General Requirements

1. Local Terms and Conditions

Local Variations: Rental policies can differ depending on the specific Life Star Car Rental location. Local offices may have their own set of terms and conditions that could affect your rental agreement. For precise information, always check the specific terms and conditions listed on the website or contact the local rental office where you plan to rent the vehicle.

2. Driver’s License

U.S. Residents and Military Personnel:

  • Valid Driver’s License: If you're a U.S. resident, you must present a valid driver’s license from any U.S. state or territory. This ensures that you are legally allowed to operate a vehicle in the U.S.
  • Expired Licenses for Military Personnel: If you are a member of the U.S. military and your state-issued driver’s license has expired, it can still be used for renting a car if you also present a valid U.S. military identification card. This is acceptable under local laws as a temporary measure.
  • Temporary Licenses: If you have a temporary driver’s license that is valid for the entire rental period, it can be used, but it must be accompanied by additional photo identification to verify your identity.
  • Learner’s Permits: Learner’s permits are not accepted for renting vehicles. They are typically used for practice driving under supervision and do not qualify for independent vehicle operation.
  • Not Acceptable for Official Federal Purposes: This clause indicates that if your license is restricted or branded in a way that affects its use for federal purposes, it may not be accepted for rental purposes. However, licenses from bordering states might be acceptable.

International Drivers:

  • Foreign License: If you're from another country, you must present a valid driver’s license from your country of residence. This ensures that you are legally permitted to drive in your home country.
  • International Driver’s Permit (IDP): If your driver’s license is not in English, you are required to present an IDP. This document translates your foreign license into multiple languages and must be used in conjunction with your original license.
  • Additional Documents: Depending on your country of origin, you might need to show a passport, visa, or other documentation that allows your presence in the U.S. for the rental period.
  • Restricted or Branded Licenses: Licenses that have restrictions (e.g., limited to night driving) or branding indicating special conditions may not be accepted. This ensures that all renters are fully compliant with general driving conditions.

3. Deposits and Payments

Payment Card:

  • Accepted Cards: You can use credit, debit, or prepaid debit cards for renting a car, but they must be in your name and have sufficient funds available. The card must have an embedded microchip for security; magnetic swipe cards are not accepted.
  • Eligibility: Commonly accepted cards include American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. Cards with key ring attachments or those not issued in the renter’s name are not accepted.

Credit Card Users:

  • Quickest Rental Process: Using a credit card is the fastest way to rent a car. Credit cards often include rental car insurance benefits, so check with your card issuer to understand what coverage is provided.
  • Authorization Hold: An authorization hold is a temporary hold placed on your credit card for $250 (or $350 at BWI Airport) to cover potential damages or additional charges. This hold is released after the car is returned, minus any actual charges.
  • Insurance Verification: If your credit card provides rental car insurance, you may need to provide documentation or proof to verify this coverage.

Debit Card Users:

  • Insurance Verification: If using a debit card, you must show proof of personal auto insurance with a coverage deductible of $500 or less. This protects against any damage or loss of the rental vehicle.
  • Security Deposit: A security deposit of $250 (or $350 at BWI) is required and held on the card until the vehicle is returned and any additional charges are settled.
  • Identification Requirements: Additional documents such as proof of address may be required to verify your identity and address when using a debit card.

Prepaid Debit Card Users:

  • Eligible Vehicles: You are limited to renting only certain types of vehicles, including Economy, Compact, Intermediate, Standard, Full-Size Sedans, Compact or Intermediate SUVs, Mini Vans, Work Pick-up Trucks, Cargo Vans, and Cargo Trucks.
  • Security Deposit: A larger security deposit of $300 is required, which will be held on the card.
  • Identification Requirements: You must provide a recent pay stub and other address verification documents to confirm your identity and residence.

4. Insurance Responsibility for Damages and the Rental Vehicle

Liability:

  • Full Liability: Renters are fully responsible for any damage or loss to the rental vehicle. This includes costs related to towing, storage, loss of use, and any other expenses incurred by Life Star Car Rental due to the damage.
  • Coverage: Renters must have valid insurance coverage through personal auto insurance, credit card benefits, or Life Star’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).

Supplemental Coverage:

  • Third-Party Claims: Renters are responsible for any claims made by third parties involved in an accident or damage incident.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Provided only where required by law and up to the minimum legal limits. This coverage protects against claims from drivers who have inadequate insurance.

5. Optional Coverages

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW):

  • Coverage: CDW waives your financial responsibility for damages to the rental vehicle, subject to certain conditions. It does not cover damages if the vehicle is used in violation of the rental agreement or if it is stolen or vandalized.
  • Not Insurance: CDW is not an insurance policy but a waiver that limits your liability for vehicle damage.

Road Hazard, Towing, and Deductible Waiver (RHTDW):

  • Coverage: RHTDW covers up to $500 for damages to tires or glass, roadside assistance services, and insurance deductibles. It does not cover wheels, theft, or theft-related damages.

Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI):

  • Coverage: Provides additional liability coverage up to $500,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL). This increases the liability protection beyond the base coverage included with the rental.
  • Exclusions: Does not cover claims involving family members or uninsured motorist protection.

Personal Accident and Effects Package (PAE):

  • Personal Accident Coverage (PAC): Covers medical expenses and death benefits for the renter and passengers in the event of an accident.
  • Personal Effects Coverage (PEC): Covers personal belongings of the renter and immediate family traveling with the renter, protecting against theft or damage.

6. Additional Renters and Drivers

Qualifications:

  • Driver’s License: All additional drivers must have a valid driver’s license and present it at the time of vehicle pick-up.
  • Payment Card: Each additional driver must have their own valid payment card.
  • Rental Agreement: All additional drivers must sign the rental agreement and meet the rental qualifications.
  • Additional Driver Fees: Fees may apply for adding extra drivers, except for certain government or official orders.

Underage Drivers:

  • Age Restriction: Drivers aged 21 to 24 may rent vehicles but will incur an additional fee for being underage. They are also restricted to specific vehicle types.

7. Age of Renters

Minimum Age: The minimum age for renting a vehicle is 21 years old.

Underage Fee:

  • Fee: Renters between 21 and 24 years old will be charged an underage driver fee. This fee compensates for the increased risk associated with younger drivers.

Vehicle Restrictions:

  • Vehicle Types: Underage drivers are limited to renting only certain vehicle types, such as Economy, Compact, Intermediate, Standard, Full-Size Sedans, Compact and Intermediate SUVs, Mini Vans, Work Pick-up Trucks, Cargo Vans, and Cargo Trucks.

8. Gasoline and Refueling Charges

Refueling:

  • Return Policy: The vehicle must be returned with the same level of fuel as it had when you picked it up.
  • Prepaid Fuel Option: You can choose to prepay for a full tank of fuel, but there will be no refunds for unused fuel if you return the car with less fuel.
  • Refueling Charge: If the vehicle is not returned with a full tank, you will be charged for the fuel plus a convenience fee for refueling.

9. Rental Rates, Geographic Driving Limits, and Optional Equipment

Rental Rates:

  • 24-Hour Day: Rental charges are based on a 24-hour rental day. Any extra time beyond the rental period will incur additional charges, typically by the hour.
  • Mileage Charges: Charges are based on the number of miles driven, as recorded by the vehicle’s odometer.

Geographic Limits:

  • Driving Area: Generally, vehicles are restricted to driving within the continental U.S. and Canada. Canadian residents cannot drive U.S. rental vehicles into Canada.

Optional Equipment:

  • Child Safety Seats: Available at some locations for an additional fee to ensure the safety of young passengers.
  • Ski Racks: Available seasonally for an additional fee to transport ski equipment.
  • Navigation System: Available for rent at an additional daily charge for those needing GPS assistance.
  • One-Way Rentals: Available with an additional drop fee. This allows you to pick up the vehicle at one location and drop it off at another.

10. Prepaid Rate Terms and Conditions

Prepaid Rates:

  • Payment: Prepaid rates require full payment in advance and are non-refundable. The card used for the reservation must be presented at pick-up.
  • Modification/Cancellation: Changes or cancellations are allowed up to 48 hours before the scheduled pick-up time. Failure to pick up the vehicle results in forfeiture of the prepaid amount.
  • Total Price: The total price includes the rental rate, taxes, and fees. It does not cover additional charges incurred during the rental.

11. Additional Fees and Charges

Charges:

  • Additional Fees: May include airport or concession fees, facility charges, and any other government-imposed fees that are added to the rental price.

12. Renters with Physical Disabilities

Special Requirements:

  • Advance Notice: Renters with physical disabilities should contact Life Star Car Rental at least 5 days before their rental to arrange for any necessary driving aids or equipment installations.
  • No Extra Charge: There is no additional charge for an authorized additional driver who is assisting a renter with disabilities.

13. Lost and Found

Policy:

  • Responsibility: Life Star Car Rental is not responsible for personal belongings left in rental vehicles. If you lose something, contact customer care or use the online link provided to report lost items.

14. Tolls

Maryland Locations:

  • Toll Responsibility: Renters are responsible for paying tolls incurred during the rental period. They will be billed for tolls plus an administrative fee.

Other Locations:

  • Local Terms: The handling of tolls and related fees may vary by location. Check local terms for specific details.

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and customize our site. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. learn more

Allow