Alamo is a well-known car rental brand, with desks at many airports in the USA and in other countries. UK holidaymakers most often come across it when hiring a car in Florida, California and other US destinations. This is a guide rather than a review: we have not rented from Alamo ourselves for this article, so we are not offering a first-hand verdict. Instead, we explain how pricing, deposits and fees generally work, what to check before you book and how Alamo compares with other brands in broad terms. Always confirm current terms on the Alamo website and your booking confirmation, because rules and prices change.
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Is Alamo good?
Whether a car hire company is good depends on your experience at the desk, the condition of the car and how the company handles problems, and these vary by location and over time. Customer reviews for most big rental brands are mixed, and Alamo is no exception. Rather than give a blanket verdict, check recent reviews for the specific airport you plan to use, look at how recent the comments are, and weigh the overall rating against the price. A cheaper rate can be a good deal, but only if you understand the extras.
- Read reviews from the last few months for your pick-up location.
- Check how long queues at the desk tend to be at busy times.
- Look at comments about car condition, upselling and the return process.
- Compare the final price against other brands, including all taxes and fees.
What is the deposit?
Car hire companies usually place a hold on a credit card to cover the deposit, fuel and possible charges. The amount varies by location, car class and the insurance you take, so we cannot give a reliable figure. What matters in practice is this:
- Most companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name. Debit cards are often not accepted, or have extra conditions.
- The hold reduces your available credit until it is released, which can take days after you return the car.
- Taking some extra cover can change the deposit, so ask at the desk.
- Keep your return receipt and check your card statement afterwards.
Check the terms on your booking, and ask the desk to confirm the deposit before you sign. For more on common pitfalls see our car hire guide.
Are fees high?
The advertised daily rate is usually only part of the final cost. Fees and extras can add up quickly, particularly in the USA, where taxes and airport charges are common. Typical extras to watch for include:
- Airport surcharges: picking up at an airport often costs more than an off-airport location.
- Young driver fees: drivers under 25 are usually charged a daily supplement.
- Additional driver fees: adding a second driver may cost extra.
- Fuel policies: check whether you must return the car full, or whether you pay for fuel in advance.
- Tolls: many US roads use electronic tolls, and rental firms offer toll passes for a daily fee, so check the cost before you accept.
- Insurance and waivers: optional cover can be expensive at the desk, so see the section below.
- Child seats and sat nav: usually charged per day.
- One-way fees: dropping the car at a different location can cost a lot.
Insurance, excess and what to check
Rental rates in the USA often include only basic liability, and the desk may offer extra waivers and protection. UK travellers often compare these with separate car hire excess insurance bought in the UK, which can cost less. If you rely on a separate policy, read its terms carefully, because you may have to pay the rental company first and claim the money back later. Ask the desk what they will hold on your card if you decline their cover. Our travel insurance guide explains related cover, and you should check whether your policy or card includes any rental protection.
How does it compare with Enterprise?
Alamo and Enterprise are both part of the same wider rental group, so they share some similarities in how they operate, but their pricing, branches and offers differ. Alamo is often positioned as the value-focused brand for leisure travellers, while Enterprise is widely known for its customer service model and its many off-airport branches. Policies and perks change, so compare the same dates, car class and extras on both websites and read recent reviews for your location. Other brands, such as Avis, Budget, SIXT and Discover Cars as a booking comparison site, may also be worth comparing for the same dates.
- Compare the all-in price, not just the daily rate.
- Compare the deposit, fuel policy and mileage terms.
- Check pick-up locations and opening hours.
- Check the cancellation policy, as free cancellation can be valuable.
Choosing the right car
Rental companies group cars into classes such as economy, compact, intermediate, full-size, SUV and minivan, and the specific model is usually not guaranteed. Think about passengers and luggage before you choose. A family of four with large suitcases may find a compact car too small, and an SUV or minivan can make long drives more comfortable, although it will use more fuel. If you are driving long distances, for example between Orlando and Miami, comfort and boot space matter more than saving a few pounds a day. Check the number of bags the class is likely to fit, and remember that the luggage you bring from the UK may be larger than you expect. Our suitcase buying guide may help you pick sensible sizes.
Booking directly or through a comparison site
You can book directly with the rental brand or through a broker or comparison site. Booking direct can make it simpler to deal with changes and problems. Comparison sites can show lower headline prices and let you compare several brands at once, but the terms, the insurance included and the deposit can differ, and any problems may involve both the broker and the rental company. Whichever you choose, read the full terms before you pay, check that the main driver’s name matches the card, and keep all confirmations. Look carefully at what the rate includes, such as collision damage cover, theft protection, supplementary liability and unlimited mileage, since the cheapest rate often excludes some of these.
Driving in the USA for the first time
Most UK visitors adapt quickly, but a few points help. Drive on the right and take extra care at junctions and when turning, particularly in the first hour. Most rental cars are automatic, so check you are comfortable with that. Speed limits are shown in miles per hour, and many roads have different rules on turning right at a red light, so read the local signs. Fuel is called gas, and you may need to pay at the pump before filling up. Plan your first journey from the airport carefully, and have a navigation app or sat nav ready. Take breaks on long drives, since jet lag makes tiredness a real risk.
Tips for a smooth pick-up
- Bring your driving licence, passport and the credit card used for the booking. Check whether you need any extra documents for your destination.
- Check the car before you leave, photograph any damage, and make sure it is noted on the paperwork.
- Check the fuel level and take a photo of the dashboard and mileage.
- Learn how the controls work, especially if the car is automatic, since most US rentals are automatic.
- Remember that you drive on the right in the USA.
- Ask about toll roads and how they are charged.
- Return the car on time and get a receipt confirming it has been returned undamaged.
Where to find Alamo
Alamo has locations at many major airports in the USA, as well as in Canada, parts of Europe and elsewhere. For holidays starting in the UK, the most popular pick-ups are in Orlando, Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and other big US airports. If you are hiring a car closer to home, see our guides to hiring at specific airports, such as Alicante airport car hire, and our holidays from Gatwick page for flights to popular destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire an Alamo car with a debit card?
Policies vary by location. Many require a credit card, so check the terms before you book.
Is it cheaper to book in advance?
Usually, yes, especially for peak dates, but compare cancellation terms.
Do I need an international driving permit?
Requirements differ by country, so check the official rules for your destination and the rental company terms.
Can I add a second driver?
Often yes, but there may be a daily fee, and they must be present with their licence.
What if I have a problem after I return the car?
Keep all paperwork and photos, contact the company in writing, and raise a dispute with your card provider if needed.
Prices, deposits and terms change often and we have not rented from Alamo for this guide, so check the latest details with the company before you book.