Rent a Car when You're Under 25

Car rental companies often create restrictions for drivers under 25 based on the statistic that this group gets into more accidents than any other group. However, it is possible for young drivers to rent a car--for a fee. Finding a company that will rent to drivers under 25 is fairly easy. Compare rates, look for specials, and find out if you are eligible for exceptions to young driver fees in order to rent a car for the best price.

Steps

Finding a Car Rental Company

1. Check the minimum age requirements at various companies. People between the ages of 21-24 can rent cars from most major companies by paying an extra fee. However, between the ages of 18-20, renting a car can be almost impossible. Determine if you are eligible to rent a car by checking an individual company's policy.
   • Drivers under the age of 18 are not eligible to rent a car.
2. Check other eligibility requirements. Most importantly, you will need a valid driver's license. However, you will also need a credit card with enough credit to cover any costs associated with renting a car. This includes the daily rate and fees, deposit, insurance, and any other services the company offers.
   • If you don't have a credit card, it is possible to pay with a debit card, but the company might charge additional fees.
   • Make sure your license has been in good standing for at least one year.
3. Check for exceptions to age restrictions. Members of the military and employees of the federal government traveling on business can rent a car as young as 18. For young professionals traveling on business, ask if your company has a special contract with a specific company. Finally, if you have had an accident, your insurance company can provide you with a replacement rental car for their pre-negotiated rate under the age of 25.
   • In order to be eligible for these exceptions, you may have to be a member of a service like USAA or provide proof of your credentials.
4. Check smaller, local companies to increase your odds. Although large, well-known car rental companies have policies and fees set in stone, smaller companies may be more flexible. Call around, visit in person, or check websites for company-specific policies.

Booking a Car

1. Compare rates and choose a rental company. You can use one of many websites or apps to search for rentals and compare fees across companies. Check the company website itself to read the fine print about how fees are charged. Sometimes, companies run promotions to reduce fees for young drivers, so check for any limited-time specials. These promotions tend to take place around the New Year.
2. Budget for extra fees. Fees for drivers under 25 are usually around $25-40, but can be as low as $10 or as high as $57 per day. Read the fine print when you're picking a car to rent, since the type of car can cause the fee to increase. Fees are also subject to taxes, so the total will be greater than the daily rate plus the fee.
   • In Michigan and New York State, you can rent a car from ages 18-20 for an additional surcharge.
3. Check what kind of car you are eligible to rent. Take into account that on top of fees, most rental companies limit what kind of car drivers under 25 can rent. For example, while you may be able to rent an SUV through Hertz, other companies will limit you to economy and full size cars.
   • These policies vary based on company and location, but in general, you won't be able to rent SUVs, minivans, or luxury cars.
4. Complete your booking. Once you have all of your documentation ready and you've picked a car you're eligible to rent, you can book a car. You can complete this step in person, online, or over the phone.
   • Have your credit card details at hand, and make sure the name on the card matches the name on your driver's license.

Avoiding Fees

1. Become a member of AAA to waive certain fees. AAA has an agreement with Hertz to waive fees for members from 20-24 years old. Although you will avoid the daily young driver fee, you will still be restricted to smaller cars.
2. Join USAA for military discounts. If you are a member of the military, veteran, or an eligible family member, USAA provides a number of services, including waiving rental fees. Drivers 18 and above are eligible for a discount at Avis, Budget, and Hertz, while drivers 21 and above are eligible at Enterprise.
   • Recently, USAA has been more strict about members who are not in the military. Double-check your eligibility.
3. Add yourself as a second driver if you are traveling with a friend over 25. Have your over 25 traveling companion rent the car and list you as an additional driver. Some companies allow this for free, but not all.

Tips

• Look into alternative car sharing services, such as Zipcar, Maven, and car2go, which typically have a minimum signup age of 18.

References

See also

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• Rent a 4WD
• How Old Do You Need to Be to Drive a Rental Car
• React if Your Rental Car Breaks Down
• Use a Car Rental Coupon
• Rent Out Your Car
• Rent a Car in Australia
• Rent a Car in Puerto Vallarta
• Rent a Limousine at Chicago O'Hare
• Know if You Need an International Drivers Permit for a Car Rental Overseas

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