autorent

Autorent is the service of renting motor vehicles for short-term or long-term use from a transportation provider. It is commonly referred to as car rental or car hire and is offered by companies that manage fleets of cars, vans, and sometimes trucks. Customers reserve a vehicle for a period ranging from a few hours to several weeks, with rates determined by vehicle class, duration, location, and demand. Optional extras typically include insurance coverage, roadside assistance, GPS navigation, child seats, and fuel options.

The car rental industry emerged in the early 20th century and grew significantly after World War II, expanding with air travel and global tourism. Today, it operates worldwide, with a network of outlets at airports, city centers, and suburban locations. Major global providers and regional operators compete on fleet breadth, service speed, pricing, and digital accessibility.

Business models combine fleet ownership or leasing with rental income, add-ons, and penalties for late returns or damage. Revenue is enhanced by franchising, corporate accounts, and loyalty programs. Digitization has enabled online booking, mobile apps, and contactless vehicle handoffs, often using keyless entry and telematics to manage fleets.

Typical requirements include a valid driver's license, age restrictions, and a payment method, sometimes with a security deposit or credit card hold. Insurance options, mileage limits, fuel policies, and cross-border rules vary by jurisdiction and provider. As mobility markets evolve, autorent intersects with car sharing, ride-hailing, and increasing adoption of electric vehicles.