What United Rentals is and who uses it

United Rentals is the largest equipment rental company in North America. They rent tools, machinery, and equipment by the day, week, or month to construction companies, manufacturers, facilities managers, and homeowners doing renovation work. You go to a local branch, tell them what job you're doing and how long you need the equipment, and they deliver it to your site or you pick it up yourself.

The company operates over 1,300 locations across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. If you're in a city or suburb, there's likely a United Rentals branch within 20 miles. They handle everything from small hand tools and power drills to heavy machinery like excavators, forklifts, and aerial lifts. Most customers are contractors and construction crews, but homeowners renting a concrete saw or scaffolding for a weekend project are common too.

Key Takeaways

  • United Rentals charges by the day, week, or month, with weekly and monthly rates typically lower per-day than daily rates.
  • You can pick up equipment at a local branch or request delivery, and most locations offer same-day or next-day service.
  • You'll need a valid ID, proof of address, and a credit card or deposit to rent; contractors often set up accounts for recurring rentals.
  • Damage waivers and insurance options are available but cost extra, and you're responsible for fuel, maintenance, and returning equipment on time.
  • Pricing varies by location, equipment type, and season, so calling your local branch for a quote is more reliable than online estimates.

How rental periods and pricing work

United Rentals charges based on how long you keep the equipment. A daily rate is the highest per-day cost; a weekly rate (usually 3 days of daily rental) is cheaper per day; and a monthly rate (usually 4 weeks of daily rental) is the cheapest per day. If you need a jackhammer for one day, you might pay $65. The same jackhammer for a week might be $140 total, or $20 per day. For a month, it could be $400, or about $13 per day.

Prices change based on what you're renting, where you are, and how busy the season is. Summer construction season costs more than winter. A small power drill in a rural area costs less than the same drill in a major city. The only way to know the actual price for your job is to call your local branch or visit their website and enter your ZIP code, the equipment type, and your rental dates. Online quotes are estimates; the branch confirms the final price when you book.

You pay when you pick up or when the equipment is delivered. Most branches accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks. If you're a contractor who rents regularly, you can open an account and pay monthly invoices instead of paying each time.

What you need to bring and how to reserve equipment

To rent equipment, bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), proof of your current address (utility bill or lease), and a credit card or debit card. If you're renting as a business, bring your business license or tax ID. United Rentals runs a credit check for first-time renters, which takes a few minutes.

You can reserve equipment online at unitedrentals.com, by phone at your local branch, or by walking in. Online reservations let you pick your rental dates and see availability, but you still need to visit the branch to complete the paperwork and payment. If you call ahead, the branch can hold equipment for you for a few hours. Same-day pickup is usually possible if you call before mid-afternoon; next-day pickup is almost always available.

Delivery is also an option. United Rentals delivers to job sites for a fee that depends on distance and equipment size. Delivery usually takes one to three business days. If you need equipment urgently, pickup is faster.

Damage, insurance, and what happens if equipment breaks

You're responsible for any damage to rented equipment beyond normal wear and tear. If you return a drill with a cracked housing or a forklift with a bent fender, United Rentals charges you for repairs. Damage charges range from $50 for minor dents to thousands of dollars for major repairs or replacement.

United Rentals offers two ways to protect yourself. A damage waiver (sometimes called loss damage waiver or LDW) costs a percentage of the daily rental rate—usually 10 to 15 percent—and covers accidental damage. If you damage the equipment, you pay nothing extra. A damage waiver does not cover theft, loss, or intentional damage. Some renters add their own insurance through a homeowner's or business policy instead, which may be cheaper if you rent frequently.

If equipment breaks down while you're using it through no fault of your own—the engine won't start, the hydraulics fail—United Rentals replaces it at no charge. Call the branch when ready and they'll send a replacement or pick up the broken unit and deliver a working one. You're not charged for the downtime.

Fuel, maintenance, and returning equipment on time

You pay for fuel. If you rent a generator or compressor, you buy the gas or diesel. Some equipment comes with a full tank; you return it full. If you return it empty, United Rentals charges you for a fill-up at their rate, which is usually higher than pump price.

You're responsible for basic maintenance during the rental period. Keep the equipment clean, check oil and fluid levels, and report any problems when ready. You don't need to service it or replace parts, but you do need to use it properly. Running a generator without oil or overloading a forklift voids the damage waiver and you'll pay for repairs.

Return equipment on time. If you keep it past your rental end date, you're charged for extra days at the daily rate. If you're one day late on a weekly rental, you pay for a full extra week. Plan to return equipment before the branch closes on your due date. Most branches are open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. Some urban locations have extended hours.

Finding your local branch and comparing to other rental companies

Visit unitedrentals.com and enter your ZIP code to find the nearest branch, hours, phone number, and available equipment. You can also call 1-800-UR-RENTS (1-800-877-3687) to reach the closest location. Most branches have websites showing current inventory and prices for your area.

United Rentals is the largest, but not the only option. Sunbelt Rentals (owned by H&E Equipment Services) and Herc Rentals are regional competitors with similar pricing and service. Home Depot and Lowe's rent tools and small equipment at lower prices but have smaller inventories and fewer locations. Local independent rental shops often have lower prices for common items but may not have heavy machinery. Call two or three places to compare prices for your specific equipment and dates.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The biggest mistake is underestimating how long you'll need equipment. If you think a job takes three days but it takes five, you'll pay extra-day rates at the daily rate, which is expensive. Rent for the full expected duration plus one extra day as a buffer. If you finish early, you can return it early and won't be charged for unused days.

Another common error is not asking about the damage waiver upfront. Some renters assume damage is covered and are shocked by a $500 bill when they return a dented compressor. Decide before you rent whether you want the waiver. It costs more but removes the risk of surprise charges.

Don't forget to ask about delivery fees if you're having equipment delivered. A $20 delivery fee on a $50 daily rental doubles your cost. For small jobs, pickup might be cheaper. Also, confirm the branch's closing time on your return date. If you plan to return equipment at 6 p.m. on Friday and the branch closes at 5 p.m., you'll be charged for Saturday and Sunday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent equipment for a single day?

Yes. United Rentals rents by the day, and you can pick up and return the same day if you need equipment for just a few hours. Daily rates are higher per-day than weekly or monthly rates, but there's no minimum rental period. Call your local branch to confirm they have the equipment in stock before you go.

What if I need equipment delivered but I'm not sure when it will arrive?

Delivery windows are usually one to three business days, but the branch can give you a more specific timeframe when you order. You don't have to be on site when it arrives; the delivery driver can leave it in a designated spot. Confirm drop-off location and access details when you place the order.

Do I need a credit card to rent, or can I pay another way?

United Rentals requires a credit card or debit card for the rental agreement and to hold a deposit. If you don't have a card, some branches may accept a cash deposit, but you'll need to call ahead and ask. Established contractors with accounts can pay by invoice.

What happens if I return equipment late?

You're charged for the extra days at the daily rental rate. If your rental period was weekly and you return it one day late, you pay for a full extra week. Return equipment before your branch closes on the due date to avoid weekend charges.

Is the damage waiver worth the cost?

It depends on the equipment and your comfort level with risk. For expensive items like aerial lifts or forklifts, the waiver (usually $10 to $30 per day) is cheap insurance against a $1,000+ repair bill. For a $30 power drill, the waiver might cost $3 to $5 per day, which adds up if you rent frequently. If you have homeowner's or business insurance, check whether it covers rented equipment before buying the waiver.