Last Updated : Apr 20, 2026 | Author : Nishant Rana | View Count : 1501 | Read Time : 5 min

Is Dollar Car Rental Good? Read This Before You Rent

Are you planning to rent a car for your next trip and worried whether Dollar car rental is worth it? Don't worry, you’re not alone. With so many car rental companies competing on pricing, it can be overwhelming to know which one is value for money.

This guide tells you everything you need to know before booking— pricing and vehicle options to real customer experiences and hidden fees. Whether you’re renting for a short weekend trip or a long road journey, this article will help you decide if Dollar Car Rental is the right choice for you.

Is Dollar Car Rental good enough to actually trust for your next trip?

If you are asking is Dollar Car Rental good in a straightforward yes or no sense, the answer depends on how you rent. The base price is competitive, but your experience really comes down to the location, the time you show up, and how well you handle the extras at the counter. Go in prepared, skip the insurance if your card covers it, and document the car well before driving off.

What Is Dollar Car Rental and How Does It Work?

different colorful cars parked outside of dollar and thrifty car rental outlets on a sunny day

Dollar Car Rental is a U.S.-founded car rental company founded in 1965. It is owned by Hertz, one of the biggest car rental companies in the world. Dollar is a budget-friendly option, and charges less than premium brands like Hertz or Avis, but competes with companies like Budget, Alamo, and Enterprise.

It is very simple to book a car from Dollar. You can book it online or by telephone, pick your car size, choose any extras you want (like insurance or a GPS), and pick up the car at your chosen location. You can return your car with the same amount of fuel you received at the pick up of your car, or pay the refuelling charges.

Dollar Car Rental Pricing: Is It Actually Affordable?

a family of three happily posing while inside the car with hands around each other

Yes, Dollar’s prices are genuinely affordable. A basic compact car can cost from $25–$40 per day at busy airport locations, and if you rent for a full week, you will get a discounted price.

But there is a catch, you will find that the final bill is a little more than the price quoted at first because of piled-up extra charges. The biggest one is daily insurance called Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) — which can add up to $15–$30 of extra charges per day. On top of that, airport locations charge mandatory fees, and drivers under 25 pay a daily surcharge.

PROS & CONS

PROS	CONS
+ Low base rates, especially midweek	– Daily insurance add-on is expensive
+ Weekly rentals offer good value	– Mandatory airport fees add up
+ Free loyalty program with perks	– Under-25 surcharge can be steep
+ AAA and AARP discounts available	– Prepaid fuel rarely saves money

Money-saving tip: If your personal car insurance or credit card covers rental cars, you can skip Dollar’s insurance entirely. This one move can save you over $100 on a week-long rental.

TL;DR: Dollar's base rates are genuinely low, starting around $25 a day.

What Types of Cars Can You Rent with Dollar Car?

a car driver sticks out their hand while driving on a beautiful empty road during sunset

You can find almost every type of common car at Dollar Car. The cars available depend on the location and the time of year, but you won’t be able to find a luxury or sports car here. Most options are usually available at airport locations.

CAR TYPES

Car Type	Best For	Example Cars
Economy	Solo travellers, short trips	Nissan Versa, Chevy Spark
Compact	Couples, city driving	Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta
Midsize	Small families, road trips	Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
Full-size	More space, longer drives	Dodge Charger, Chevy Impala
SUV	Families, luggage, rough roads	Ford Escape, Jeep Compass
Minivan	Groups, family vacations	Chrysler Pacifica

Watch out: Counter staff can try to convince you to upgrade to a bigger car for “a small extra fee.” Only say yes if you actually need more space.

Dollar Car Rental Locations: Where Can You Pick Up and Drop Off?

side view of a lane with parked black cars

Dollar’s locations are mostly at airports. This makes it easy if you’re flying in and need a car right away. You’ll find Dollar at major U.S. airports, including Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and New York.

Dollar has far fewer neighbourhood or city locations compared to companies like Enterprise. So if you need to pick up a car close to home — not at an airport — Dollar may not be the best option.

Dollar also operates in some international locations, including parts of Canada and the Caribbean, but its international coverage is limited. For travel outside the U.S., you may find better options with global brands like Hertz or Avis.

One-way rentals: You can pick up in one city and drop off in another, but expect an extra “drop fee.” Always check this fee at the time of booking, not at the counter.

What to Inspect Before Driving Off in Your Rental

a receptionist on call wearing a white mask at the dollar car rental outlet

This is the most important step people skip. Spending five minutes checking the car before you drive away can save you from being charged for damage you did not cause when you return it.

INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Checklist
□ Walk all the way around the car and take photos of every side, including the roof
□ Look for scratches, dents, and chips — even tiny ones — and make sure they are written on your rental agreement
□ Test the headlights, turn signals, wipers, and horn before leaving the lot
□ Check that the fuel level matches what is printed on your contract
□ Look at the tires — check for obvious wear or low pressure
□ Make sure the spare tire and jack is in the trunk
□ Take a short video walkthrough with your phone — this is your best protection if there is a dispute later

If you find damage: Do not leave the lot until a Dollar staff member writes it on your agreement and signs it. A timestamped photo plus written confirmation is the best protection you can have.

Customer Service Experience: What Real Renters Are Saying

a family of four sitting on top of a blue car with hands up in joy in front of a beach with hats on

Dollar’s reviews are mixed, which honestly reflects the experience fairly well. On sites like Trustpilot and Google, Dollar scores between 2.5 and 3.5 stars depending on the location. Good reviews praise the low price and easy pickup. Bad reviews usually mention long waits at the counter, pushy upselling, and disputes over damage charges on return.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

a shuttle minivan parked outside a dollar/thrifty car rental store with other cars on the side

Traveler at Orlando Airport ★★★★★

“Checked in fast, car was clean and exactly what I booked. Way cheaper than Hertz next door. Would use Dollar again.”

Economy rental, 5 days

Business traveler, Las Vegas ★★

“Waited 45 minutes, even with a reservation. Staff pushed insurance three times after I said no. The car was fine, but the experience was exhausting.”

Midsize rental, 3 days

Family trip, Los Angeles ★★★★

“Got a free upgrade to a minivan, which was great for us. Drop-off took 5 minutes. Just wish the airport fee was shown more clearly upfront.”

SUV rental, 7 days

The takeaway: Dollar’s service quality varies a lot depending on the location. A busy Friday afternoon at a major airport is very different from a quiet Tuesday morning pickup. Joining Dollar Express (their free loyalty program) can help you get through the counter faster.

TL;DR: Reviews for Dollar are a mixed bag, with happy customers crediting low prices and smooth pickups.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Dollar Car Rental good and a trustworthy company?

Yes. Dollar has been in business since 1965 and is owned by Hertz, one of the biggest names in car rental. It is a real, established company — just more budget-focused when it comes to service and extras.

2. Does Dollar Car Rental charge hidden fees?

The fees are not hidden — they are listed at checkout — but they are easy to overlook. Airport taxes, insurance add-ons, and other charges can push the final total 30–50% higher than the base price. Always read the full breakdown before you confirm your booking.

3. Can I rent from Dollar if I am under 25?

Yes, Dollar rents to drivers aged 20 and older at most U.S. locations. But if you are under 25, you will be charged a young driver fee of around $27–$30 extra per day. Factor this into your budget when comparing prices with other companies.

Is Dollar Car Rental Good? Read This Before You Rent

What Is Dollar Car Rental and How Does It Work?