How To Rent A Car If You're Under 25 Years Old

You studied hard, used the Aceable drivers ed app to practice for your test, and got a license to drive! Hold on one second. Having a license doesn’t mean you can drive any car you want. We hate to be the ones to tell you, but car rental companies aren’t overly eager to rent to drivers under the age of 25 years old. Their data crunchers have seen the accident statistics, and they know young drivers are the riskiest drivers.

When you get labeled as a risky driver.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get a car rental. You just have to jump through a few extra hoops first. There are even ways to get a car rental for a lower rate no matter how old you are.

Rules for Renting a Car When You’re Under 25

You’ve found yourself in a spot where you need to rent a vehicle. Naturally, you Google car rental companies and start comparing the reviews. The next thing a young driver should do is check the under 25 car rental policy. Most car rental companies have special provisions that only apply to drivers under a certain age. Stick to the rules below and you should be able to make a car rental work.

Rule #1 - Prepare to Pay More

Get the money ready!

Usually young drivers have to pay additional fees and surcharges in order to rent a vehicle. Charges typically run anywhere between $14-80, and those fees are applied daily.

Rule #2 - Don’t Expect to Get a Rental If You’re Under 20 Years Old

Many car rental companies will rent to drivers between the ages of 20-25, but it’s near impossible to find one that’s willing to hand the keys over to someone under 20 years old. Only two states, Michigan and New York, mandate that anyone over 18 years old can rent a car.

Rule #3 - Ask Your Parents For Help

Asking for your parents help like...

Getting your parents or guardians to sign as a co-renter can help lower the cost and improve your odds of getting a rental if you’re under 21 years old.

Rule #4 - Stick to Standard Sedans

There may be restrictions that limit the type of car you can rent. Basically, all of the fancy, expensive vehicles will be off the table.

Rule #5 - Consider Smaller, Regional Car Rental Companies

If you don’t plan to drive far or you’re driving between two major cities you may be able to find a smaller rental company that’s open to working with young drivers. Rent-a-wreck is a great example. The company rents out used cars to drivers under 21 years old in 350 locations.

Rule #6 - Bring a Credit Card

In order to rent a car from most major companies you’ll need to have a credit card. Rental companies use it as security in case the vehicle gets damaged.

How to Get the Lowest Car Rental Rate . . . Regardless of Age

Drive Safely

When they ask if you're a safe driver.

The easiest way to get a reduced rate is to drive safely. Car rental companies will check your driving record before agreeing to hand over the keys.

Get a Car Rental Through Another Membership

If you belong to an organization like USAA and AAA, one of the perks is discounts on car rentals. Some credit card companies also offer car rental discounts and fee waivers for members.

Get a Car Rental Through Your Company

You may also be able to get the underage surcharges waived if you’re an employee or intern at a corporation. Some companies have special arrangements with car rental agencies that lower the overall cost by reducing fees.

Get a Military Discount

If you’re a current or former military member you can get extra perks and lower rates by showing proof of your service. The underage restrictions may also be lifted for current military members as young as 18 years old.