Ace Rent-A-Car Rental Review

From the humble origins of a car wash, Ace Rent-A-Car has steadily grown into a significant player in the car hire market.

Originally launched by Robert Sorensen and Ken Osterand in Indianapolis in 1957, the duo added 10 Volkswagens to their car wash businesses in 1966 to meet the growing demand for car rentals in the surrounding district.

Today, the privately held car rental company operates in more than 200 locations across 56 countries. It maintains a sizeable presence in US states and territories and several international destinations, including such diverse places as Guyana, the Czech Republic, Morocco, and Qatar.

Overall, the company is known for its affordable rates and generally good customer service. It also serves as the world’s largest system of independent rental car operators.

However, it should not be confused with Ace Rental Cars, which operates in Australia and New Zealand.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Ace

Ace Car Rental makes the most sense if you’re looking for a wallet-friendly way to get around while still enjoying the convenience and reliability of a decent car.

It is a good option if you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, a road trip adventure, or just need temporary transportation while your own vehicle is in the garage.

Ace is especially attractive for those who want straightforward pricing since their fees are typically clear, with fewer surprises at the counter than you might experience at some of their competitors.

Their network of locations, which is predominantly based around popular tourist areas and major airports, means it’s usually easy to pick up and drop off your rental without detours or delays.

Another time Ace shines is if you’re under 25 or otherwise face higher fees elsewhere because the company often offers competitive rates and friendlier policies for younger drivers.

Moreover, if luxury isn’t that much of a priority for you but value is, Ace Car Rental is a smart choice. It’s ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a dependable, clean, and safe car without paying for extras they don’t need.

When Doesn’t It Make Sense to Use Ace?

If your priorities for hiring a vehicle include getting high-end models, specialized cars, or a luxury rental experience, then Ace Car Rental isn’t always the best fit.

The company doesn’t offer as much in the way of premium customer perks, advanced rewards programs, or guaranteed access to specific vehicle makes and models as some of its rivals do.

Additionally, travelers looking for a wider selection of specialty vehicles like convertibles, luxury SUVs, or electric cars might find Ace’s offerings limited. At the same time, if you’re renting from remote locations or smaller airports, you might discover that Ace doesn’t have convenient branches everywhere you need them, which might potentially cause you inconvenience or incur extra travel time.

Another situation where Ace might not be the best choice is for those who prefer extensive coverage options and top-tier roadside assistance. Typically, the company’s simpler, budget-friendly packages may leave you wanting more in the way of comprehensive protection.

It is also worth noting that if you’re planning international travel to destinations not heavily served by Ace, choosing a larger or more established rental company with broader global coverage can save you time and hassle.

Pros and Cons of Booking with Ace

Booking with Ace Car Rental offers several clear benefits, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. However, it can occasionally have some negatives, too.

Here are some pros and cons typically associated with making a reservation with Ace.

Pros

Probably Ace’s biggest advantage is its affordability, as it typically offers lower rates when compared to bigger rental brands. This makes it ideal for those on a budget or younger drivers who often face high rental fees elsewhere.

Ace also tends to have transparent pricing, which generally means you experience fewer surprises or hidden fees when you pick up one of their vehicles. You should also find the booking process straightforward and user-friendly, which enables you to make a quick reservation online without any hassle.

Additionally, Ace enjoys a reputation for good customer service, largely on the back of being ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power & Associates annual industry consumer survey of 2011.

Cons

For all its positives, there are also a few downsides to Ace Rent-A-Car that are worth noting.

Ace’s smaller fleet and limited variety compared to their competitors could be a drawback if you’re particular about the type of vehicle you want, especially if you prefer specialty cars, luxury models, or newer vehicles.

Also, while Ace has many convenient locations, particularly around major cities and airports, its presence in smaller towns or remote areas is relatively limited. This might cause inconvenience if you find yourself visiting less popular destinations.

While the company offers one-way rentals, they may charge you an additional fee for the privilege. Additionally, they do not provide the extensive loyalty programs or perks often found with larger brands and their insurance coverage and roadside assistance offerings aren’t as broad as others.

Ace Booking Experience

You should find the experience of booking a car with Ace Car Rental fairly quick and hassle-free.

Their user-friendly website makes finding and reserving a vehicle straightforward, even if you’re not tech-savvy. You simply enter your travel dates, preferred location, and vehicle type, and you’ll quickly see clear pricing options without hidden fees or confusing terms.

Since Ace has a smaller fleet compared to larger companies, you might not have as many vehicles to choose from. However, their transparency during the booking process is a big plus, especially for those who want to know exactly how much they will have to pay upfront.

Additionally, their site is also mobile-friendly enough for people to make reservations from their devices while on the go. Moreover, once you have made a booking, confirmation emails tend to arrive promptly, which provide clear instructions and details about your rental.

Important Things to Note Before Renting with Ace

Before you make a reservation with Ace, there are some things you should take into account. They include the following:

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Ace Car Rental is known for its budget-friendly rates, but it’s crucial to double-check the fine print.

Some locations may charge extra fees for things like additional drivers, young renters under 25, or after-hours pick-up. So, you should always review your booking confirmation carefully to avoid discovering unexpected charges.

Insurance & Deposit Policies

While Ace typically offers basic insurance coverage, additional protection may cost you extra, which can soon add up to make the cost of hiring a vehicle more expensive than you first thought.

You will also need to agree to a security deposit hold being put on your credit card at the time of your rental, which is usually between $200 and $500. So, you must ensure your card has sufficient funds to cover it.

Vehicle Condition & Inspection

Ace vehicles are generally reliable, but they’re often not brand new. For this reason, you should always thoroughly inspect your car before leaving its location.

Be sure to take photos and videos of any existing damage, which is noted on the rental agreement, to avoid disputes when returning the vehicle.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

Cancellation policies at Ace can vary by location and booking type, and while some reservations allow free cancellation of up to 24 hours before pick-up, you may be hit with a fee or restriction if you try to do this with a prepaid booking.

Customer Service

While the company is known for providing good levels of customer service quality, human nature dictates that it can vary by location.

Some customer reviews of the company have indicated that the service people received was not up to the standard they expected. Although these are probably isolated incidents, the variance is worth noticing.

Alternatives to Ace

If Ace Car Rental doesn’t fit your needs, several other budget-friendly rental companies offer reliable alternatives.

Companies like Alamo and Budget are popular choices, which provide similarly affordable rates and a wide selection of vehicles, often with extensive networks nationwide.

Enterprise is another great option, as the company is renowned for providing exceptional customer service and flexible policies across numerous locations.

If you’re looking for premium vehicles or luxury experiences, brands like Hertz and Avis might better suit your expectations. They tend to offer newer cars, along with loyalty perks and comprehensive coverage options that you might find attractive.

Additionally, for those who prefer peer-to-peer rentals, Turo offers a unique alternative. They allow you to rent directly from individual car owners, often at competitive rates and with a highly personalized service you may enjoy.

Final Verdict: Should You Rent from Ace?

Overall, Ace Car Rental is a solid choice if you want a decent car at an affordable price.

While they may lack the bells and whistles of some of their competitors, they do offer straightforward pricing, easy booking, and generally friendly service.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to rent a vehicle from them is up to you. However, more times than not, you shouldn’t be disappointed if you do.