Frequently asked questions
What is Atlas Auto Rental?
Atlas Auto Rental is a local car rental company serving the Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and broader Broward County area. We offer modern, well-maintained vehicles with a simple online booking process and delivery-based service.
How do I book a car?
You can book directly through the Atlas Auto Rental website by choosing your dates, selecting a vehicle, completing the required renter information, and finishing checkout.
How does vehicle delivery work?
Atlas delivers the rental vehicle to an approved location. Before your rental starts, we confirm the delivery time and location with you. You will receive instructions for pickup, vehicle access, and rental start procedures.
What do I need to rent a car from Atlas?
You need a valid driver's license, a payment method accepted by Atlas, successful identity verification, and either verifiable auto insurance or required renter coverage.
Do I need personal auto insurance to rent from Atlas?
You can rent with Atlas if you either have verifiable personal auto insurance or purchase the required renter coverage when you do not have qualifying insurance.
What payment methods do you accept?
Atlas accepts approved electronic payment methods during online checkout. The payment method must belong to the renter or be otherwise approved by Atlas.
Can I smoke in the vehicle?
No. Smoking and vaping are not allowed in Atlas vehicles. Cleaning or odor-removal fees may apply if smoking is detected.
Do I need to refuel the car before returning it?
Yes. Unless your booking says otherwise, return the vehicle with the same fuel level it had at the start of the rental.
What should I do if I am in an accident?
Make sure everyone is safe, call emergency services if needed, contact the police when appropriate, and notify Atlas immediately. Do not leave the scene of an accident without following legal requirements.
Can I extend my rental?
Extensions may be available if the vehicle is not already booked. Contact Atlas before your scheduled return time. An extension is not approved until Atlas confirms it.
I am flying into Fort Lauderdale. Can Atlas help?
Yes. Atlas is a good fit for travelers flying into the Fort Lauderdale area who prefer a modern car rental experience without waiting at a traditional rental counter.
Can I text Atlas?
Yes. Atlas supports SMS communication for booking updates, rental instructions, and customer support.
Why does Atlas require so many verification steps?
Atlas uses verification to protect customers, prevent fraud, comply with rental requirements, and keep vehicles available for responsible renters.
What types of vehicles does Atlas offer?
Atlas focuses on practical, modern vehicles suitable for South Florida driving, including compact sedans and crossover/SUV options.
Why should I book directly with Atlas instead of a large rental company?
Atlas offers a local, delivery-focused rental experience with a streamlined online process, modern vehicles, and direct communication. Instead of waiting at a counter, you can coordinate delivery and support directly with Atlas.
Where is Atlas Auto Rental located?
Atlas Auto Rental is based in Hollywood, Florida, and serves the Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and nearby South Florida area.
Can I book online without calling?
Yes. Atlas is built for online booking. You can complete the booking process through the website, including identity verification, insurance verification, and payment.
Can you deliver to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport?
Atlas may support airport-area delivery, depending on availability, timing, and airport rules. Exact pickup instructions will be provided before your rental.
Do I need a valid driver's license?
Yes. Every renter must have a valid driver's license. Atlas verifies driver identity and license information before the rental is approved.
How does Atlas verify my insurance?
Atlas uses an insurance verification process that allows renters to securely connect or provide insurance information so coverage can be confirmed.
Do you require a security deposit?
Yes. Atlas holds a refundable $300 security deposit on your card for every rental. It is a hold, not a charge — it is released after you return the vehicle, and is captured only if there is damage.
Are pets allowed?
Pets may be allowed only with prior approval. Additional cleaning fees may apply if pet hair, odor, stains, or damage are found.
What happens if I return the car with less fuel?
Atlas may charge for the missing fuel plus any applicable refueling or service fee.
Do I need a police report?
A police report may be required for accidents, theft, vandalism, hit-and-run incidents, or any event involving another party. When in doubt, contact local authorities and Atlas.
What happens if I keep the vehicle longer without approval?
Keeping the vehicle beyond the approved rental period may result in additional charges and may be treated as an unauthorized late return.
Do I need to go to a rental car center?
No. Atlas does not operate from a rental counter. Pickup instructions depend on your delivery location and will be sent before your rental.
Does Atlas use an AI assistant?
Atlas may use an AI assistant for common questions, booking guidance, SMS replies, and voice support. The assistant is designed to provide helpful information and route issues when human help is needed.
Is my information secure?
Atlas uses third-party verification, payment, and communication providers to process sensitive information. Personal information is used for rental, verification, payment, compliance, and support purposes.
What vehicles are available at launch?
Atlas is launching with Volkswagen vehicles, including a VW Jetta and VW Taos, with additional vehicles planned.
Why should I book directly instead of through a marketplace?
Direct booking gives you a more direct relationship with Atlas, clearer communication, and access to Atlas's own rental flow, verification process, protection options, and customer support.
Do you have a rental counter or storefront?
No. Atlas is a delivery-only rental company. Instead of visiting a rental counter, customers book online and we coordinate delivery of the vehicle to a supported location such as a hotel, airport area, home, or another approved address.
How far in advance should I book?
Booking as early as possible is recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, and busy travel periods in South Florida. Same-day bookings may be available depending on vehicle availability and delivery scheduling.
Can you deliver to my hotel?
Yes, hotel delivery is one of the main use cases for Atlas. Delivery is subject to location approval, vehicle availability, and scheduling.
Do you accept out-of-state driver's licenses?
Yes. Atlas can accept valid driver's licenses from other U.S. states, subject to successful verification.
What happens if I do not have auto insurance?
If you do not have verifiable auto insurance, Atlas requires you to purchase renter liability coverage for the rental period.
When do I pay for the rental?
Payment or authorization is completed during checkout or before the vehicle is released.
Can I take the vehicle outside Florida?
Out-of-state travel may require prior approval. Contact Atlas before driving outside Florida.
Do I need to clean the car before returning it?
You do not need to detail the vehicle, but it should be returned in reasonable condition. Excessive dirt, stains, spills, smoke odor, pet hair, or trash may result in cleaning fees.
What if the vehicle is damaged during my rental?
Notify Atlas immediately. The renter may be responsible for damage, depending on the circumstances, insurance coverage, and any selected damage waiver.
Can I change my delivery or return time?
Possibly. Contact Atlas as soon as possible. Changes depend on schedule availability and may result in additional charges.
Can you deliver to a hotel near the airport?
Yes, hotel delivery near the Fort Lauderdale airport area may be available.
Can the AI assistant approve my rental?
No. The assistant can answer questions and help guide you, but rental approval depends on Atlas policies, verification results, payment status, insurance or coverage requirements, and vehicle availability.
Will you sell my personal information?
No. Atlas does not sell renter personal information. Your data is used to operate the rental, verify eligibility, process payments, communicate with you, and meet legal or business requirements.
Can I choose the exact vehicle?
When booking directly, you may be able to select an available vehicle. Availability depends on your dates and rental requirements.
Is Atlas like Turo?
Atlas may list vehicles on marketplaces, but Atlas also offers direct rentals through its own website. Direct rentals are handled through Atlas's own booking, verification, coverage, payment, and support process.
What areas do you serve?
We deliver across Broward County. Delivery is free in Hollywood and Dania Beach, $20 in Fort Lauderdale and Hallandale Beach, and $30 in Aventura and Davie. Fort Lauderdale coverage includes ZIP codes 33301, 33304, 33305, 33306, 33308, 33311, 33312, 33315 and 33316.
Can I book a car for the same day?
Same-day bookings may be possible, but they depend on vehicle availability, verification completion, and delivery timing. We deliver seven days a week — Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 2pm — so start as early in the day as you can.
Can you deliver to my home or Airbnb?
Yes, Atlas may deliver to homes, vacation rentals, and Airbnb-style addresses within our service area, as long as the location is approved and accessible.
Do you accept international driver's licenses?
Atlas may accept international renters when the license and identity information can be verified. Additional documentation may be requested depending on the license country, language, and verification result.
What is renter liability coverage?
Renter liability coverage helps satisfy the liability coverage requirement for renters who do not have verifiable auto insurance. If required, it is charged per rental day.
Are there extra fees?
Delivery is free in Hollywood and Dania Beach, $20 in Fort Lauderdale and Hallandale Beach, and $30 in Aventura and Davie. You are also responsible for tolls (tracked via SunPass), mileage over 200 miles per day at $0.35 per mile, late returns, cleaning, fuel differences, damage, and any traffic or parking violations. Taxes and fees are itemized before you pay.
Can I drive to the Florida Keys, Orlando, or Tampa?
Travel within Florida is generally more likely to be approved, but renters should still follow the rental agreement and notify Atlas if the trip involves unusual mileage, long distances, or schedule changes.
What should I do before driving away?
Inspect the vehicle, take photos or videos if needed, confirm the fuel level, check for visible damage, and report any concerns to Atlas before starting your trip.
What if the car breaks down?
Contact Atlas immediately. We will help determine the next steps based on the issue, vehicle location, and safety situation.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. Cancel at least 24 hours before your rental start time for a full refund. Later cancellations may be subject to a cancellation fee.
Can tourists rent from Atlas?
Yes. Tourists are welcome as long as they meet Atlas rental requirements, complete verification, and have either verifiable insurance or required renter coverage.
What should I do for urgent issues during a rental?
For urgent safety issues, call emergency services first if needed. Then contact Atlas as soon as possible.
Do you run background checks?
At launch, Atlas focuses on identity verification, driver's license verification, insurance verification, and booking review. Additional motor vehicle record or background checks may be added later.
Are the cars new?
Atlas focuses on newer vehicles to provide a cleaner, more reliable rental experience.
What makes Atlas different?
Atlas is local, delivery-only, technology-driven, and built around a modern direct-booking experience. The goal is to make renting a car in the Fort Lauderdale area simpler, faster, and more transparent.
Can I rent from Atlas if I am visiting Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. Atlas is designed for both local residents and travelers visiting South Florida. We can deliver vehicles to hotels, airport-area locations, homes, and other approved delivery points.
Is my booking confirmed immediately?
Your booking may require successful completion of identity verification, driver eligibility checks, insurance verification or coverage selection, and payment authorization before it is fully confirmed.
Do I need to meet someone in person?
In some cases, yes. In other cases, Atlas may support a more streamlined handoff. The exact process depends on the booking, delivery location, verification status, and vehicle access method.
Do I need to upload my driver's license?
Yes. Atlas uses identity verification as part of the booking process. You may be asked to upload your driver's license and complete a selfie/liveness check.
How much is renter liability coverage?
For renters without verifiable auto insurance, renter liability coverage is currently $33 per day.
Are tolls included?
No. Tolls are not included unless specifically stated. Atlas tracks toll usage and bills tolls back to the renter after or during the rental.
Can I use the vehicle for rideshare or delivery work?
No. Atlas vehicles may not be used for rideshare, delivery, courier work, commercial hauling, racing, towing, or any unauthorized commercial purpose.
What if I notice damage at pickup?
Contact Atlas immediately and send photos before driving. Pre-existing damage should be documented before the rental begins.
Can I repair the car myself?
No. Do not authorize or perform repairs without Atlas approval, except for emergency safety situations where immediate action is required.
What if my flight is delayed?
Contact Atlas as soon as you know about the delay. We will try to adjust the delivery timing when possible.
What happens after I book?
After booking, Atlas will guide you through any required verification steps, confirm the vehicle and delivery details, and send you instructions by email or SMS.
How do I return the car?
Return instructions will be provided before the end of your rental. You will return the vehicle to the approved return location at the scheduled time unless Atlas has approved a change.
Why do I need to complete identity verification?
Identity verification helps protect customers, vehicles, and the rental process. Atlas verifies that the person booking the vehicle matches the identity and driver's license information provided.
Is renter liability coverage optional?
It is optional only if you already have verifiable qualifying auto insurance. If you do not have verifiable auto insurance, it is required.
How are Florida tolls handled?
Atlas uses SunPass toll tracking. Any tolls incurred during your rental are charged back to you.
Can I tow with the vehicle?
No. Towing is not allowed unless Atlas gives written approval, which is generally not expected for standard rentals.
What happens if the vehicle is stolen?
Call the police immediately and contact Atlas right away. You must cooperate with Atlas, law enforcement, and any insurance or claims process.
Can I return the car to a different location?
Different return locations may be allowed with prior approval. Additional delivery or repositioning fees may apply.
What is a selfie or liveness check?
A selfie or liveness check helps confirm that the person completing the booking is real and matches the identity document submitted.
Do you offer damage protection?
Yes. Atlas offers optional damage waiver plans that can reduce your financial responsibility for covered vehicle damage, subject to the plan terms.
Do I need to stop and pay tolls manually?
Usually no. In most cases, tolls are tracked electronically. You should not avoid toll roads unless you prefer to do so, but all toll usage during your rental remains your responsibility.
Can I drive off-road?
No. Atlas vehicles must stay on paved public roads or approved private roads. Off-road driving is not allowed.
What happens if I am late returning the vehicle?
Contact Atlas as soon as possible if you expect to be late. Late returns may result in additional charges and can affect the next renter's reservation.
Can someone else drive the car?
Only approved drivers may drive the vehicle. If you want to add another driver, contact Atlas before the rental begins or before that person drives the vehicle.
What damage waiver plans does Atlas offer?
Atlas offers two optional damage waiver plans:
Standard Damage Waiver — $14.95 per day, with a $1,000 deductible.
Premium Damage Waiver — $24.95 per day, with a $250 deductible.
What happens if I get a parking ticket or traffic violation?
Parking tickets, traffic violations, red-light camera tickets, toll violations, and similar charges are the renter's responsibility if they occur during the rental period.
Are the vehicles tracked by GPS?
Yes. Atlas vehicles may be equipped with GPS and telematics for safety, recovery, fleet management, and rental compliance.
Can my spouse or family member drive the car?
They may be allowed only if they are approved by Atlas as an additional driver. Do not allow anyone else to drive the vehicle unless Atlas has approved them.
Is a damage waiver the same as insurance?
No. A damage waiver is not the same as liability insurance. A damage waiver is an agreement that may reduce your financial responsibility for damage to the rental vehicle, subject to the waiver terms.
Why does Atlas use GPS tracking?
GPS helps Atlas manage vehicle location, protect the fleet, assist with roadside or recovery situations, and improve the safety and reliability of the rental operation.
Do I have to buy a damage waiver?
No. Damage waivers are optional. However, renters are responsible for vehicle damage unless covered by their own insurance or reduced by an Atlas damage waiver.
Should I choose the Standard or Premium Damage Waiver?
The Standard Damage Waiver has a lower daily cost but a higher deductible. The Premium Damage Waiver costs more per day but has a lower deductible. Choose based on how much financial risk you are comfortable keeping.
If I have my own insurance, do I still need a damage waiver?
Not necessarily. Your own auto insurance may provide coverage, but policies vary. A damage waiver may still be useful if you want to reduce your out-of-pocket responsibility for covered damage to the rental vehicle.
Does my credit card cover rental car damage?
Some credit cards offer rental car damage benefits, but coverage varies significantly. You should check directly with your card issuer before relying on credit card coverage.
How old do you have to be to rent a car from Atlas?
You must be at least 23 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Atlas does not charge a young-driver fee.
Is there a mileage limit?
Yes. Rentals include 200 miles per day. Additional miles are charged at $0.35 per mile.
What are your hours?
Atlas is open seven days a week: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am to 2:00pm. You can book online at any time, and call or text us during business hours.
How much does it cost to rent a car from Atlas?
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta and 2023 Volkswagen Taos are $65 per day. The 2024 Honda HR-V is coming soon at $69 per day. Prices exclude taxes, fees, and optional coverage, all of which are itemized before you pay.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery is free in Hollywood and Dania Beach, $20 in Fort Lauderdale and Hallandale Beach, and $30 in Aventura and Davie. The delivery fee is shown on your quote before you pay.
Do you offer weekly or monthly rates?
Yes. Rentals of seven days or more get 10% off the daily rate, and rentals of a month or more get 20% off. The discount is applied automatically — you don't need a code.
Can I pay with a debit card?
Yes. Atlas accepts debit cards as well as credit cards. The payment method must belong to the renter.