Is Ace Car Rental Good: The Essential Answer
Yes, Ace Car Rental can be a good choice, especially for budget-conscious travelers who are flexible and do their homework. They often offer significantly lower prices than major brands. However, because Ace operates as a network of independent franchises, the quality of service, vehicle condition, and overall experience can vary greatly from one location to another.
Planning a trip is exciting, but renting a car can feel like a puzzle. You see names you know, like Hertz or Enterprise, and then you see Ace Rent A Car, often with a much lower price. It makes you wonder, “Is this a hidden gem or a risky bet?” It’s a common question, and you’re smart to ask it before you book. Don’t worry,
I’m here to help you figure it out. We’ll walk through everything you need to know about Ace, breaking it down into simple, clear pieces so you can decide with confidence. Let’s look at what makes Ace different and how to make it work for you.
When you’re looking for a rental car, the price tag is often the first thing that catches your eye. Ace Rent A Car frequently stands out with rates that seem too good to be true. But a great price is only great if the experience is smooth and hassle-free. As your friendly automotive guide, my goal is to give you the full picture—the good, the bad, and what to watch out for—so you can make the best choice for your journey.
Who Exactly is Ace Rent A Car?
First, it helps to understand what Ace is. Unlike giants like Avis or Enterprise that own most of their locations, Ace is primarily a franchise system. This means that most Ace locations are independently owned and operated. Think of it like a hardware store—some are big corporate chains, while others use a well-known brand name but are run by local owners.
Ace has been around since 1966, building a network of affiliates around the world. This business model is the key to everything about Ace. It’s why they can often offer lower prices (lower overhead for the parent company), but it’s also the main reason why customer experiences can be so different. The service you get in Orlando might be completely different from the service you get in Denver, because they are run by different business owners.
The Ace Car Rental Experience: A Step-by-Step Look
Let’s walk through what you can typically expect when renting from Ace. Knowing the process helps you spot any potential bumps in the road ahead of time.
1. The Booking Process
Booking with Ace is usually straightforward. You can book directly on their website or through third-party travel sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Rentalcars.com. Here’s a tip: After finding a deal on a third-party site, always check the price on Ace’s official website. Sometimes you can find a better deal or clearer terms by booking direct.
During booking, pay close attention to the details:
- Location Type: Is it at the airport terminal or off-site? Most Ace locations are off-airport, meaning you’ll need to take a shuttle.
- Included Insurance: What kind of coverage is included? Often, the base price includes only the bare minimum.
- Mileage Limits: Does your rental come with unlimited mileage, or is there a daily cap? This is crucial for road trips.
2. The Pick-Up Process
This is where the Ace experience can differ most from major rental companies. If your location is off-airport, you will need to find the designated shuttle stop. Look for instructions in your confirmation email. Sometimes the shuttles are run by Ace themselves, and other times they share a shuttle with other off-airport rental agencies or airport parking services.
Once you arrive at the counter, expect the following:
- Wait Times: Because they are often smaller operations, wait times can be longer, especially during peak travel hours.
- The Upsell: Like all rental companies, they will offer you upgrades, prepaid fuel options, and insurance. This is where it’s important to know what you need. Politely decline what you don’t. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers great advice on understanding common rental car add-ons.
- Vehicle Inspection: This is the most important step! Before you drive away, inspect the car thoroughly, inside and out. Use your phone to take pictures or a video of any existing scratches, dents, or stains. Make sure the agent notes every single mark on the rental agreement. This protects you from being charged for damage you didn’t cause.
3. The Driving Experience
The cars at Ace can be a mixed bag. While major companies tend to cycle their fleets every 12-18 months, some Ace franchises may keep cars for longer. You will likely get a perfectly reliable vehicle, but it might be a slightly older model or have more miles on it than a car from Hertz or Enterprise. As long as it’s clean and runs well, this is often a fair trade-off for the lower price.
4. The Return Process
Returning the car is usually simple. Follow the signs to the Ace return area. An agent will check the car for new damage and verify the fuel level. Make sure you get a final, closed-out receipt before you leave. If you pre-paid for fuel, you can return it empty. If not, be sure to fill it up to the level required by your agreement to avoid expensive refueling charges.
The Pros and Cons of Renting with Ace
To make things simple, let’s break it down into a clear list of potential benefits and drawbacks.
Pros: Why You Might Choose Ace
- Lower Prices: This is Ace’s biggest selling point. You can often save a significant amount of money compared to the major brands, especially for longer rentals.
- Good for Budget Travelers: If your main goal is to get from A to B safely and you don’t need the latest model car, Ace can be a perfect fit.
- Local Service: At its best, a franchise can offer friendly, personal service that you might not get from a large corporation. Some owners take great pride in their business.
Cons: What to Be Aware Of
- Inconsistent Quality: Because of the franchise model, your experience is entirely dependent on the local owner and their management. One location might be fantastic, while another is poorly run.
- Off-Airport Locations: The need for a shuttle adds extra time to your travel day. If you’re in a hurry or traveling with a lot of luggage or small children, this can be a hassle.
- Older Vehicles: The fleet might not be as new or have as many premium features as those at larger competitors.
- Aggressive Upselling: Some locations are known for pressuring customers to buy expensive insurance or other add-ons.
- Customer Service Issues: When problems arise, resolving them can sometimes be more difficult, as you’re dealing with a local franchise owner rather than a large corporate customer service department.
Ace vs. The Big Players: A Head-to-Head Comparison
How does Ace really stack up against the household names? This table gives you a quick overview.
| Feature | Ace Rent A Car | Major Brands (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often significantly lower. | Generally higher base rates. |
| Locations | Fewer locations, mostly off-airport. | Extensive network, many on-airport locations. |
| Vehicle Fleet | Varies by location; may include older models. | Newer, more consistent fleet with the latest models. |
| Loyalty Program | Limited or non-existent rewards program. | Robust loyalty programs with points, free rentals, and perks. |
| Customer Service | Highly variable; depends on the individual franchise. | More standardized, with corporate oversight. |
Reading Between the Lines of Customer Reviews
If you search for reviews of Ace, you’ll find a rollercoaster of opinions. Some people love them and rent from them exclusively, while others have horror stories. This goes back to the franchise model. The key is to not look at reviews for “Ace Rent A Car” as a whole, but for the specific location you plan to use.
Check Google Maps, Yelp, or TripAdvisor for reviews of the exact branch (e.g., “Ace Rent A Car at LAX”). This will give you a much more accurate picture of what to expect.
Here’s what to look for in reviews:
| Common Praises (Good Signs) | Common Complaints (Red Flags) |
|---|---|
| “Friendly and fast service” | “Long wait for the shuttle” |
| “The price was exactly as quoted” | “Hidden fees at the counter” |
| “Clean and reliable car” | “They tried to charge me for old damage” |
| “Easy pick-up and drop-off” | “Dirty car or mechanical issues” |
If you see a pattern of the same complaints at a specific location, it’s a good idea to be cautious. However, if reviews are mostly positive, you’ve likely found a well-run franchise.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Ace Rental
You can have a great experience with Ace if you go in prepared. Here are my top tips for ensuring everything goes smoothly.
- Read the Fine Print Before You Book: Understand the policies on fuel, mileage, and geographic restrictions. Are you allowed to drive the car out of state? Know the rules before you commit.
- Check Your Own Insurance: Before you get to the counter, call your personal auto insurance company and the credit card company you’ll be using. Find out exactly what rental car coverage you already have. This will give you the confidence to decline expensive and redundant insurance add-ons.
- Document Everything: As mentioned before, take a detailed video or photos of the car’s condition before you leave the lot. Make sure the timestamp is on. Do the same when you return it. This is your best defense against false damage claims.
- Allow Extra Time: Because most locations are off-airport and may have smaller staff, build an extra 30-45 minutes into your schedule for pick-up and drop-off. Don’t risk missing a flight because you were in a hurry.
- Confirm Shuttle Details: Your confirmation email should have instructions for the shuttle. If it’s unclear, call the location directly before you travel to confirm where the pick-up spot is and how often the shuttle runs.
- Join Their Program (If Available): Even if it’s a simple program, signing up for Ace’s Rental Genius or a similar membership might get you small perks or a slightly faster checkout process.
- Be Polite but Firm: When it comes to upselling, a simple “No, thank you, I’m covered” is usually all you need. Be friendly but stand your ground if they are pushy. You can always check a company’s profile on a site like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see how they handle customer complaints.
The Final Verdict: Is Ace a Good Choice for You?
So, let’s circle back to our big question: Is Ace Car Rental good?
The answer is: it can be, if you are the right type of traveler.
Ace is likely a good fit for you if:
- You are on a tight budget and price is your top priority.
- You are not in a major rush and don’t mind a shuttle ride and potentially longer wait times.
- You are a savvy consumer who reads reviews, understands your insurance coverage, and carefully inspects the vehicle.
- You don’t need the newest, fanciest car on the lot.
You might want to choose a different company if:
- You value convenience and speed above all else (e.g., you’re on a tight business trip).
- You prefer the peace of mind that comes with a large, corporate brand and its standardized processes.
- You are uncomfortable with the possibility of having to be firm about declining upsells.
- You want a guaranteed new model car with all the latest features.
Ultimately, renting from Ace is about balancing cost versus convenience and risk. By doing your homework on the specific location and going in with your eyes open, you can save a lot of money and have a perfectly fine rental experience. The power is in your hands to make it a smart, budget-friendly choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Ace Car Rental a legitimate company?
Yes, absolutely. Ace Rent A Car is a well-established company that has been in business since 1966. They operate through a large network of independently owned franchises and affiliates worldwide. They are a legitimate, budget-focused rental agency.
2. Why is Ace so much cheaper than other car rental companies?
Ace is often cheaper for a few key reasons. First, many of their locations are off-airport, which means they have lower overhead costs (like airport fees). Second, their franchise model keeps corporate costs down. Finally, they may operate with a slightly older vehicle fleet, which also reduces their expenses.
3. Do I need to buy Ace’s insurance?
Not necessarily. Before you rent, you should check two things: your personal auto insurance policy and the benefits offered by the credit card you’re using for the rental. Many personal policies and credit cards provide rental car coverage, making the insurance sold at the counter redundant. Call both providers to be sure of what you’re covered for.
4. Are the cars at Ace reliable?
Generally, yes. While the cars might be older or have higher mileage than those at major brands, they are maintained to be safe and reliable. However, the condition and cleanliness can vary by franchise. This is why it’s crucial to do a thorough inspection of the car before you drive off the lot.
5. What happens if I have a problem with my Ace rental?
If you have a problem during your rental (like a mechanical issue), you should call the phone number provided on your rental agreement for roadside assistance. If you have a dispute about billing or damage charges after the rental, your first step is to contact the manager of the specific location where you rented the car. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you can then contact Ace’s corporate customer service.
6. Are there hidden fees with Ace?
Like all rental car companies, Ace has fees and taxes that are added to the base rate. These are not necessarily “hidden,” but you need to read the rental agreement carefully to understand them. Common extras include airport concession fees, vehicle licensing fees, taxes, and optional add-ons like GPS or car seats. The biggest potential surprise fee comes from declining their insurance and then having a large hold placed on your credit card as a security deposit.
7. Is the Ace shuttle easy to find?
It depends on the airport. Your confirmation email from Ace should provide clear instructions on where to find the shuttle pick-up area. If you are unsure, you can call the local Ace office directly for directions. It’s always a good idea to confirm this before you land to save time and reduce stress.
