Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your license must be valid in your home country and legible. If your license is not in English, we recommend bringing an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a translation aid, though it is not always required. Call us ahead of time with any questions.

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 refundable security deposit is required for cash and debit card rentals. The deposit amount varies by vehicle type and rental term — call us for current figures.

No. A credit card is not required. We accept cash and debit cards with a security deposit. Credit cards do provide added flexibility and may simplify the deposit process, but they are not mandatory.

A security deposit is held at the start of your rental and returned when the vehicle is returned in its original condition. The deposit amount depends on the vehicle and rental term.

Deposits paid by debit card or cash are typically returned within a few business days of the vehicle's return. Credit card holds are released at return. Call us for the specific deposit amount for your rental.

No. CMW does not charge airport surcharges, mileage overage fees, or under-25 penalties. The rate we quote is the rate you pay — plus applicable taxes.

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.

No mileage limits — ever. All CMW rentals include unlimited miles. Drive from San Diego to Los Angeles and surrounding areas. You will never receive a per-mile charge.

This applies to daily, weekly, and monthly rentals equally.

Yes. CMW offers daily, weekly, and monthly rental terms. Monthly rentals typically offer the best per-day value and are popular with people whose car is being repaired, visitors staying extended periods, or workers on temporary assignment in San Diego.

Call us for current rates on weekly and monthly terms — they are not posted online because availability and pricing vary by vehicle.

Yes. Call us as early as possible if you need to extend. We make every reasonable effort to accommodate you.

Do not simply keep the vehicle past your agreed return date without calling first. Notify us and we will work it out.

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

No. Travel is limited to San Diego, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas. We do not permit out-of-state travel.

Call us at 858-560-1919 or email info@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. Walk-ins during business hours are also welcome.

Bring the following at pickup:

1. Valid driver's license — U.S. or foreign, must be current
2. Payment — cash, debit, or credit card
3. Security deposit — amount confirmed at booking
4. Proof of insurance — your personal auto policy or a purchased policy (see Insurance section below)

If you have questions about what to bring for your specific situation, call us beforehand.

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.

After-hours phone support is available for existing rental customers with urgent needs. If you are already renting from us and have an issue outside of hours, call the main number.

We do not operate a shuttle to or from SAN Airport. Many customers take a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) from the airport to our Kearny Mesa location — the trip is typically under 20 minutes and costs less than renting at the airport.

The savings on our rates compared to airport-based chains usually offset the rideshare cost.

Yes. Roadside assistance is available to CMW rental customers. If you experience a breakdown, flat tire, or lockout, call us immediately and we will coordinate support. After-hours assistance is also available for active rentals.

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

You can state a preference when calling, and we will do our best to accommodate it. 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 our fleet are gasoline-powered. Some of our vehicles also use Flex-Fuel E85 which saves you about 40% each time you pump. Fuel type for specific vehicles can be confirmed when you call to book.

Yes, proof of insurance is required. You can use your personal auto insurance policy if it covers rental vehicles. Check with your insurer to confirm coverage before your rental.

If you do not have a personal policy, we can discuss available options. Call us and we will walk you through what you need.

Many credit cards offer rental car collision/damage waiver (CDW) coverage as a cardholder benefit. Coverage terms vary significantly 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 claims are handled through your insurance. The security deposit may be applied to damages not covered by insurance. Details are outlined in your rental agreement.

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

Pets are permitted. Vehicles must be returned free of pet hair and odor, or a cleaning fee applies. Service animals are always welcome.

Yes — let us know if you plan on using the vehicle for delivery or rideshare and we can accommodate.

You are responsible for all traffic citations, parking tickets, and toll charges incurred during your rental period. CMW will forward any government-issued notices to the contact information on your rental agreement. Fines not paid by the renter may be deducted from the security deposit or billed separately.

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