Do you have to rent a car when you travel? If you do, then we’re here to help with some vocabulary to rent a car in English. These vocab words can come in handy (convenient), especially if you travel a lot for work. Because the last thing you want to do after a long flight before meeting with a client (customer) is try to figure out what to say in order to rent a car!

Here are some handy phrases and vocabulary words you can use to rent a car in English.

Reservation

Just like you reserve a table at a restaurant, you make a reservation to rent a car. And just like at a restaurant, you can go up to the front desk at the car rental place and tell them, “I have a reservation,” or, “I’ve reserved a car.” They will then be able to find your car and will help you from there.

For example:

  • I have a reservation for a 4-door sedan for a week while I’m away for work.
  • She had an issue with her car rental reservation. She had asked for a convertible, but they gave her a minivan!

Rate

When it comes to a car rental, the rate is a very important word to know. The rate is how much the rental car costs per day. You’ll often see this as the daily rate. The rate can change based on location, how long you’re renting the car for, insurance, and any extras you decide to book.

For example:

  • Ryan got a great rate on the rental car! It’s way less expensive than we thought it would be.
  • We got a good rate on a camper van for vacation. Especially since we’re saving on hotel costs!

Rental Agreement

The rental agreement is one of the most important vocabulary words to know when renting a car in English. The rental agreement is a document that says who is responsible for the rental, who the driver is, lists the terms of the agreement, and any costs involved. It’s very important to read through this document and ask any questions you may have when you’re picking up the car. This way, you know exactly what’s expected of you.

For example:

  • Thank you for offering to drive! But the rental agreement says I’m the only person who can drive the car.
  • The rental agreement says we have to have the car back by 5pm. I hope we don’t hit (have) any traffic.

Mileage Limit

The mileage limit is pretty much what it sounds like. When you rent a car, you have to say how many miles – or kilometers!- you expect to drive. The agency (business) will set a mileage limit, which means the number of miles you’re allowed to drive. This will be in the rental agreement. If you drive further than is set out in the mileage limit, you will probably have to pay an extra fee per mile. So make sure to keep an eye on how far you’re driving in a rental car!

For example:

  • I have unlimited mileage with this car. It’s great, because there’s no mileage limit.
  • The fee is only 0.15 cents per extra mile, so it’s ok if we go over our mileage limit. I’ll pay for it.

Have you had to rent a car before? Are there any other terms and phrases you found useful when renting a car in English? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!

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 Erin Duffin lives in Hamburg, is an English teacher, blogger, yoga instructor, and doesn’t drive that much, so has only rented a car once!

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