How to Rent a Car in South Carolina

What You Need to Rent a Car

To rent a car in South Carolina, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. Most rental companies require you to be at least 25 to avoid an underage driver fee, which can add $15 to $30 per day to your bill. You will also need a credit card in your own name — debit cards are rarely accepted as the primary payment method, though some companies accept them as a secondary option.

Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and a major credit card to the rental counter. If you are renting under a company name or with a corporate discount, bring documentation of that arrangement. Some rental companies ask for a second form of identification, so a passport or state ID card is useful to have on hand.

Key Takeaways

• You must be at least 18 to rent and typically at least 25 to avoid underage driver fees.
• A valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance are required at pickup.
• Rental rates vary widely by location, season, and how far in advance you book — advance reservations are usually cheaper.
• Your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover rental cars, so check before buying the rental company's damage waiver.
• South Carolina law requires you to carry liability insurance, and rental companies will charge you if you decline their coverage.

Where to Rent and How Rates Work

Major rental chains operate at airports, in downtown areas, and at highway locations across South Carolina. Companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National have multiple locations statewide. Airport locations typically charge higher daily rates and add facility fees, so renting from an off-airport location can save money if you have transportation to get there.

Rates depend on the car type, how long you rent, the time of year, and how far ahead you book. A compact car might cost $30 to $50 per day in the off-season but $60 to $100 per day during summer or holiday travel. Booking online in advance usually costs less than walking up to the counter. Weekend rates are often higher than weekday rates for the same vehicle.

Most companies charge by the day, but some offer weekly rates that are cheaper per day if you need the car for five days or longer. Mileage is usually unlimited, but confirm this when you book — some companies in rural areas or for specialty vehicles may charge per mile.

Insurance and Damage Coverage

South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. If you decline the rental company's insurance and are in an accident, you are personally responsible for damages. Rental companies will charge your credit card for repairs, and you may face a claim on your personal insurance record.

Before you rent, check whether your personal auto insurance covers rental cars. Many policies do, and your coverage travels with you. If you have collision and comprehensive coverage at home, it usually applies to a rental. Call your insurance company or check your policy documents — this step can save you $15 to $25 per day.

Credit card companies sometimes offer rental car damage coverage as a cardholder benefit. American Express, Visa, and Mastercard often cover collision damage if you charge the entire rental to that card. Read the terms carefully: some cards exclude certain vehicle types or rental locations. If your credit card covers rentals, you can decline the rental company's damage waiver and use the card's coverage instead.

If neither your insurance nor your credit card covers rentals, the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) protects you from paying for accidents. These typically cost $12 to $25 per day. Decline it only if you have coverage elsewhere.

Fuel, Fees, and What to Expect at Pickup

Most rental companies require you to return the car with a full tank of gas. If you return it empty or partially empty, they will refuel it and charge you a premium price — often $5 to $8 per gallon, which is higher than any gas station. Fill up at a station near the rental location before you return the car to avoid this charge.

Watch for additional fees when you book or pick up the car. Airport facility fees, vehicle registration recovery fees, and administrative fees can add $20 to $50 to your total. These are often listed in small print during online booking, so read the full price breakdown before you confirm.

At pickup, the rental agent will walk you around the car and note any existing damage on the contract. Take photos of the car's condition with your phone before you leave the lot — dents, scratches, and interior damage. If the agent misses something, your photos prove you did not cause it. Keep the contract and photos until you return the car and the charge is final.

Returning the Car and Avoiding Extra Charges

Return the car on time and with a full tank. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or higher, depending on the company's policy. Some companies charge by the hour for returns after a certain time, so confirm the exact return time when you pick up the car.

Return the car to the same location where you rented it unless you arranged a one-way rental. One-way rentals (dropping the car at a different location) cost more and require advance notice. If you think you might need a one-way rental, book it that way from the start rather than changing it at pickup.

Inspect the car before you hand over the keys. Check that nothing is missing and that no new damage has appeared. Walk the agent through the car's condition together and make sure any damage is noted on the return paperwork. Keep your copy of the return receipt — rental companies sometimes dispute charges weeks later, and your receipt is your proof of the car's condition at return.

Special Situations: Underage Drivers and Additional Drivers

If you are under 25, expect to pay an underage driver fee of $15 to $30 per day. Some companies do not rent to drivers under 21 at all. If you are between 18 and 20, call ahead to confirm the company will rent to you and ask about their fee structure.

If another person will drive the car, add them as an additional driver at pickup. This usually costs $10 to $15 per day per driver, though some companies allow one additional driver free. The additional driver must have a valid license and meet the company's age requirements. Do not let someone drive the car who is not listed on the contract — your insurance may not cover them, and the rental company can charge you for any damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car with a learner's permit instead of a full license?

No. Rental companies require a valid driver's license. A learner's permit is not sufficient, even if you are supervised by a licensed driver.

What happens if I get a speeding ticket or parking ticket in a rental car?

The ticket is issued to the vehicle, and the rental company will receive notice. They will charge your credit card for the ticket amount plus an administrative fee of $20 to $50. Pay any traffic citations promptly to avoid additional penalties.

Can I rent a car if I have a suspended license?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license to rent. A suspended license disqualifies you from renting any vehicle.

Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk up and rent?

You can walk up, but advance reservations are cheaper and may provide availability. During peak travel times (summer, holidays, weekends), walk-up rentals may not be available or may cost significantly more.

What if I need to keep the car longer than I booked?

Call the rental company as soon as you know you need an extension. They will extend your reservation if the car is available and charge you the daily rate for the extra days. Keeping the car past your return date without notifying the company can result in late fees and may trigger a report to police.