National Car Rental lets customers reserve a vehicle online, through its app, or by phone, then collect and return it at a participating location. At many U.S. airport branches, Emerald Club members can use a self-service aisle to choose an eligible car, while other rentals are assigned or selected at the counter. The final cost depends on the vehicle, location, dates, taxes, optional coverage, and add-ons. Knowing how each step works can help renters avoid surprises and move through pickup and return more smoothly.
How National Car Rental Works at a Glance
The basic process is straightforward: make a reservation, meet the location’s age and license requirements, pick up the vehicle, use it under the rental agreement, and return it as specified. A reservation generally identifies the vehicle class, location, rental dates, and any selected options. It does not necessarily guarantee a particular make or model; the reserved class is the more important detail.
- Reserve a car: Choose pickup and return locations, dates, times, and a vehicle class.
- Review the terms: Check the estimated price, payment rules, cancellation terms, mileage, and optional products.
- Pick up the vehicle: Present required documents and payment credentials, complete the rental agreement, and inspect the car.
- Drive within the agreement: Follow restrictions on drivers, location, fuel, and vehicle use.
- Return the car: Bring it back on time, follow fuel and drop-off instructions, and keep the return receipt.
Details can differ by branch, state, country, and reservation type. The rental agreement and the location’s current rules control if they differ from general descriptions on a website.
Making a Reservation
Customers can book through National’s website, mobile app, reservation line, or an authorized travel agency. During booking, they enter the rental location, pickup and return times, and driver information, then choose a vehicle category. Common categories include economy, compact, midsize, full-size, SUVs, minivans, and premium vehicles, though availability varies.
Compare the complete estimate rather than just the advertised daily rate. The total may include base rental charges, location fees, taxes, and selected extras. Airport rentals may have facility or concession charges that do not appear in the base rate. A lower quoted price may also have different cancellation terms or require payment conditions that are less flexible.
Review whether the reservation is prepaid or pay-at-counter. Prepaid bookings may have separate cancellation and refund rules, while pay-at-counter reservations generally leave payment until pickup. The exact policy appears during booking and in the confirmation. Keep the confirmation number and check that the location, dates, vehicle class, and driver details are correct.
What Emerald Club Does
Emerald Club is National’s customer loyalty program. Members can earn rental credits or other rewards, and eligible members may receive expedited service or access to vehicle-selection options at participating locations. Benefits depend on membership level, location, availability, and the specific rental. Membership does not automatically mean every rental can skip the counter.
At some participating airport locations, Emerald Aisle service lets eligible members choose an available vehicle from a designated aisle and proceed to the exit booth. The reservation must meet the program’s requirements, and the member may need to choose a qualifying rate or vehicle class. The aisle’s inventory can differ by branch and may not be available at every location.
Members should add their Emerald Club number to a reservation and verify that the rental is eligible for the desired benefit. They should also review the reservation before arrival: a membership profile or saved preferences do not replace required identification, payment, or rental-contract checks. Current eligibility and program terms are available on National’s Emerald Club page.
What to Bring for Pickup
The primary driver typically needs a valid driver’s license and a payment card accepted by the rental location. The name on the license and payment card may need to match the reservation. International visitors may need a passport and, depending on the license and local rules, an International Driving Permit. Requirements vary, so travelers should check the pickup location’s documentation rules before departure.
National may place an authorization hold on a payment card at pickup. This is not necessarily a final charge; it can reduce the available credit or funds until the rental is closed and the hold is released. The amount and timing depend on location, payment method, rental details, and the card issuer. Debit-card acceptance may be subject to additional conditions, such as proof of return travel or other identification.
Additional drivers generally must be listed on the rental agreement and meet applicable requirements. A spouse, domestic partner, employer, or other driver may qualify for a fee waiver in some circumstances, but rules differ by state and rate. A person who is not authorized on the contract should not drive the vehicle.
Picking Up the Car
At a counter-service location, a rental agent verifies the reservation, license, payment method, and any required documents. The agent reviews the agreement, identifies optional products, and explains where to collect the vehicle. At self-service locations, the renter follows the branch’s instructions, selects a vehicle if permitted, and completes the required steps at an exit booth or kiosk.
Before leaving, check the vehicle’s condition and note existing damage. Take time-stamped photos or video of the exterior, wheels, windshield, and interior, and report concerns to staff before driving away. Confirm the fuel level, mileage, included equipment, and any warning lights. The rental agreement or a digital inspection process may record the condition, but personal documentation can help resolve later questions.
Ask how to contact roadside assistance and what to do if the car has a mechanical problem or is involved in a collision. The appropriate response depends on the situation and the rental agreement. For an emergency, contact local emergency services first; then notify National using the contact information provided with the rental.
How National Rental Car Costs Are Calculated
The final bill can include more than the daily vehicle rate. Depending on the reservation and location, charges may include taxes, airport or facility fees, optional protection products, fuel, toll services, additional-driver fees, young-renter fees, and charges for late returns or other contract violations. The estimate shown during booking is useful, but changes to dates, location, vehicle, or options can change the amount.
| Possible charge | What to check |
|---|---|
| Base rental rate | Whether the price is per day, week, or another period, and whether it is prepaid. |
| Taxes and location fees | Airport and city locations may add separate assessments. |
| Optional products | Confirm whether each item is selected and what it covers before accepting. |
| Fuel | Compare the refueling policy with the cost of filling the tank before return. |
| Tolls | Check the toll-payment program, service fees, and alternatives for the route. |
| Timing changes | Late returns or extended rentals may affect the rate and availability. |
Optional products may include loss-damage waivers, supplemental liability protection, personal accident coverage, or roadside assistance. These products are not identical, and names, coverage limits, exclusions, and availability can vary. A loss-damage waiver is generally a contractual waiver of certain charges, not the same thing as an insurance policy. Before purchasing, renters can check whether their personal auto policy, credit card, or other coverage applies to the rental, including exclusions, vehicle types, rental duration, and claim procedures.
Fuel, Mileage, and Tolls
Fuel terms are stated in the rental agreement. With a full-to-full arrangement, the renter typically returns the car with the same fuel level recorded at pickup to avoid refueling charges. If the vehicle is returned below the required level, the rental company may charge for fuel and, where applicable, a service fee. Keep a receipt from a nearby gas station and refuel shortly before returning the car.
Some rentals may offer a prepaid fuel option. It can be convenient, but its value depends on the terms and how much fuel remains at return. Compare the prepaid price with local fuel prices and the expected amount of driving rather than assuming it is the least expensive choice.
Toll roads may use electronic collection, license-plate billing, or cashless systems. National may offer a toll program, but its fees and billing method depend on the location and selected option. Without an enrolled service, tolls may still be billed later, potentially with administrative charges under the rental terms. Check the branch policy and route before driving through toll facilities.
Returning the Rental Car
Return the vehicle to the location and by the time shown in the agreement unless National approves a change. A grace period should not be assumed; late-return rules and billing increments can vary. If a flight delay or schedule change is likely, contact the branch or customer service promptly and confirm any revised return instructions.
At an airport, follow signs for rental-car return and use the correct National area. At other locations, follow the branch’s parking and key-return procedures. If returning after hours, confirm in advance whether a key drop is available and when the rental will be considered returned. Leaving the car in an unapproved place can create additional responsibility or charges.
Before handing over the keys, remove personal belongings, check the fuel level, and take photos of the vehicle and dashboard. At staffed returns, ask for a receipt or return confirmation. For key-drop returns, save photographs and any available confirmation until the final bill is settled. Review the closing statement for rental time, fuel, tolls, fees, and any damage charges.
Common Issues and Ways to Avoid Them
- Vehicle class confusion: A reservation usually guarantees a category, not a specific model. Confirm the class before accepting a substitute.
- Unexpected add-ons: Read the agreement line by line and decline products that are not wanted. Ask for clarification before signing.
- Payment-card problems: Confirm accepted card types, authorization requirements, and debit-card rules with the pickup location.
- Unlisted drivers: Add every driver to the agreement before they drive.
- Fuel disputes: Photograph the fuel gauge at pickup and return, and keep a refueling receipt.
- Late or changed returns: Contact National rather than assuming a changed return time is automatically approved.
- Damage questions: Document the vehicle’s condition at both pickup and return, and report damage promptly.
Where to Verify Current Policies
Rental rules can change and may be different across locations. For current terms, consult the reservation confirmation, rental agreement, and National’s official pages for rental FAQs, Emerald Club, and rental terms and conditions. For questions about a specific charge, vehicle, or payment method, the pickup branch can provide the most relevant location-specific information.