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.
Get a Government Worker Discount
A number of major car rental companies give special rates and fee waivers to government workers who rent a car for business use.
Car Rental Company Comparisons for Young Drivers
Hertz
Age Limit*: 20 years old
Young Driver Fees/Surcharges**: Age Differential Charge as low as $15/day (varies by location and type of car rental)
Rental Restrictions: No Prestige Collection or no Adrenaline Collection vehicles.
Enterprise
Age Limit*: 21 years old
Young Driver Fees/Surcharges**: $20+/day
Rental Restrictions: Only Economy through Fullsize cars are available to drivers under 25.
Alamo
Age Limit*: 21 years old
Young Driver Fees/Surcharges**: $13+/day
Rental Restrictions: Some luxury, specialty and large vehicles may not be available to rent.
Budget
Age Limit*: 21 years old (some licensee locations may go as young as 18)
Young Driver Fees/Surcharges**: $27/day
Rental Restrictions: No luxury vehicles, mini vans, 12-passenger vans, speciality vehicles, full-size SUVs or premium SUVs.
Avis
Age Limit*: 21 years old
Young Driver Fees/Surcharges**: $27/day
Rental Restrictions: No full-size SUVs, premium SUVs, minivans, passenger vans or Signature Series vehicles.
National
Age Limit*: 21 years old
Young Driver Fees/Surcharges**: $25/day (varies by location)
Rental Restrictions: Depends on the location.
Advantage
Age Limit*: 21 years old
Young Driver Fees/Surcharges**: $25/day
Rental Restrictions: No specialty vehicles, convertibles or premium cars.
Thrifty
Age Limit*: 21 years old
Young Driver Fees/Surcharges**: Varies by location and type of car rental.
Rental Restrictions: No premium vehicles, luxury vehicles, SUVs, speciality cars, minivans, passenger vans, wagons, convertibles or pickup trucks.
Dollar
Age Limit*: 21 years old
Young Driver Fees/Surcharges**: Varies by location and type of car rental.
Rental Restrictions: Depends on the location.
*Law mandates that the minimum age for car rentals is 18 years old in Michigan and New York.
**Fees may be higher in Michigan and New York.