Renting a car in Puerto Rico is the best way to explore the island’s beaches, rainforests, and historic towns. Public transport is limited outside San Juan, and relying only on rideshares or taxis can be expensive. With your own car, you can stop at hidden coves, mountain viewpoints, and small towns. However, many visitors commit common car rental mistakes in Puerto Rico, leading to higher travel costs or stress. Our Puerto Rico car rental guide will show you the most frequent booking errors and how to avoid them.
Car rentals in Puerto Rico have specific rules, seasonal demand patterns, and variable costs that affect your total booking price. Errors often occur when travellers ignore requirements, overlook insurance terms, or skip comparisons between pick-up options. Understanding these technical details helps avoid extra charges and ensures a smoother rental experience.
Before you look at booking mistakes, you should know how rental demand works in Puerto Rico. During the dry season, which runs from December to April and is when tourist numbers are highest, there is a high demand for cars. If you wait until the last minute, prices can double and most vehicles may not be available.
One of the worst things you can do is wait until you get there to book. Many travellers think they can just walk up to a counter and get a good deal. Instead, they will face limited availability, long waits, and high prices. If you don't book beforehand, you might not get the right size car or have to pay for extras you didn't plan on.
The best way to book a car in Puerto Rico is to reserve it online before you go. Most rental companies let you cancel for free, so you can book again if prices go down. Checking prices a few times in the weeks before you leave can help you save money. Booking early also gives peace of mind, knowing your car will be ready when you land.
You usually need to be 25 years old to rent a car, though some companies accept drivers at 21 years with extra fees. Ignoring this rule means young travellers arrive at the counter only to face unexpected charges or refusals. Some of the essential things to check before booking a car in Puerto Rico include your driver’s license and travel documents. You need a valid driver’s licence at least one year old.
International driving permit may be required for international travellers, but it is only necessary for those outside the U.S. The other main requirement is a credit card. Many travellers bring only a debit card or cash, which are often not accepted. Without a credit card, you may be unable to book. Before flying, always check your licence, age, and card to avoid unnecessary problems.
Insurance is one of the areas where travellers lose the most money. Collision damage waivers (CDW) and liability insurance are extras that can increase the price much higher than what you saw advertised online, leaving you with a bill almost double your expected cost. However, others make the opposite mistake by skipping insurance altogether. If there is an accident, even a minor scratch, this can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs. In some cases, agencies will charge for damage repairs at high rates, plus additional “loss of use” fees while the car is unavailable for other customers.
The safe method is to confirm your coverage before leaving home. Bring a document from your insurance provider stating that Puerto Rico is included. If your credit card offers rental car coverage, pay with that card and carry the benefits guide to avoid being charged twice. Always read the fine print. Some cards cover collision but not liability, or exclude certain vehicle types.
Airport pick-up is the most popular choice, but can be one of the costliest mistakes. Rentals at airports include extra fees that make the total price much higher than advertised. Travellers who don’t compare costs may pay more than necessary simply for convenience. Pick-up locations outside the airport often have cheaper rates, but you must arrange transport to the rental office. Some visitors ignore this option because they don’t want the extra step.
However, comparing both options before booking can save you a lot, especially on week-long rentals. The best choice here is to look for an online car rental company that offers major airports as pick-up locations. This way, you can secure your vehicle in advance while checking if city branches provide better overall value.
Puerto Rico’s roads are varied, from narrow cobblestone streets in Old San Juan to wide highways and winding mountain passes. Booking the wrong type of car is a frequent error. Large SUVs or vans may seem comfortable, but they are hard to park in San Juan. Parking spots are small, and parallel parking on steep or tight streets is stressful.
On the other hand, some travellers book the cheapest compact without thinking of luggage or group size. Driving for hours with no space for bags or passengers creates discomfort. The issue is not only comfort but also safety if bags block visibility. The solution is to balance size, comfort, and destination. A compact is fine for city stays and couples. A mid-size car works better for families or long drives. Remember that narrow mountain roads make huge vehicles impractical.
Parking is another area where mistakes begin with poor booking choices. Travellers who take large vehicles find it hard to fit in city garages. Others assume parking will be free everywhere, only to find charges at beaches and attractions.
In Old San Juan, parking on the street is limited and risky. Rules about parking direction and yellow lines are strictly enforced. Some travellers return to find fines or even towing costs added to their trip. These issues can be avoided if you consider parking conditions when booking. The best way to book a rental car in Puerto Rico is to choose a smaller vehicle that fits easily in tight spaces. Plan by checking if your accommodation has a parking area or if you will need to use public garages.
Fuel policies often surprise travellers. Many rentals require you to return the car with a full tank, but some people ignore this detail in the contract. Returning without refilling means paying high refuelling fees. Gas stations in Puerto Rico also work differently. Most don’t have card readers at the pump.
Instead, you must prepay inside. Fuel is sold in litres, not gallons . Those who don’t plan ahead often overpay or run out of cash in remote areas. To avoid this mistake, always check the fuel policy before booking. Refill the tank yourself before returning the car, and keep the receipt in case of disputes.
Many travellers are excited to start their holiday and quickly sign the contract without checking the vehicle properly. Later, they are surprised by bills for scratches, dents, or even small interior damage that they did not cause.The best way to avoid this is to thoroughly inspect the lot before leaving. Walk around the car and take clear photos or videos of every angle. Focus on common problem areas such as the bumpers, mirrors, windows, and tyres. Open the boot and check the interior for stains, rips, or marks.
If you notice a small scratch or chip, ensure the rental staff adds it to the paperwork. Do not be shy about pointing these out; once you leave, it is difficult to prove they were already there. This process should take no more than five minutes. Keep photos on your phone so you'll have evidence if there is a dispute at drop-off. Also, the car should be returned on time and in the same condition. Delays or ignoring cleaning rules can lead to extra charges
Booking a rental car is the best way to enjoy Puerto Rico, but small mistakes can make it stressful or expensive. By planning ahead, checking documents, comparing options, and inspecting your car before driving away, you can make your trip smooth and enjoyable.To make your trip even easier, rent a car in Puerto Rico with Final Rentals. You can choose from compact cars to spacious SUVs, select pick-up locations in Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and Rafael Hernandez Airport, and enjoy unlimited mileage for longer drives.
