Smarter Car Renting

Here are car rental tips from the road trip-seasoned editors of RoadsideAmerica.com:

•  Under 25? Everyone over 25 assumes you are an awkward and unpredictable risk behind the wheel. Ridiculous, you say, without taking your eyes off the road. But be sure to check with Chicago Illinois car rental companies about their specific policies. Some agencies require the driver to be at least 25 while other rental companies may allow younger drivers to rent for an additional fee. Have more than one driver? Be sure to ask if additional charges apply for more than one person driving the rental car.

•  Many States, One Car: If renting a car for a longer road trip, check with the car rental companies in Chicago, Illinois to see if they have policies about crossing state lines that affect the final rate you pay. May be no effect, but don't assume you can crisscross the globe with unlimited mileage impunity. There may be a GPS tracker in the car!

•  Credit Cards for Pick-Up: Many agencies require a credit card upon pick-up. Yes, Opie, we live in that kind of world. So make sure you are in good standing with your "plastic." Call the car rental agency in Chicago before arrival or verify in the rental policy and rules to see which forms of payment they accept.

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Chicago IL Area Attractions

• Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
• Advocate IL Masonic Medical Center
• American Police Museum
• Anshe Emet Synagogue
• Art Institute of Chicago
• Atrium Mall
• Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian
• Bubbly Creek
• Buckingham Fountain
• Century Shopping Center
• Chicago Place Mall
• Chicago State University
• Chicago Vietnam Veterans Fountain
• Children's Memorial Hospital
• Chinatown
• Cloud Gate
• DePaul University
• Downtown Chicago

Chicago rental guide