Know if You're Old Enough to Rent a Car
In the United States, there is a minimum age that you must be in order to rent a car. This is a rule that helps protect the rental companies form excess crashing and irresponsible driving. If you've just recently had a birthday, you may now be eligible to start renting cars!
Steps
- Know what level your agency is. In most cities, corporate-owned car rental companies require customers to be 25 years old to rent.
- Decide on the Vehicle Type and Size.
- Many companies will restrict an underage renter to certain size categories and restrict certain types of vehicles (example: minivans,convertibles). Check with the rental company on these restrictions.
- Regardless of your age, Credit I.D. is usually required.
- You must show an acceptable form of Credit Identification. While a lot of companies now accept Debit Credit Cards, an underage renter must show a major charge card in their own name.
- Be prepared to pay 'underage fees'. Most rental car companies charge underage fees to renters under 25 years of age. The average underage fee is around $25 per day.
- Since fees, restrictions and permissible vehicle types vary by location and sometimes by company, it's best to find the underage requirement in the city where you are renting prior to picking up your rental.
- Note: Rules at licensee-owned locations are often different. It’s always best to check the terms and conditions your selected rental location.
- Note: Minimum age requirements may be different for additional drivers. For most companies any additional drivers that you sign onto your rental contract must be 25 or older. Check with the car rental company.
- Make sure to have some type of insurance or Insurance Replacement
- For car rental companies that provide it, you may be able to rent at a lower age while on an insurance replacement rental. Some car rental companies only deal with certain insurance companies. Check with your insurance provider to find out which car rental company they partner with.
- Use a Corporate Account
- Many companies have corporate accounts with various car rental agencies that lower the minimum age requirement and often, waive the underage fee that normally would apply. Check with your company’s Human Resources Manager.
- Use a Government Rental
- Many car rental companies allow Federal Government (military and civilian) Personnel to rent at a lower age and without an extra fee. Check with the individual rental company on their policy.
