How to Rent a Car from Discover Cars (2024)
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Renting a car can be a convenient and cost-effective way to explore and travel to different destinations.
However, it can also be a complete headache, especially if you’re not familiar with the process.
Discover Cars is a great way to make renting a car more hassle-free.
Discover Cars is a popular online car booking platform, NOT a car rental agency.
If you’re planning to rent a car using Discovery Cars, here are a few tips you should know to make the process smoother and hassle-free.
What is Discover Cars?
Discover Cars is an award winning third-party car rental company.
Meaning, it is not the company that will give you the keys to the rental car, rather it is the company that takes all the companies that rents cars and tells you their best rates and information to help you select the right car for your trip.
Basically, it is a user-friendly comparison tool.
With Discover Cars, you will be able to view what different car rental companies have to offer at the specific location you specified.
You will be able to look to see what Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and over 500 other rental companies have to offer.

Discover Cars Reviews – What others have to say
Discover Cars has been around since 2013 and have definitely made a name for itself.
In 2022 alone, it won several awards including the World Travel Tech Awards – World’s Best Car Rental Booking Website.
See all the awards at the bottom of this page.
Discover Cars takes pride in being upfront and giving you all the information needed to make the best decision for your rental car.

A great way to know that this company is a good company is that Google alone has over 25,000 reviews with an above four-star average. While searching both Google or Trustpilot you will see some negative or bad reviews, however, really look at each Discover Car review, because a lot of the reviews come from people not understanding this is a booking platform and they should really be taking the negativity out on the actual car rental company.

But don’t worry! You will be able to see reviews on each car rental company that you can book through Discover Cars.
TIP! Double check the car rental place by googling the specific car rental place for the most recent reviews. Some people simply like to complain about something that could not be helped, but others have specific points that can be helpful to you.
Choosing the Right Rental Car for You
Firstly, it’s important to research and compare car rental options on Discover Cars to find the best deals.

Discovery Cars offers a lot of different vehicles to suit your needs and budget.
When researching, take into consideration factors such as the number of people riding in the vehicle, the amount of luggage you have, and the type of roads you will be driving on.
Once you’ve selected the vehicle you want to rent, you’ll need to provide certain information.
This includes a drivers information and a debit card or credit card for payment and security purposes.

***Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, including any restrictions.
Eligibility Requirements for Renting
When renting a car from Discovery Cars, there are certain eligibility requirements that you must meet.
These requirements ensure that you are legally able to rent the car and that you have the necessary documentation to do so.
Age Restrictions
To rent a car from Discovery Cars, you must be at least 21 years old. However, check the rental conditions because the minimum age differs for each rental company.
For instance, this company minimum age is 21:

While this rental company’s minimum age is 25:

Check the rental conditions!
Also, if you are under the age of 25-30, you may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
This surcharge varies depending on the location and type of car you are renting.
Note: This is a common practice among all rental companies, not just Discover Cars.
It is important to check with Discovery Cars before making a reservation to ensure that you are aware of any additional fees if you fit within this age.

Understanding Rental Terms
This section is so important. If I had to guess, this is where most of the negative reviews come from on Discover Cars. Not reading the rental terms.
It is important to understand the rental terms to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Security Deposits
A security deposit is a certain amount of money that is held by the car rental company to cover any damages or additional charges that may occur during the rental period.
The amount of the security deposit will depend on the type of car you rent and the length of the rental period.
You do not pay this to Discover Cars, you pay this at the time of picking up your car.
A security deposit means that the money will be temporarily held on your card, but not charged, until the car is returned and the company has checked over the car to make sure there is no damages or tickets, etc.
But you do have to make sure that you have funds available on your credit card to cover the security deposit in case it is needed.
Just a reminder that if the vehicle is not harmed at all, you will receive your full security deposit back.
How long it takes to receive your security deposit back really depends on the car rental company. Some give it back within a day or two, while others it may be a couple of weeks.

TIP: Take pictures or a video of the outside and inside of the vehicle prior to taking off from the car rental company and again at the end for documentation purposes.
Also, let them know if you notice anything as you are traveling. The last time Matt and I rented a car the longer we drove, the more the smoke smell was apparent.
We called the company and told them so we wouldn’t be charged for it.
We were told some people spray something like Febreze to mask the smell initially, but it doesn’t take long for the smell to come back.
Insurance with Discover Cars
Discovery Cars offers full insurance coverage to provide you with peace of mind during your rental period.
It is important to note that these policies may have exclusions and limitations, so it is recommended that you read the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing.
Without choosing the full coverage option, you might liable for damages. For instance, this example shows collision damage and theft will be up to you to pay for the damages and loss.

Which is why it may be to your benefit to check out Discover Cars Full Coverage Option.
Accidents can happen to anyone, even the best drivers.
One time my sister got woken up in the middle of the night in a hotel by the police because the guy they were chasing literally ran into their car that was parked in the hotel parking lot.
Accidents happen and you don’t have to be in the car at the time.
With this full coverage by Discover Cars, it covers your security deposit and works with your personal insurance to cover the cost of accidents. And it is done at a relatively low price.


Here’s your reminder to read the terms and conditions even on the full coverage insurance to find out exactly what will and will not be covered!
Selecting Your Vehicle
Decisions need to be made when renting a car. Thankfully, Discover Cars makes it nice and easy to get it done.
Choose a Vehicle
Discovery Cars offers a wide range of car categories to choose from.
You can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, SUV’s, mini vans, premium cars, and more as long as the specific locations you choose has those options available.

Again, think about the amount of luggage you will have and if those riding will be comfortable throughout the trip.
Additional Features
There are also a number of additional features that can make your life a little easier by paying the extra costs and using some things from a car rental company.
Some of these features include:
- Child safety seats – ensures the safety of your little ones during the trip.
- Additional drivers – allows you to share the driving responsibilities with someone else.
- Snow chains – helps with traction in those areas that get a lot of snow.
- and much more depending on the rental companies.
Some of these features are available through the rental car company only and you will pay for these additional features with them rather than Discover Cars.
While other additional features you are able to add within Discover Cars booking.

The Process to Renting a Car with Discover Cars
When it comes to booking a car rental with Discovery Cars, Luckily the process is simple and straightforward.
Here’s what you need to know:
Discover Cars Website
1. The first step in booking a car rental with Discovery Cars is to visit their website.
Tip: Start with starting with creating a login for yourself in the top right corner.
On the homepage, you’ll be prompted to enter your pick-up location as well as the drop of location.
If it is the same, leave the “return car in same location” checked.
If you will return the car somewhere else, uncheck this option and choose a place to return it too.
You will also need to give your preferred dates and times.

2. Once you’ve entered this information, you’ll be given a list of available cars and prices to rent them.
You will most likely be presented with different companies to choose from as well.
You can filter your search results by car type, car specifications, and other factors to find the best option for your needs.
Picking a Vehicle
3. Choose a vehicle with looking at the vehicle, price, rental conditions, and etc.
This is the fun part! You are finding the car to drive on your trip!
It is also decision time, do you choose full coverage for an additional cost.
4. If you want full coverage, that green toggle switch needs to be turned on!

Give Your Information
5. Next up is filling out the driver’s information. Also note, here is where “Optional Extras” can be added. See those blue plus signs, click on those to add to the extras to your car rental.

Some rental companies do not offer to choose extras ahead of time, it is all done when picking up the vehicle.
Payment Options
6. Once you’ve entered your personal information, now is the time for payment details.


When it comes to payment options, Discovery Cars accepts most major credit or debit cards.
This payment does NOT include the security deposit you will have to pay when picking up the car.
Navigating Rental Policies
Renting a car from Discovery Cars is a straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the rental policies before you make a reservation.
48 hour Free Cancellation
You will be able to cancel your rental car up to 48 hours prior to your pickup time. You will not be charged for your cancellation and Discover Cars will refund your money to you or use it as credit towards an upcoming booking.
If you cancel within the 48-hour period, you will NOT receive a refund for the rental.

Frequently Asked Questions
Am I able to get an extension or return my car at a later time?
No, you cannot extend your rental through Discover Cars.
If you need to extend your rental, you will need to contact the car rental company and work directly with them on the matter or book a completely different rental.
Is there customer support that I can contact?
Yes! You can message customer service through the “Help” along the header of the website.
If you are already logged in, click on your login and a drop down will appear to find the “help” to click.
You can also chat with someone through “My bookings.”
I’ve decided to go ahead with full coverage option after I’ve booked, is it too late?
You can still get full coverage prior to renting by going to the “My booking” section on Discover Cars. You’ll be able to update it there.
Will I get any notification that I have booked?
Yes, you should get a email notification after you have booked. If you haven’t, go into your account on Discover Cars and check the “My bookings.”
What are some must knows about renting?
You cannot be late to pick up your rental car. This is enforced by the car rental companies. Companies don’t allow much of a grace period but you will still be charged for the rental.
TIP: If you will be late, the best thing is to call the car rental company if you know you will be late for any reason! (So have that phone number handy!)
Is there an app?
There is an app, but I do not recommend it. It isn’t as user friendly as the website.
Is there a way to save money booking a rental car?
While there is no special offers or deals, you might save money booking for a longer time. For instance, if you book for a week or longer rather than just 3 or 4 days if possible.
Also, the farther in advance you book, the better the deals. So book as soon as you know the dates.
Discover Cars is a great way to book rental cars across the United States (and even into different countries)! It makes renting a car hassle-free. Just remember to always check out the rental conditions each and every time you rent a vehicle!


