Rent a car in California easily 
We compare the best car rental deals – no fine print, with real Hebrew support. Choose your car, book in a few clicks, and travel with peace of mind.
Pick-up locations
Auto Europe Israel is proud to partner with Dollar and Thrifty in California, offering Israelis a convenient and safe rental experience through leading suppliers. Dollar and Thrifty branches are available at major airports and city centers throughout California, making it easy to pick up and return a car on any route. Through us, you will enjoy a selection of models, attractive conditions, and customer service in Hebrew all along the way.
Car rental companies in California
Auto Europe Israel collaborates with a wide range of car rental companies throughout California, giving you a particularly large selection of pick-up and drop-off locations across the state. You can pick up a car at major airports – Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), San Diego (SAN), San Jose (SJC), Oakland (OAK), Sacramento (SMF), Orange County/John Wayne (SNA), Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), and Ontario (ONT) – as well as at hundreds of urban and neighborhood points in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Silicon Valley, Napa and Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Anaheim, Monterey, and more. This allows you to choose whether to pick up a car immediately upon landing or in the city center after a few days of walking tours and to plan convenient routes along Highway 1, visits to wineries, and visits to parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree – according to your pace and time.
Business hours vary between companies and stations: airport hours are often longer, while city branches may operate limited hours and even be closed on Sundays. Therefore, it is important to ensure in advance that the station you choose is open on the planned pick-up and drop-off date and to check the exact address and how to get there – some airports operate dedicated shuttles to the rental centers. If you're considering a return in another city, one-way rentals within California are possible and sometimes even to neighboring states, subject to availability and return fees. You can add an additional driver, child safety seats, or toll road packages according to the supplier's policy, and it is advisable to update us on special needs already at the time of booking. This way you ensure receiving the car in the most suitable place and time for you and enjoy a driving experience tailored to your trip to California.
FAQ – Car rental in California
What is the minimum age for renting a car in California, and is there an additional charge for young drivers?
When renting a car in California through Auto Europe Israel with Dollar or Thrifty, the minimum age is 21. Drivers aged 21-24 are allowed in most categories but will usually incur a daily young driver surcharge, and some car categories may be allowed from 25 and up only. All drivers must present a valid driver's license and an international credit card in the principal driver's name.
Is an Israeli driver's license sufficient in California, or is an international license required?
In California, you can drive with a valid foreign driver's license; a valid Israeli license is accepted. If the license is not in English, it is advisable to also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), and companies like Dollar and Thrifty may request it. When picking up the car through Auto Europe Israel, you must present a passport and a matching credit card, and ensure your license is valid for the entire rental period.
What is included in the basic insurance package when renting a car in California through Auto Europe Israel, and what additional insurances are recommended?
When renting in California through Auto Europe Israel, the basic package for international customers usually includes LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) and sometimes extended liability coverage to a third party (SLI). According to California law, the rental company provides minimum liability coverage only, therefore it is advisable to add SLI to increase liability limits, and also to consider extensions like windshield/tire/mirror coverage and roadside assistance (RAP). The deductible, exclusions, and exact coverages vary between Dollar and Thrifty and between locations, and details must be confirmed as stated in the Auto Europe Israel voucher.
Can an additional driver be added in California, and what is the cost involved?
In California, an additional driver can be added with a rental through Auto Europe Israel with Dollar or Thrifty, provided he/she meets the age and licensing requirements and is present to sign at the counter. According to California law, a spouse or domestic partner can be added at no extra charge; for other additional drivers, a local daily charge is usually imposed (the amount varies by station and supplier). All additional drivers must be registered in the rental agreement.
What happens in the event of an accident or malfunction with the car in California?
In an emergency call 911. In rentals in California through Auto Europe Israel with Dollar or Thrifty, stop in a safe place, document damages, and exchange details; in the case of theft or significant damage, file a police report. Contact the rental company’s service/help desk as soon as possible for rescue or replacement vehicle, and then update the Auto Europe Israel team for handling and assistance. Avoid self-repairs and keep all documents or reports. Note that non-mechanical assistance services (e.g., lockout, fuel, tire change) may incur a charge if the RAP package is not purchased.
Tips for car rental in California
Looking for carefree car rentals abroad? We've compiled four short tips to help you avoid surprises at the counter, save on costs, and start your trip smoothly and safely, with our support throughout the journey in every destination.
Credit Card and Deposit
In most destinations, a valid international credit card in the main driver's name is required for a deposit hold. Ensure sufficient credit; debit/prepaid cards are usually not accepted for deposits, and the amount is released after the return according to the supplier's terms.
Insurance and Deductible
Check what is included: damage/theft coverage and deductible amount. Consider extending coverage to tires, windows, roof, and underside. If you purchased coverage through us, present it at the counter and avoid unnecessary double insurance.
Fuel and Mileage
Prefer the full-to-full policy to pay only for what you consume. Check if the rental includes unlimited mileage or daily limit — overages are charged extra. Keep the receipt from the last refueling.
Vehicle Inspection and Documentation
Go over the car upon pickup, photograph and document any scratch or break and report it on the spot. Return on time and in the same condition to avoid charges. Keep a copy of the rental contract and return report.
Pick-up map around California
Click any location on the map to view the rental page for that destination via Auto Europe.
Everything you need to know about car rental in California
Speed limit in city
25
miles/hour
Speed limit on highways
65
miles/hour
Toll roads
Electronic toll roads and lanes, FasTrak or Pay-By-Plate payments, no cash, check rental terms for toll payments.
Road conditions in winter
In Sierra Nevada and mountain roads snow may occur, chains sometimes required under Chain Control (R1–R3). Check road closures and conditions.
Why rent a car in California with Auto Europe?
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Professional Hebrew-speaking service
Israeli representatives who understand your needs, speak your language, and assist you throughout the entire process – from booking to vehicle return.
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Full flexibility and personal customization
A wide range of cars, easy modification and cancellation terms, and flexible pick-up and drop-off locations across Germany.
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Transparent pricing with no surprises
All costs are displayed upfront, including local taxes, unlimited mileage, insurance, and extras – with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
More destinations in Usa
Auto Europe wishes you a pleasant and safe journey.
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