit cards.
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Debit Cards: As discussed earlier, debit cards are accepted under certain conditions, primarily with a ticketed return travel itinerary at San Juan Airport locations.
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Estimated Total Charges: The estimated total cost of your rental, as shown during your online reservation or in your confirmation email, will be charged to your chosen form of payment at the time of rental. Any modifications to your reservation may result in adjustments to the final rental amount.
Deposit Amounts for San Juan Airport Car Rental
Rental companies typically require a deposit to cover potential additional charges that might arise during your rental period. For san juan airport car rental, the deposit amount can vary based on whether you have a ticketed return travel itinerary and the type of vehicle you are renting.
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Standard Deposit: For renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary, a standard deposit of $300 is usually required.
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Higher Deposit for Premium Vehicles: For more expensive or performance-oriented vehicles, the deposit amount is significantly higher, often around $850. These vehicle classes typically include:
- 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
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Deposit Hold: It’s important to remember that the deposit amount will be held and unavailable for your use until the vehicle is returned in good condition.
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Payment for Deposit: The deposit must be paid using one of the accepted forms of payment listed above (credit or debit card). Cash, money orders, and prepaid cards are not acceptable for the deposit.
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Deductions from Deposit: Any additional charges you incur during your rental (e.g., extra mileage, late return fees, damages) may be deducted from your deposit. If the additional charges exceed the deposit amount, you will be responsible for paying the difference.
Additional Important Information
- Money Orders and Prepaid Cards: While money orders and prepaid cards are not accepted for the initial rental payment or deposit, they might be accepted for settling any outstanding balance when you return the vehicle. Cash is generally not accepted at any point.
- Credit Card on File: Even if you use a debit card for payment, having a credit card on file (especially one linked to a loyalty program profile) can streamline the rental process and may be required for certain situations.
- Authorizations and Charges: All charges will be processed as authorizations (holds) against your credit or debit card and then finalized as actual charges.
By being well-informed about the renter requirements and payment policies for san juan airport car rental, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable car rental experience in Puerto Rico. Always double-check the specific terms and conditions with your chosen rental agency before finalizing your booking.
