Car Rental FAQ CMW Car Rentals San Diego

Yes. CMW accepts valid foreign driver's licenses. International visitors — including tourists, students, and workers on visas — are welcome to rent with us.

Bring the original current license. If it is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit or official translation as a translation aid; an IDP does not replace the original license. Call ahead so CMW can confirm documentation.

Yes. Additional drivers can be added to your rental. Each additional driver must be present at the time of pickup and must meet the same eligibility requirements — valid license and minimum age 18.

Call us when booking to discuss additional driver terms and any applicable fees.

We review driving history as part of our standard rental process. Minor violations typically do not disqualify you. If you have concerns about your record, call us directly — we handle each case individually and will let you know where you stand.

Yes. CMW accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. We are one of the few rental companies in San Diego that genuinely accommodates cash-paying customers.

A deposit is required at pickup. CMW confirms the amount and accepted payment method before signing.

No. A credit card is not required. CMW accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. A deposit is required at pickup; CMW confirms the amount and accepted method before signing.

A deposit is required at pickup. It is returned after the vehicle, keys, equipment, fuel, and rental obligations meet the agreement requirements, less any lawful charges. CMW confirms the amount and payment method before signing.

CMW discloses the rental charge, applicable taxes, deposit, accepted optional items, and any other authorized charges before signing. CMW does not charge an airport-concession fee, young-driver surcharge, or per-mile fee within San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties during the authorized rental period.

We will always tell you the full cost before you sign anything. If you ever feel surprised by a charge, call us and we will explain it line by line.

Unlimited mileage applies during the authorized rental period within San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties. Travel outside these counties requires CMW’s prior written approval; travel outside California or the U.S., including Mexico, is prohibited.

Yes. CMW offers daily, weekly, and monthly rental terms. Monthly rentals can suit repairs, extended visits, or temporary work assignments. Call for a current quote because vehicle availability and pricing vary.

Extensions require CMW’s written approval. Contact CMW before the agreed return time; keeping the vehicle without approval may result in late charges and recovery action under the rental agreement.

Yes. Early returns are accepted. Call us before returning early.

Vehicle use is limited to San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties unless CMW gives prior written permission. Travel outside California or the U.S., including Mexico, is prohibited.

Call us at 858-560-1919 or email rent@cmwcarrentals.com. We handle all reservations directly — there is no online booking system, which means you always speak with someone who can answer your questions in real time.

We recommend calling at least a day or two in advance for standard rentals. Last-minute same-day rentals are sometimes possible — call and ask.

Yes, depending on availability. Call us as early as possible on the day you need the vehicle. We will let you know immediately what is available.

Bring a current driver's license CMW can verify, an accepted payment method, the required deposit, and insurance or financial-responsibility information. Foreign-license renters should bring the original license and any needed translation aid. CMW may request additional government-issued ID when needed for verification.

Yes. Call us as soon as you know you need to cancel or change your reservation. We handle modifications and cancellations on a case-by-case basis. The earlier you notify us, the more options you have.

CMW Car Rentals is located at 7789 Othello Ave., Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA 92111.

We are approximately 10 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Kearny Mesa is centrally located with easy freeway access to all parts of San Diego, the coast, and the I-5 / I-15 corridors to Los Angeles.

We are open Monday through Saturday, 9AM to 6PM. We are closed on Sundays.

Existing renters with urgent needs should call the main number. After-hours vehicle return requires CMW’s prior approval and return instructions.

CMW does not operate an airport shuttle, pickup, or drop-off. Rideshare time and price vary with traffic and demand; check the current fare to 7789 Othello Ave. and compare complete rental quotes before traveling.

Call CMW before arranging roadside assistance unless there is an emergency. CMW covers ordinary mechanical failure not caused by the renter; renter-caused towing, lockout, tire, fuel, key, misuse, or prohibited-use events may be charged to the renter.

Our fleet includes economy sedans, midsize sedans, and SUVs. Availability changes frequently. See our Vehicles page for current categories, or call us to ask about specific makes and models.

Let us know your preference and we will do our best to accommodate. Exact models are subject to availability.

Yes. Every vehicle is cleaned and inspected before each rental. We are a family-run business with 20+ years in the community — our reputation depends on the condition of our fleet. If you ever receive a vehicle that does not meet your expectations, tell us immediately and we will make it right.

Most vehicles in the fleet are gasoline-powered; some may be Flex-Fuel compatible. Confirm the assigned vehicle’s fuel type at pickup and return it at the pickup fuel level.

Renter must maintain legally required insurance or financial responsibility and provide accurate coverage information when requested. Personal or business auto insurance and some payment-card benefits may apply; confirm coverage with the provider before pickup. The rental agreement does not create or amend insurance coverage.

Many credit cards offer rental car collision/damage waiver (CDW) coverage as a cardholder benefit. Coverage terms vary by card and issuer. Contact your credit card company directly to confirm whether your card covers rentals, what is included, and any exclusions.

CMW cannot confirm or guarantee what your credit card covers — that is between you and your card issuer.

Report any damage — including minor damage — to us immediately. Do not wait until return. For accidents involving other vehicles or parties, call 911 first if needed, then call us.

Damage and loss claims are handled under the rental agreement, applicable insurance, and California law. The renter may remain responsible for uncovered amounts within statutory limits.

No. All CMW vehicles are non-smoking. A cleaning fee will be charged if evidence of smoking is found in the vehicle at return.

Confirm any pet with CMW before pickup. The vehicle must be returned without pet hair, odor, biohazard, or excessive soiling; reasonable cleaning or remediation charges may apply. Service animals are handled as required by law.

Vehicles may be used for commercial hire, rideshare, delivery, or other paid transport with prior written approval.

The renter is responsible for tolls, traffic and parking citations, red-light camera charges, and related towing, impound, or storage charges arising during the rental, to the extent permitted by law. Disclosed lawful administrative charges may also apply.

Call us at 858-560-1919 during business hours (Monday–Saturday, 9AM–6PM) or email rent@cmwcarrentals.com. A real person answers — not an automated system. We are happy to answer any question, no matter how specific.