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There are certain restrictions when renting a car in the US, especially for younger drivers. People aged 16 to 24 are statistically more likely to get into car accidents, which is why most car rental companies hesitate to rent to younger drivers. Additionally, renting a car can be difficult for anyone without a credit card, which is often the case for young adults.
However, some car rental companies do allow 18-year-olds to rent a vehicle. The minimum age to rent a car varies by state, with Michigan and New York allowing 18-year-olds to rent a car, while Alabama and Nebraska require renters to be at least 19 years old.
It’s important to note that for those under 25, car rental companies often charge an additional fee known as a “young renter fee” to cover the increased risk of accidents. Some companies may also have additional restrictions on the types of cars that can be rented by younger drivers.
In this article, I’ll list companies offering car rental services to individuals under 25.
Can you rent a car if you’re under 25?
Many well-known rental companies in the US, including Fox Rent A Car, Hertz, and Dollar, allow people under the age of 25 to rent a car. However, the minimum age requirement for car renting may vary by state or rental company. In most states, the minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, but in New York and Michigan, drivers as young as 18 years old can rent a car. Additionally, U.S. military personnel and government employees can also rent vehicles across the country at 18 years old.
It’s important to note that young drivers are usually subject to fees, commonly known as a Young Renter Fee, on top of the regular rental cost for the vehicle. This fee is an extra charge for renters under the age of 25 and is intended to offset the increased risk that rental companies face when renting to younger drivers. However, military personnel and government employees who are 18 years old can often have this fee waived.
Car-sharing companies like Zipcar also offer car rentals for 18-year-olds, but they may have additional requirements, such as holding a valid driver’s license for a certain period and maintaining a good driving record. Therefore, if you’re under the age of 25 and planning to rent a car, it’s best to check with the rental company or car-sharing service for their specific age requirements and any additional fees or restrictions that may apply.
How to rent a car
Renting a car can be a convenient and practical way to get around. However, if you’re under 25 years old, finding a company that will rent to your age group may be a challenge. Assuming you do find one, renting a vehicle is relatively straightforward.
First and foremost, you will need a valid driver’s license. The license must have been in good standing for over a year, as any recent suspensions could make you ineligible to rent a vehicle.
In addition to a valid driver’s license and a valid debit or credit card, the card must be under the same name as your license. Rental companies must verify your identity and ensure the payment method is legitimate.
Once you have these two requirements in order, you can proceed to reserve the vehicle. Most rental companies offer online booking, a quick and convenient way to secure your rental. During the booking process, you will be asked to select a location where you’ll pick up the car.
It’s important to note that renting a car as a young driver can be more expensive than renting as an older driver. Most rental companies charge a daily Young Renter Fee to cover the added risk associated with inexperienced drivers. You’ll need to budget for this fee and the standard car rental rate. It’s worth noting that the Young Renter Fee is usually not included in any online rates or the total pricing on the reservation. This is because age is often not stated during the booking process. You can learn about the fee at your rental location.
Companies that rent cars to 18-year-olds
Here are some companies that rent cars to individuals under 25 years old.
1. Hertz
Hertz is a well-established car rental company that has been around for many years. It has a vast network of 8,500 locations spread across 146 countries worldwide, including major airports and cities. No matter where you are, you will likely find a Hertz rental nearby.
If you plan to rent a car from Hertz, you should know the age requirements. In most locations in the United States, you must be at least 20 years old to rent a car from Hertz. However, in Alabama and Nebraska, the minimum age requirement is 19 years old, and in New York and Michigan, it’s 18 years old.
Hertz offers a variety of car types to fit your needs. You can choose from compact/midsize, full-size/standard, and SUV/minivan. The vehicles are maintained regularly, ensuring you get a safe and reliable car.
If you’re under 25 years old, you will be charged a young renter fee of $19 per day. This fee is in addition to the regular rental rate and is charged to help cover the additional insurance costs associated with renting to young drivers.
2. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a highly recognized car rental company with many car rental options available in the United States. Across the country, there are 4,193 Enterprise Rent-a-Car locations that offer a variety of vehicles to suit your needs.
When it comes to age requirements, most places throughout the U.S. require renters to be at least 21 years old. However, in Michigan and New York, the age requirement is 18 years old. Government employees who provide their official orders can also rent a car at the age of 18.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car offers a diverse range of vehicles to choose from, including economy cars, compact cars, intermediate cars, standard cars, full-size cars, cargo vans and minivans, pickup trucks, compact SUVs, small SUVs and standard SUVs with seating for up to 5 passengers. This variety means you can find the perfect car for your needs, whether traveling solo or with a group.
For drivers aged 18-20, there is a young renter fee of $40 per day, while drivers aged 21 to 24 will pay $19 per day in Michigan. In New York, the fee is $64.50 per day for drivers aged 18 to 20 and $24.50 for drivers aged 21 to 24. For renters under 25 in all other locations, the young renter fee averages around $25 per day, although this can vary based on the rental location.
3. Avis
Avis Car Rental is a popular car rental company providing vehicles to drivers, including those under 25. The company has a vast network of 1,534 rental locations across the United States, making it a convenient option for anyone looking for a rental car.
The age requirements for renting a car from Avis vary depending on the location. In most places in the US, the minimum age for renting a car is 21 years old. However, drivers aged 18 and above can rent a car from Avis in New York and Michigan.
Additionally, U.S. government personnel, whether civilian or military, can rent a car from Avis at the age of 18 years old, but only with a government travel order or purchase order. The minimum age requirement for those without these documents is 21 years old.
Avis offers various vehicles to cater to different needs and preferences. The vehicles available for rent include economy, full-size, premium, and convertible cars, as well as intermediate and standard SUVs. With such a variety of cars, drivers can select the option that best suits their travel needs.
It’s worth noting that Avis charges a young renter fee for drivers under the age of 25. The exact fee varies by location, with drivers in New York and Michigan paying higher fees than other states. In Michigan, drivers aged 18 to 20 pay a $41 per day surcharge, and those aged 21 to 24 pay $28 per day. In New York, the fee is $84 per day for drivers aged 18 to 20 and $35 per day for those aged 21 to 24.
For other locations, Avis does not mention the fee on its website. However, online information suggests that the fee is around $27 per day for drivers under 25.
4. Alamo Rent a Car
Alamo Rent a Car is a popular car rental company in the United States. The company has 249 locations in different states. If you are planning to rent a car from Alamo, you should know a few things.
Firstly, the age requirement for renting a car from Alamo is 21 years old in most states, but it is 18 years old in Michigan and New York. However, if you are a U.S. military personnel or government employee, you can rent a car from Alamo at the age of 18 years old.
Secondly, Alamo offers different types of cars for rent, but if you are aged between 21 and 24 years old, you may be restricted to specific car classes. This is something to keep in mind when selecting your rental car.
Lastly, if you rent a car from Alamo between the ages of 18 and 24, you may be required to pay a Young Renter Fee. On average, this fee is $25 per day, but it can vary based on the rental location. For U.S. military personnel and government employees aged 18 or older who are renting for authorized government travel, they will not incur a Young Renter Fee, but they must provide the rental location with their official orders.
5. Dollar
Did you know that Dollar, the car rental company, has over 200 locations throughout the United States? If you’re planning to rent a car from Dollar, it’s important to know that the age requirement for most states is 20 years old. However, if you’re renting a car in New York or Michigan, you can do so at 18 years old. U.S. military personnel and government employees can also rent cars at 18. Additionally, some corporate contracts may allow renters aged 18 and up.
If you’re wondering what types of cars are available to rent, you’ll be happy to know that most Dollar car classes, from compact cars to SUVs, are available. However, some specialty vehicle classes, such as the StyleSeries, are excluded. Remember that while most of Dollar’s cars are available for young renters, there may be some exceptions.
It’s also worth noting that Dollar does not specify the young renter fee on its website. Reports from elsewhere suggest that it’s around $25 per day.
6. Fox Rent A Car
Fox Rent A Car is a company that provides car rental services to 18-year-olds, making it a good option for young drivers who need rental cars. However, it’s important to note that this program is only available at Fox Corporate and not at any Fox Affiliate locations.
When it comes to age requirements, most drivers must be at least 19 to rent a car from Fox Rent A Car. However, active-duty military personnel who are on travel orders can rent a car at the age of 18.
Fox Rent A Car offers various types of cars for rental, allowing customers to choose the car that best suits their needs.
If you are a driver who is under 25 years old, you will need to pay a young renter fee of $20 a day. This fee increases to $25 per day for drivers under 21 years old.
7. National Car Rental
National Car Rental has a flexible age policy that allows drivers as young as 18 years old to rent a car in certain states, such as Michigan and New York, as well as for military personnel and government employees. However, in most states, the minimum age requirement to rent a car is 21 years old.
When renting a car between the ages of 21 to 24 years old, renters may be restricted to specific car classes. It is important to note that there is a Youthful Surcharge of $25 a day, on average, for renters aged 21 to 24 years old. However, the fee amount can vary depending on the rental location. If you want to know the cost of the Youthful Surcharge, you can begin the reservation process to determine the exact fee amount for the rental location. During the reservation process, you will have the option to confirm or cancel the reservation.
For U.S. military personnel and government employees aged 18 or older, there will be no Youthful Surcharge when renting for authorized government travel. However, they must present their official orders to the rental location to be exempted from the fee.
8. Thrifty Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental is a popular car rental company that operates across the United States, with a total of 177 locations spread throughout the country. If you’re looking to rent a car from Thrifty, it’s important to keep in mind a few key details about their policies and requirements.
Firstly, the age requirement for renting a car from Thrifty is 20 years old in most states. However, if you’re renting a car in New York or Michigan, you can rent a car at 18 years old. For U.S. military personnel and government employees, the age requirement is also 18 years old, provided that they can provide official government paperwork to the rental location they’re inquiring at.
Regarding the types of cars available for rent, most of Thrifty’s car classes are available, ranging from compact cars to SUVs. However, some specialty vehicle classes, such as the StyleSeries, are excluded.
Lastly, if you’re a young driver under the age of 25, you may be subject to a young renter fee when renting from Thrifty. While the fee is not specified on Thrifty’s website, reports from elsewhere suggest that it’s around $29 per day for drivers under 25. For drivers aged 18 to 20 in NY and MI, it’s reported to be about $41 or $52 a day.
9. Budget Car Rental
Budget Car Rental operates 1,432 locations across the United States, providing a wide range of affordable rental vehicles for your transportation needs. When renting a car, it’s important to know the age requirements and rental policies in place. In most U.S. states, the minimum age requirement for renting a car is 21. However, in Michigan and New York, the minimum age is 18.
Car rental age restrictions do not apply to renters aged 18 and older getting a replacement vehicle through certain insurance providers such as Allstate, American Family, and State Farm. You may check the link above for more insurance providers that qualify for this exemption. Additionally, U.S. government personnel, including military and civilian employees, can rent a car at age 18 without paying an underage surcharge.
Budget Car Rental offers a wide selection of vehicle types, including economy cars, compact cars, intermediate/midsize cars, standard cars, full-size cars, premium cars, intermediate/midsize SUVs, standard SUVs, and convertibles. This ensures you can find the perfect vehicle to fit your needs and budget.
If you’re under 25 years old and renting a car with Budget Car Rental, you may be subject to a young renter fee. At most locations, you will pay a $27 per day surcharge. However, fees may vary in New York and Michigan. U.S. government personnel with a government purchase or travel order can rent a car at 18 without paying an underage surcharge.
U.S. government personnel without a government purchase or travel order can rent a car at age 21 (except in New York and Michigan, where the minimum age to rent a car is 18) without paying an underage surcharge.
If you are a military member, you may qualify for a special military rental rate. However, if you travel for leisure or personal reasons, you will still need to pay the underage surcharge.
10. Silvercar by Audi
Silvercar by Audi stands out from other car rental companies because it exclusively offers Audi vehicles for rent. It provides a hassle-free car rental experience without any paperwork. Additionally, the company offers several attractive features, such as free in-car Wi-Fi and premium car seats at no extra cost.
You won’t have to wait in long lines or deal with counters as everything is done through your smartphone. You can sign up, reserve, select, and unlock the car with your device, enabling you to hit the road quickly. The return process is just as easy, with a streamlined drop-off and instant e-receipts.
It is important to note that the minimum age requirement for renting a car with Silvercar by Audi is 22 years old in most parts of the United States. However, in New York, the minimum age requirement is 18 years old. The company offers a wide range of Audi cars, including sedans and SUVs, to cater to your preferences. If you are under 25 years old, you may have to pay a young renter fee of $75 a day if you are renting in New York.
11. Rent-A-Wreck
Rent-A-Wreck is a company that offers used car rentals to drivers. However, they have a minimum age requirement for their renters.
Rent-A-Wreck does not rent cars to anyone under the age of 21. On the other hand, drivers between the ages of 21 to 24 are allowed to rent specific types of vehicles, including economy through full-size cars, intermediate SUVs, mini vans, work pick-up trucks, cargo vans, and cargo trucks. It is important to note that if you are under the age of 25, you will be subject to a young renter fee of $15 per day.
12. Payless Rent a Car
Payless Rent a Car is a car rental company that operates like Rent-A-Wreck. If you’re under 25 and looking to rent a car, Payless Rent a Car is a great option, as it rents cars to drivers aged 21 and above. However, if you’re 18 years old, you won’t be able to rent a car from Payless Rent a Car.
The company offers a variety of car models, including economy, compact, intermediate, standard, full-sized, and minivans. This means you can select a car that suits your needs and budget.
One thing to note is that if you’re under 25, you’ll be charged a young renter fee of $25 per day.
Car-sharing companies where you can rent a car at 18-years-old
In addition to conventional car rental companies, alternative, peer-to-peer car sharing services are also available. These services enable individuals to rent out their own vehicles to others, usually on a short-term basis, by the hour or day. These services offer a more affordable and flexible option than traditional car rental companies.
Furthermore, some of these car-sharing services allow even young drivers below 25 and sometimes as young as 18 to rent a vehicle, making it a feasible alternative for those who might not meet the age requirements of conventional car rental companies.
13. Getaround
Getaround is a highly convenient and user-friendly online peer-to-peer carsharing marketplace that allows you to rent cars, trucks, or vans at your fingertips. With the Getaround app, you can easily search for, book, and unlock a vehicle in your vicinity that best suits your needs and preferences.
Getaround
Earn up to $800 per month by sharing your car with Getaround Connect.
Additionally, all drivers and vehicles on the platform are fully covered by insurance during an active trip, including comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage, ensuring that you are always protected while renting a car.
It’s important to note that all cars on Getaround have a base mileage limit of 200 daily miles. You will be charged an additional fee for the extra mileage if you exceed this limit. However, you can easily avoid this by planning your trip in advance and selecting a car that best suits your mileage needs.
Moreover, Getaround provides excellent customer support assistance to all drivers in case of any issues or concerns arising during the rental process. You can also purchase roadside assistance and protection plans at trip checkout to ensure that you are fully covered in case of any unexpected incidents.
It’s also worth noting that there are certain age requirements for renting a car on Getaround. In most of the U.S., the minimum age requirement is 19 years old. However, the minimum age requirement in the Los Angeles/Orange County area is 22 years old. Additionally, Getaround charges a young renter fee, which ranges between 5% and 75% of the total trip fee. It’s advisable to go through the company’s Fee Commission and Schedule to better understand all the fees involved in the rental process.
14. Zipcar
Zipcar is a car-sharing company that enables you to rent cars by the hour or by the day. You can choose between a monthly or yearly membership and enjoy free gas for all trips, maintenance, and 24/7 roadside assistance.
To become a Zipcar member, you must meet certain age requirements. Most of the United States require you to be at least 21 years old. However, if you reside in New York, Michigan, or Maryland, you must be at least 18 years old to become a member. If you are joining a university account, you must also be at least 18 years old.
Zipcar offers a variety of car types to choose from, including sedans, hybrids, SUVs, and luxury vehicles. You can select the car that best suits your needs and preferences.
If you are between 18 and 20 years old, you will need to pay a young renter fee of $1.25 per hour or $15 per day. The fee is slightly lower for drivers aged 21 to 24, at $0.88 per hour or $12.50 per day. However, if you are a member aged 18 to 20 reserving in the New York metro area, you will need to pay $3.75 per hour or $62.50 per day. Similarly, those aged 21 to 24 reserving in the New York metro area must pay $2.50 per hour or $31.25 per day.
15. Turo
Turo is a well-known peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace that allows car owners to rent their cars to other people. It’s a great alternative to traditional car rental services and is considered one of the largest car-sharing marketplaces available today.
Turo
Turo is a leading peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, which functions similarly to Airbnb, allowing you to rent out your vehicles for extra cash.
The minimum age requirement for booking a trip with a peer-to-peer host is 18 years old. However, if you’re looking to book a trip with a Commercial Host, you must be at least 21 years old.
Turo offers various cars, including luxury vehicles and sports cars. You can browse through the listings to find the car that best suits your needs and budget.
If you’re a young driver aged between 18 to 20, you’ll need to pay a young renter fee of $50 per day for trips with a peer-to-peer host. For drivers aged between 21 to 25, the fee is reduced to $30 per day.
Commercial Hosts, on the other hand, set their own fees for young drivers and may also have their own age restrictions for certain vehicle types. It’s always a good idea to check the vehicle listing for this information before making a booking.
Tips for saving money on your car rental
Renting a car can be expensive regardless of age, but if you are under 25, the costs can be even higher. Younger drivers aged between 18 and 24 have to deal with the high rental rates charged by companies and additional charges in the form of young driver surcharges.
These surcharges can significantly increase the cost of renting a car, sometimes by hundreds of dollars, especially if you need to rent a vehicle for a few days.
But don’t worry. Some simple tips can help you save money on your car rental and reduce its impact on your wallet. For instance, you can save money by booking your rental car in advance, comparing prices from different rental companies, choosing a smaller car, and avoiding additional services you don’t need.
Another great way to save money is to consider joining a loyalty program or signing up for promotions and discounts offered by car rental companies. This will help you save money and give you access to other benefits such as free upgrades, free additional drivers, and waived fees.
Following these tips can save significant money on your car rental and make your trip much more affordable and enjoyable.
Compare prices
Comparing prices is crucial when saving money on your rental. Paying more than necessary for something is never a good idea, and rental prices can vary considerably depending on your chosen company.
That’s why it’s essential to take the time to compare prices to ensure you get the best deal possible. Fortunately, plenty of great tools are available to help you compare the cost of renting a car across multiple companies.
Some popular price comparison and deal finder sites include Kayak, Rentalcars.com, FareCompare, Skyscanner, and Expedia. These sites offer a range of features that allow you to filter and sort results based on your preferences and find the type of rental you want.
One of the best things about these sites is that they often highlight local car rental companies you may not have been aware of. These lesser-known brands can offer significant savings over the bigger, more established brands, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious renters.
So, by using these price comparison and deal finder sites, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible deal on your rental car. Take advantage of these tools to save money and enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.
Join AAA
If you are considering renting a car, joining AAA could be a great option for you. As a member of AAA, you can enjoy some fantastic discounts and other benefits on car rentals from Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty Car Rental.
Let’s look at the savings you can get at Hertz. As an AAA member, you can save up to 20% off the base rate on Pay Later rates and up to 10% off the base rate on Pay Now rates. The Additional Driver fee is waived for AAA members who meet standard rental requirements, which means you can save up to $13.99 per day. Similarly, the Young Renter fee is waived for AAA members between the ages of 20 and 24 who meet standard rental qualifications, resulting in savings of up to $29 per day.
One of the best things about being an AAA member is that you can get the young renter fee waived if you are aged 20 to 24. This can save you a lot of money! Besides, you can also enjoy significant savings at Dollar and Thrifty Car Rental. For instance, you can save up to 10% on published Dollar retail base rates on all car classes when booked in advance using a AAA CDP. Similarly, you can save up to 8% on published Thrifty retail base rates on all car classes when booked in advance using a AAA CDP.
Visit AAA to learn more about the car rental benefits of being a member.
Check with your employer for Young Renter fee waivers
It’s worth noting that some employers and universities have established partnerships with car rental companies that offer exclusive benefits to their employees, students, and alumni. These benefits can range from discounted rates to waived young renter fees, making car rentals a more affordable option for those affiliated with these institutions.
To take advantage of these benefits, you can check your employer’s benefits portal, your university website, or your alumni website for potential car rental discounts. If you don’t find anything, you can also contact your employer or university to inquire about what car rental benefits are available to you.
Fill the tank yourself
Are you planning to rent a car for your next trip? If yes, you might consider the pre-paid fuel option that rental car companies offer. This option allows you to return the car without refilling the tank, which might seem convenient. However, it is important to know that the pre-paid fuel option can be costly.
When you choose this option, the rental car company charges you their refueling rate, which can be higher than what you would pay at a gas station. Moreover, the rental car company will charge you a full tank price regardless of how much gas you’ve actually used. This means you could end up paying for gas you didn’t even use.
To avoid these extra charges, it’s better to refill the tank yourself before you return the car. You can use an app like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices nearby and save some money.
Additionally, it’s important to get a receipt for the gas you purchase. You can use apps like Receipt Hog and ReceiptPal to earn some cash back by uploading a photo of your receipt. These apps accept receipts from gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and other retailers. While it may not be significant, it’s still a good way to save a little extra cash.
Use coupons
You might be concerned about the cost if you’re a young driver looking to rent a car. However, there are several ways to save money on car rentals. One of the easiest ways is to take advantage of coupons. By using coupons, you can significantly reduce the cost of renting a vehicle. Fortunately, there are many places online where you can find car rental coupons.
Some of the best places to find car rental coupons include Groupon, Budget Car Rental Coupons, Avis Car Rental Coupons & Discount Codes, Rental Car Special Offers—Hertz, Car Rental Deals & Promotions—Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Honey, and RetailMeNot. These sites offer coupons for different car rental companies, such as Dollar, Budget, Hertz, Alamo, and Avis.
While the savings may not be huge, every little bit helps, especially when it comes to car rentals, which can be quite expensive. So, it’s always worth checking for coupons before booking your rental.
Consider what you really need from the vehicle
When it comes to renting a car, there are a few things to keep in mind to save money. One of the easiest ways is by renting only the type of car you need. It can be tempting to opt for a fancier model with all the bells and whistles, but ask yourself if you really need them. Are those upgrades actually necessary, or are they just a waste of money? Consider your needs and budget before making a decision.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid renting a bigger vehicle than you actually require. For example, if you’re traveling alone or with just one other person and have only one bag, there’s no need to pay extra for a larger vehicle. By being intentional about the type of car you rent, you can save money and make your rental experience more efficient.
Ask about discounts at the counter
If you happen to be a student or in the military, you might be able to save some money by asking for a discount at certain businesses. Although not all companies advertise their special rates, many do offer discounts for those who serve in the military or are enrolled in school.
It’s a good idea to bring your student ID or military ID with you and ask at the counter if the company offers any discounts. For example, Budget Car Rental has special military rates that are not publicly advertised.
Inquiring about discounts may take some effort, but it can definitely be worth it in the end. Keep in mind that not all businesses will have special rates, but it never hurts to ask.
The bottom line
Looking to rent a car at 18? Check out these options.
Places like Turo, Fox Rent-A-Car, and Zipcar offer rentals to 18 or 19-year-olds nationwide.
Typically, you can rent a car at 18 in New York or Michigan, or if you’re in the military or a government employee. Otherwise, you usually need to be 20 or 21.
Contrary to common belief, you don’t have to be 25 to rent a car.
If you’re a young driver in need of a rental, give these places a shot.