How to Start a Car Rental Business

A car rental business rents vehicles at affordable daily and weekly prices. All sorts of different parties are interested in car rentals. Common customers include business and leisure travelers, those whose vehicles are out of commission and businesses.

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Start a car rental business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Car Rental Business
  2. Form your Car Rental Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Car Rental Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Car Rental Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Car Rental Business
  7. Get Car Rental Business Insurance
  8. Define your Car Rental Business Brand
  9. Create your Car Rental Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your car rental business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Car Rental Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a car rental business?

The business will require a fleet of vehicles, an office, computers, printers, high-speed Internet, the payment of incorporation fees, insurance for the business and automobiles, vehicle maintenance tools, a closed circuit camera system, employee wages/salaries, and marketing efforts.

What are the ongoing expenses for a car rental business?

Ongoing expenses include employee wages/salaries, utilities, insurance, the addition of new vehicles to the fleet, servicing the fleet, office/parking lot rent, high-speed Internet, marketing, and website maintenance. The lowest level employees will make between $8 and $12 per hour. An on-site mechanic will command a salary between $35,000 and $70,000. Bring a marketing professional on board and he will require an annual salary in the range of $30,000 to $65,000. The same salary rate applies to an accountant and web designer. Insurance is necessary to protect your business as well as the automobiles. Budget at least $500 to $1,000 per month for this expense.

Utilities including high-speed Internet will run several hundred dollars per month. You can purchase or lease vehicles that will be added to the fleet. Anticipate adding a new vehicle every couple of months so always have at least $20,000 to $30,000 on-hand for such a purchase. Extrapolate this cost across the entire year and new additions to the fleet will likely cost $100,000 per year if purchased outright. Servicing your fleet of vehicles will likely cost between $500 and $1,000 or more per month, depending on how many customers you have. The cost of your office/lot rent will likely be between $700 per month and several thousands of dollars per month. Allocate at least $500 to $1,000 per year for website improvements. Budget around $500 per month for marketing.

Who is the target market?

The ideal customer is a business that requires numerous car rentals for employees. Another coveted customer persona is a group of business travelers who are willing to spend a considerable amount of money on car rentals while away from home.

How does a car rental business make money?

A car rental business makes money by renting automobiles to those who need a means of transportation while away from home, to embark on a trip or as a substitute for a vehicle that is being repaired.

How much can you charge customers?

Rates for car rentals differ by the quality of vehicle and the location. In general, the low end of car rentals, such as a Nissan Versa, cost around $35 to $50 per day. Upscale car rentals like a Mercedes-Benz or Lexus will run upwards of $100 to $200 or more per day.

How much profit can a car rental business make?

Your car rental business can rake in the cash if you have an optimal location, a diverse fleet of vehicles, and competitive rates. It is possible to make $50,000 to $100,000 in the first couple of years. Continue to grow your business and you will eventually reach the mid-six figure mark. Expand across the region and/or nation and your car rental business can make millions of dollars per year.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Consider selling the old automobiles in your fleet. If certain vehicles are no longer en vogue from a style perspective, sell them or trade them in. You can charge extra for various levels of auto insurance. It is prudent to establish relationships with local car dealerships so they can steer customers your way when vehicles are being serviced or repaired.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your car rental business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your car rental business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?

Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a car rental business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A car rental business is generally run out of a lot. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.  

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a car rental business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued. 
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your car rental business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Services Contract

Car rental businesses should require clients to sign a services agreement before starting a rental. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example of one such services agreement.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Car Rental Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Car Rental Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a car rental business

Advertise across a number of different mediums. Make use of brochures, flyers, introductory letters, magazine ads, newspaper ads, search engine optimization pushes, local directory listings, and online directory listings. It is prudent to establish relationships with decision makers at local businesses. Bid for contracts from the airline sector, government agencies and corporations.

How to keep customers coming back

The quality of your website and mobile app matter a great deal. Make sure the car reservation process is as easy as possible and you will attract and retain customers. Research local competitors’ rates and match or beat those rates. Offer a wide array of vehicles that appeal to drivers with varying tastes. Your fleet should consist of luxury automobiles, economy vehicles, sport utility vehicles, sports cars, compact cars, intermediate cars, and so on. Make sure your vehicles are clean and in tip-top shape at all times.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is ideal for someone who has a sincere interest in automobiles, automobile maintenance and the driving experience.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a car rental business?

The typical car rental business owner spends time researching new vehicles, making decisions about his fleet of vehicles, making marketing decisions, delegating work duties to employees, and establishing alliances with local businesses.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful car rental business?

It is important to understand the needs and desires of your target customers. Gain an in-depth understanding of automobiles, automobile trends, travelers, business professionals, and marketing. It will also help to have superior people skills to generate inroads with decision-makers at businesses that require car rentals.

What is the growth potential for a car rental business?

The growth potential of your car rental business depends on the location, the quality of your fleet and your marketing savvy. Location is the most important factor. Establish your car rental business in an area with plenty of business travelers and others who are likely to need a temporary means of transportation and your business might grow quite quickly. It is possible to grow to the point that you expand the business across the region, the state and even throughout the nation.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a car rental business?

It will likely help to pinpoint a niche. Perhaps your area receives an abundance of business travelers. Pick out vehicles that appeal to these individuals. Market in mediums that such target customers are likely to be exposed to. However, you should not neglect other customers such as leisure travelers. Have numerous different vehicles ready for rent at all times of the year that appeal to customers of all interests and backgrounds.

Be on the prowl for marketing alliances. If a hotel is located near your car rental business, propose a deal. It might be possible to refer customers to this hotel in return for referrals to your car rental business. If you establish such a relationship, assemble a brochure that explains the alliance with the hotel. It is even possible to coordinate the placement of this brochure or other marketing materials in the hotel.

Your website is of the utmost importance. It should be enhanced for search engines (SEO) and compatible with mobile devices. Bring on a web programmer and user experience designer to polish the website and build a mobile app so customers can rent a vehicle in moment’s notice from their smartphone or other mobile device.

How and when to build a team

A couple of employees are necessary when launching your car rental business. It will be helpful to have someone answer the phone to take reservations and answer questions. You will also need an auto mechanic to service your fleet of vehicles. A vehicle cleaner will come in handy to keep vehicles looking their best on the inside and out. You can add more employees as the business grows. A marketing guru, an accountant, and an administrator will eventually be necessary.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading