10 Car Rental Franchise Options


car rental franchise

Exploring a car rental franchise is an effective way to enter the automotive industry, offering a streamlined path to business ownership. Opting for a franchise in this sector typically includes support with inventory, setup, and marketing, coupled with the advantage of a well-known brand to foster customer trust.

This guide explores the top car rental franchises, providing insights for those interested in starting their own car rental business.

What is a Rental Car Franchise?

A rental car franchise is an agreement where independent entrepreneurs operate a car rental service under a larger, established brand. The franchisor provides the franchisee with the right to use its brand name, business model, and operational support.

In return, the franchisee pays an initial franchise fee along with ongoing royalties and marketing fees.

This business model is particularly appealing in the car rental industry, as it allows franchisees to leverage the brand recognition and proven systems of the franchisor, which can be crucial in attracting customers in a competitive market.

car rental franchise

The Car Rental Industry Today

The car rental industry, like many others, is currently navigating challenges such as supply chain disruptions and shortages of essential components like semiconductor chips. These issues have made maintaining a large and diverse vehicle inventory more difficult than usual.

However, with travel gradually resuming and consumer demand for car rentals increasing, the industry is poised for a significant uptick in activity.

This resurgence presents potential opportunities for rental car franchises, as there is likely to be a growing demand for convenient and reliable vehicle rental services.

Entrepreneurs looking to invest in a rental car franchise should consider these market dynamics and the potential for recovery and growth in the sector.

Why You Should Consider a Rental Car Franchise

If you’re considering different business opportunities in 2022, franchising a car rental company may be a perfect choice. Here are some specific benefits of opening a car rental business:

  • High demand: People are starting to travel again, meaning demand for rental cars is high. There’s also a shortage of new vehicles due to microchip issues, so some consumers are going without their ideal vehicles and may need to rent more frequently.
  • Ability to start quickly: Starting a business from the ground up takes time. When you franchise, the groundwork is already started. So you can get off the ground quickly while there’s still high demand in your area.
  • Built-in trust and brand recognition: Consumers often look for recognizable brands when booking important services like car rentals. Franchising allows you to align your small business with a nationwide brand they may already be familiar with.
  • Support from a nationwide brand: In addition to the brand name, franchising means getting support from corporate offices. This includes help with filling your lot and creating your price list.

car rental franchise

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Car Rental Franchise

In guiding potential franchisees towards successful car rental franchise ventures, we employ a specific set of criteria. These criteria are designed to assess the viability, profitability, and strategic fit of car rental franchise opportunities. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 indicates the least importance and 5 the highest importance:

  1. Brand Recognition and Reputation
    • Importance: 5
    • A franchise with strong brand recognition can significantly impact customer trust and business growth. We assess the reputation and market presence of the franchise brand.
  2. Initial Investment and Ongoing Costs
    • Importance: 4
    • The cost of starting the franchise, including fees, equipment, and inventory (vehicles), as well as ongoing operational costs, are key factors in the decision-making process.
  3. Market Demand and Location
    • Importance: 5
    • We evaluate the demand for car rental services in the proposed location and the potential for market growth. Strategic location selection is critical for attracting customers.
  4. Franchisee Support and Training
    • Importance: 4
    • The level and quality of support provided to franchisees, including operational training, marketing assistance, and business management, are crucial for the success of the franchise.
  5. Fleet Management and Maintenance Systems
    • Importance: 4
    • Efficient management of the vehicle fleet, including maintenance, servicing, and updating of vehicles, is essential for the smooth operation of a car rental business.
  6. Technology and Innovation
    • Importance: 3
    • The franchise’s adoption of technology, such as online booking systems and vehicle tracking, can enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
  7. Compliance and Legal Considerations
    • Importance: 4
    • Understanding and complying with legal requirements, including insurance, safety regulations, and consumer laws, is essential for the lawful operation of the franchise.
  8. Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
    • Importance: 3
    • With growing environmental concerns, we consider the franchise’s efforts towards sustainability, such as offering eco-friendly vehicles or implementing green practices.

By applying these criteria, our objective is to guide potential franchisees towards car rental franchise opportunities that offer not only financial viability but also align with market trends and operational best practices.

car rental franchise

Top Car Rental Franchise Options

If you’re ready to offer car rental services to your community, compare all the franchise opportunities available to find the best fit. Here are some top car rental franchises to consider.

1. National Car Rental

National Car Rental is a top global car rental brand that also runs Alamo and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. All of these brands carry extensive trust and recognition. However, National does not currently franchise in the U.S. and Canada. So their franchise opportunity is only for international entrepreneurs. Franchise fees and startup costs and car rentals vary widely by country.

2. Hertz Corporation Franchise

Hertz is one of the top airport car rental brands. And the Corporation also runs other popular brands Dollar, Thrifty, and Firefly. Benefits include a tech system and partnerships with airlines and hotels. The licensing fee varies from about $25,000 to $100,000 depending on fleet size, location, and potential for growth. The company prioritizes in-demand locations and offers support for franchisees.

3. NextCar

NextCar launched in 2003 and currently has locations in a handful of states, including California, Maryland, and Florida. There’s still plenty of room for growth in new markets, including at in-demand spots like airport locations. Benefits include fleet buying assistance and preferred pricing. The franchise fee varies from about $20,000 to $100,000.

4. Avis Budget Group Franchise

Avis Budget Group operates multiple car rental franchise brands, including Avis, Budget, Payless, and Zipcar. They offer a streamlined process to help new franchisees get up and running quickly and provide support throughout the licensing term. The initial fee varies widely, starting at around $25,000.

5. U-Save Car & Truck Rental

U-Save Car & Truck Rental is a neighborhood franchise that can be run on its own or in conjunction with another business like a dealership or service center. The initial franchise fee and investment vary by location and fleet size; franchisees should have at least $60,000 in liquid assets.

car rental franchise

6. Sixt Franchise

Sixt is a European car rental brand that now has franchise locations throughout the world, including the U.S. This can allow entrepreneurs more flexibility in selecting high quality locations while still connecting with a trusted brand. The company specializes in luxury cars, trucks, and limousines. The initial investment and fees vary widely by location and fleet size. The franchise fee may be anywhere from € 20,000 to € 500,000.

7. Rent-A-Wreck Franchise

Rent-A-Wreck specializes in used car rentals. It’s one of the more affordable car rental franchise options available, because of the less expensive inventory. However, you’ll still need about $40,000 in liquid capital to invest upfront.

8. Priceless Car Rental

Priceless Car Rental offers a franchise system with both standalone units and those run in conjunction with other businesses. They offer vehicle leasing, training, and marketing support, along with their recognizable brand. Franchisees should have at least $50,000 in liquid assets. And the franchise fee varies from $18,000 to $75,000.

9. Bates International Motor Home Rental

Bates Motor Home Network offers motor homes and large travel vehicles instead of basic cars. This is an emerging market, as more consumers are looking for unique new ways to travel affordably. New franchise owners pay an initial franchise fee of between $17,000 to $35,000, aside from other startup costs like inventory.

10. Right Cars

Right Cars runs a tech-focused car rental franchise business. Franchisees get access to proprietary AI technology, comprehensive data on consumer activity, and apps for renting a car. Franchise fees and startup costs vary widely by location.

car rental franchise

Comparison of Top Car Rental Franchises

To assist you in navigating the car rental franchise landscape, we’ve compiled a comparison table that provides an at-a-glance view of various franchise options. This table highlights the initial investment, franchise fees, and unique benefits of each brand, helping you to make an informed decision.

ranchise NameInitial Investment RangeFranchise Fee RangeUnique Features/Notes
National Car RentalVaries by countryVaries by countryInternational opportunities, no US/Canada franchising
Hertz Corporation FranchiseNot specified$25,000 - $100,000Tech system, partnerships with airlines and hotels
NextCarNot specified$20,000 - $100,000Fleet buying assistance, preferred pricing
Avis Budget Group FranchiseNot specifiedStarts at around $25,000Streamlined process, multiple brands
U-Save Car & Truck RentalVaries by locationNot specifiedCan be combined with another business
Sixt FranchiseVaries by location€20,000 - €500,000Specializes in luxury vehicles, international brand
Rent-A-Wreck FranchiseNot specifiedNot specifiedSpecializes in used car rentals
Priceless Car RentalNot specified$18,000 - $75,000Leasing, training, marketing support
Bates International Motor Home RentalNot specified$17,000 - $35,000Focus on motor homes and travel vehicles
Right CarsVaries by locationVaries by locationAccess to proprietary AI technology

car rental franchise

How to Choose the Best Franchise to Set Up Your Car Rental Company

When considering a foray into the car rental franchise industry, making the right choice can significantly impact your business’s success. Here are key factors to guide your decision:

  • Consider Your Budget: The financial commitment required for a car rental franchise can be substantial. Assess your financial capabilities and determine the level of investment you’re comfortable with. Well-known brands might offer greater earning potential but often come with higher setup costs. Alternatively, smaller or local franchises might offer lower entry costs.
  • Look for Open Territories in Your Area: Your location choice is crucial. Check for available territories in your desired area. If major players like Hertz are already established in prime locations like airports, explore other franchises like Right Cars that may be open to setting up in nearby areas.
  • Be Open to Growth Opportunities: Consider the long-term growth potential of the franchise. Opt for a system that supports expansion, such as offering opportunities for owning multiple units and providing ongoing operational support to help scale your business over time.
  • Compare Services and Offerings: Beyond basic training and marketing support, look into what other benefits each franchise offers. This could include support in vehicle procurement, technology for managing operations, or specialized marketing strategies. Align these offerings with your business needs and priorities.

car rental franchise

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Car Rental Franchise?

The initial investment for a car rental franchise varies but is generally high due to the nature of the business. Factors such as location (premium areas cost more), the size of the rental fleet, and the brand’s market positioning play a role in determining the start-up costs.

Typically, you might need to invest between $250,000 and $750,000 to get your franchise off the ground. This range includes costs for securing a suitable location, purchasing or leasing vehicles, and other operational expenses.

Is a Car Rental Franchise Profitable?

Car rental franchises can be profitable, particularly in locations with high demand for rental vehicles. Profitability depends on several factors, including the size and diversity of your vehicle fleet, the strategic location of your rental outlet, effective management, and the ability to adapt to market trends.

Many franchise owners see annual profits ranging from $150,000 to $200,000, although this can vary based on the specific circumstances of each franchise.

Image: Depositphotos


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Annie Pilon Annie Pilon is a Senior Staff Writer for Small Business Trends and has been a member of the team for 12 years. Annie covers feature stories, community news and in-depth, expert-based guides. She has a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago in Journalism and Marketing Communications.