Frequently Asked Questions
This is not a corporate chain, we do things differently!
Where are you located? We are located in west Ames and operate by appointment only. For the privacy and security of our customers and operations, the exact pickup address will be provided after a reservation has been confirmed and an appointment has been scheduled.
Are there unlimited miles? No, we do not offer unlimited mileage. Mileage allowances vary by rental duration, so please refer to our Pricing Chart for the mileage allowance applicable to your rental term. Regardless of the daily allowance shown on the Pricing Chart, all rentals are subject to a maximum of 1,200 total miles per rental. Mileage does not reset weekly or at any other interval during the rental period. Any mileage driven beyond the applicable allowance may be subject to additional mileage charges and must be approved from an Ames Auto Rentals staff member.
Can you rent if you are under 21? Renters must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license to rent a vehicle from us. Additional fees may apply to drivers under a certain age. Please refer to our Pricing Page for details regarding underage driver fees and eligibility requirements.
Does Ames Auto Rentals allow 3rd party booking? No, the cardholder is required to fill out the Online Booking Request. Anyone else filling out on the
Can someone rent with a driving permit? No. Renters must be able to provide a valid driver's license at the time of rental. We accept valid international driver's licenses. A $10 International License Fee applies and is due at the time of booking. Please refer to our Pricing Chart for additional details regarding this fee and other applicable charges.
Can a rental vehicle be used for a test drive? Yes. Our vehicles may be used for Iowa driving tests. Please note that we do not provide transportation to or from the testing location. The individual taking the driving test must either: -Be accompanied by a licensed driver who can legally operate the rental vehicle to and from the appointment OR -Possess a valid international driver's license that permits legal operation of the vehicle. If you have additional questions regarding driving test requirements or vehicle eligibility, please complete our Contact Form, and we will be happy to assist you.
Can a renter get a ride to our office? Yes. We offer one complimentary courtesy ride to our office for eligible renters. -Rentals in our Compact and Hybrid vehicle categories qualify for a free pickup when the rental term is 2 days or longer and the renter is located within Ames city limits. -Rentals in all other vehicle categories qualify for a free pickup with a minimum 1-day rental and must also be within Ames city limits. Please note that we do not provide return transportation after the rental is completed. If you require pickup outside of Ames city limits, please complete our Contact Form to inquire about availability. Additional trip charges will apply for pickups outside our standard service area.
How reliable is our fleet? We strive to provide safe, reliable rental vehicles and conduct a thorough pre-rental inspection with each customer before the vehicle leaves our lot. During this process, the condition of the vehicle is reviewed and acknowledged by the renter. While we take every reasonable step to ensure our vehicles are road-ready, unexpected events can occur that are beyond anyone's control. Situations such as flat tires caused by road debris, weather-related incidents, accidents, or other unforeseen circumstances can happen at any time. Please understand that we are a vehicle rental company, not a roadside assistance provider. As a result, we are not staffed or equipped to provide immediate roadside service in every situation. For this reason, renters are strongly encouraged to maintain an active roadside assistance membership, such as AAA, or have access to a similar service through their insurance provider, credit card benefits, or personal roadside assistance plan. In the event of a breakdown, flat tire, lockout, dead battery, or other roadside issue, the renter is responsible for arranging roadside assistance and addressing the immediate situation. We are happy to assist with guidance regarding the rental vehicle when possible, but we cannot guarantee immediate on-site service or response. By renting a vehicle, customers acknowledge that unexpected roadside incidents may occur and understand that obtaining emergency roadside assistance is the responsibility of the renter unless otherwise specified in their rental agreement.
What happens if I get a flat tire? Flat tires are considered accident-related damage because the vehicle, or a part of the vehicle, came into contact with an object in the roadway that caused the damage. Responsibility for the damage is determined by the coverage selected at the time of rental. If you purchased a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), the rental company would handle the damage. If you declined CDW and elected to use your own insurance, any covered damages would need to be handled through your insurance carrier. After reviewing your rental agreement, it appears that you declined CDW coverage. In many cases, filing a claim through your personal insurance is not the most cost-effective option due to deductibles. You may find it less expensive to pay for the damage out of pocket. It is important that the vehicle be pulled over immediately once a flat tire is discovered. Continuing to drive on a flat tire can cause additional damage to both the tire and the wheel, often making the tire non-repairable. Promptly stopping the vehicle may allow the tire to be repaired with a simple patch or plug. The most cost-effective solution is typically to install the spare tire and take the vehicle to a local tire service provider for inspection and repair. If you are unable or unwilling to install the spare tire yourself, you will need to arrange for roadside assistance or a service provider to perform the tire change. While we can provide this service, travel and service charges would apply, and it is generally more economical to use a provider located near your current location. If the tire cannot be repaired and requires replacement, it is mandatory that the replacement tire be the same brand, model, and size as the tire on the opposite side of the axle to ensure proper vehicle operation and maintain consistency between tires. Any replacement should be completed by a qualified tire service provider.
Is it possible to extend a rental? In most cases, rental extensions can be accommodated. However, vehicle availability and scheduled maintenance requirements may limit our ability to approve an extension. We take maintenance intervals seriously to ensure the safety, reliability, and condition of our fleet. As a result, extension requests are not guaranteed and may be declined if the vehicle is due for maintenance or if no suitable replacement vehicle is available. For specific rental term requests or extension inquiries, please submit a request through our Contact Form, and we will be happy to discuss available options with you.