Car rentals in Laughlin

Question

I want to rent a car while in Laughlin but all the reviews say the businesses promise you a vehicle but when you arrive for pick-up, there is no car. Is there any rental that is more reliable than the others? We have the option of ordering now (January) for a trip in March.

Answer

Renting a car in Laughlin can sometimes be tricky, especially if you're concerned about availability after booking. Some reviews mention unreliable service or lack of cars on arrival, which is frustrating. However, there are a few steps you can take to increase the likelihood of securing a vehicle and some rental agencies that are generally more dependable. Here are some tips:

1. Book Early and Confirm Your Reservation

Booking early is key, especially since you’re traveling in March, which can be a busy period. When you book, make sure to confirm the reservation with the rental agency, and ask for a guarantee or a confirmation that a vehicle will be available. Some agencies are more reliable about fulfilling reservations if you call ahead and check in with them.

2. Consider the Following Rental Agencies

While reviews for rental companies can vary, here are a few that are generally considered more reliable in the Laughlin area:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car - Enterprise has a strong reputation for customer service and reliability. They tend to have a large fleet and are more likely to honor your reservation. Some Enterprise locations even offer delivery to hotels in Laughlin, which can be convenient.
Hertz - Hertz is another reputable brand that has a solid presence in the area. While there may be occasional issues, their customer service is usually good about providing alternatives if a vehicle is unavailable.
Avis/Budget - Avis and Budget have a number of locations in Laughlin and are typically dependable. It's a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability, especially if you want a specific type of vehicle.

3. Backup Plan for Availability Issues

If you do run into a situation where your rental agency is out of cars, it's helpful to have a backup plan in mind. You can:

Check other nearby rental locations, such as in Bullhead City, which is just across the river from Laughlin. Sometimes, rental agencies in nearby towns have more availability.
Look into renting from an off-airport location. Some smaller rental locations outside of major tourist hubs can be more reliable during busy times.
Consider alternatives like ridesharing (Uber/Lyft) for part of your trip if you can’t secure a car in Laughlin.

4. Rent from a Larger Location in Las Vegas

If you’re still concerned, consider renting a car from a larger location like Las Vegas, which is about 90 minutes away from Laughlin. Larger cities tend to have more availability and options for vehicle rentals, which could be a safer bet if you’re worried about shortages in Laughlin.

5. Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Finally, make sure to check for any hidden fees in your rental agreement, as some agencies may charge extra for things like insurance, additional drivers, or young driver fees. Clarifying this ahead of time will help avoid surprises at the counter.

In general, booking early, confirming your reservation, and using well-known rental companies like Enterprise or Hertz should help mitigate the risk of not having a car when you arrive in Laughlin.