Rental Car Quiz

Whether it's for a business trip, a family vacation, or a replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired, renting a car can be confusing. And we don't just mean trying to figure out how the radio and A/C work.

Take our quiz before stepping up to the rental car counter and you'll avoid a situation like the characters in question 10.


1. How old does a driver generally have to be to rent a car without any restrictions or fees?
  1. a. 16
  2. b. 18
  3. c. 21
  4. d. 25
The answer is D. While it can vary by company, the age is usually 25. There are exceptions, such as if you are in the military or are using the car for business travel. Some companies also let you pay an additional 'under-age driver fee' if you aren't 25.
2. A rental with "unlimited mileage" means you can:
  1. a. Travel anywhere in the continental United States
  2. b. Go to a predetermined list of states in a region
  3. c. Drive in the state the car was rented, and any bordering states
  4. d. Any of the above can be true
The answer is D. The rules can vary by rental car company, so make sure you check the contract before taking off on your cross country road trip. Some rentals will have a mileage allowance and a surcharge for each mile you go over the limit.
3. "Loss of use charges" are charged by a rental car company each day when?
  1. a. You bring the vehicle back late
  2. b. A vehicle damaged during your rental period is being repaired and not available to be rented
  3. c. You take the vehicle out of state
  4. d. You can't find your car in the parking lot
The answer is B. In the event of an accident, a rental car company can charge you the rental fee for every day the car is being repaired. Many companies will offer "loss of use insurance" with the rental. Learn more about rental car insurance.

4. Prepaying for gasoline from the rental car company is always the most cost effective option.
  1. a. True
  2. b. False
The answer is B. False. When you prepay for gas at the time of the rental, you're paying for a full tank no matter how much gas is in the car when you return it. Unless you plan on coasting in on fumes for the last 20 miles, we recommend returning the car with a full tank and declining the prepaid option.
5. Why might you choose to rent a car from an off-airport or suburban location rather than at an airport?
  1. a. Airport locations have fewer car choices
  2. b. You have to go through security to rent a car at the airport
  3. c. Airport locations often have higher taxes and surcharges
  4. d. You need a boarding pass to rent from an airport location
The answer is C. Renting from a major airport is often more expensive than renting from a suburban or off-site location. Many states and municipalities levy additional taxes and fees on airport rentals.
6. What are the possible ways to get insurance on your rental car?
  1. a. Your personal car insurance policy
  2. b. The credit card you use for the rental
  3. c. Additional coverage from the rental car company
  4. d. All of the above
The answer is D. All of the above are possibilities. It will depend on your situation which one makes the most sense for you. Check with your auto insurance company and credit card company first to understand the coverages offered before opting for the rental car company's insurance. Learn more about rental car insurance.
7. You've been in an accident with your car and it is not drivable. What is the optional insurance coverage GEICO offers that will pay for a rental car while your car is being repaired?
  1. a. Rental reimbursement
  2. b. Comprehensive coverage
  3. c. Collision coverage
  4. d. Life insurance
The answer is A. If your vehicle is damaged and out of commission, rental reimbursement helps pay for your rental vehicle costs. This is an optional coverage with varying limits that could save you a lot of money if your car isn't available for more than a few days. Learn more.

8. Your laptop is stolen from your rental car. Your homeowners or renters insurance will usually cover this.
  1. a. True
  2. b. False
The answer is A. Your property insurance will usually cover your personal property if it's stolen from your car, and that includes rental cars. Check with your insurance company and review your policy for more information.
9. Which of these rental car classes is the cheapest to rent?
  1. a. Intermediate
  2. b. Midsize
  3. c. Compact
  4. d. Cargo van
The answer is C. Unless you need the extra space, compact and economy car classes are the least expensive to rent, and will be more fuel efficient. And because these are the most popular rentals, the rental company may give you a free upgrade if they run out of small cars.
10. What movie features a famous car rental counter scene with Steve Martin, and a series of unfortunate events impacting the car John Candy rented?
  1. a. National Lampoon's Vacation
  2. b. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
  3. c. Road Trip
  4. d. Sideways
The answer is B. One of the top road trip movies as voted by our policyholders, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles featured Steve Martin learning an important lesson about throwing away his rental agreement. The car rented by John Candy was involved in numerous incidents, though he still felt it was safe for highway travel.