You have not yet reached 25 but want to rent a car for the weekend or probably for a road trip. Most rental companies will be willing to rent you one albeit with more conditions than if you were older. You will also have to dig deeper into your pockets because you will pay extra.

Let’s discuss more and look at car rentals for young drivers. 

Car rental age in the USA?

The rental age in most states in the USA is 25. However, those below 25 can still rent a car but at an extra cost. Michigan and New York allow car rental for any driver above 18.

Drivers below 25 are also limited to a specific category of cars. They can for example not rent luxury cars. Different rental agencies have different rental age policies. If you are under 25, compare policies from about three to settle on one that will best suit you.

The maximum age to rent a car is usually not limited by rental car companies. But for senior citizens above 70, it is advisable to confirm with your rental company if they have any reservations.

What is the young driver’s fee?

This is the fee you will add to your daily charge as a renter who is younger than 25. Young drivers are presumed to be less experienced and likely to take more risks on the road than their older counterparts. For this reason, insurance companies charge more for drivers in this category to cushion themselves. Car rental companies then pass the extra charges to these young drivers.

This fee varies from one rental company to another. For example, according to Hertz’s under 25 policy, you will pay  $23. 

Exemptions to this fee include:

• AAA membership
• USAA membership
• Government or military personnel on duty

Age requirements to rent a car

As an under-25-year-old, you will require the following before renting a car:

• Identification to prove your age
• A Valid driving license
• A Valid form of payment-most car rentals, a credit card is prefered.
• Young Drivers Fee settled upfront.

Best car rental companies for young drivers

Below are the best car rentals for under 25 drivers:

• Hertz
• Dollar
• National
• Avis
• Enterprise
• Alamo

Best cars to rent for those under 25

Here are a few examples of ideal rental cars for drivers under the age of 25:

• Honda Accord
• Nissan Maxima
• Hyundai Ioniq
• Hyundai Elantra
• Subaru Legacy
• Honda Insight
• Mazda CX-30

Car rental tips to consider

There are various tried and tested tips that will ensure you get a good deal and save you money in the process. Below are a few of them:

Compare prices

Identify at least three car rental companies and compare their prices and terms to settle on the cheaper one and one whose terms best suit you.

Book in advance

Ensure you book in advance. This will not only help you avoid last-minute inconvenience but also help you get a cheaper deal. Rental cars tend to become expensive when demand is high. Avoid this scenario and book one in advance.

Limit on the number of drivers

 When going for a road trip with friends, ensure you limit the number of drivers to a minimum. This is because with any additional driver the daily fee increases. Some rentals don’t charge this fee for domestic partners. Before booking confirm the extra driver policy to avoid extra charges.

Shop around for car insurance

At the car rental desk it’s most likely the agent will try to sell you insurance. Make this the last option since they can be costly. Check if your car insurance covers a rental too. You should also talk to your credit card company, some cover car rental. This will help you avoid paying twice for insurance.

Avoid airport locations

Airport locations are costlier than other locations most of the time, mainly because it is more convenient. Ensure you first compare the prices and factor in the taxi fee to the airport to the off-airport location to find out which option will be cheaper.

Bring your own extras if possible

Bringing your own extras like GPS or a child seat instead of getting one from the rental company, will bring down your rental cost. You can even try to be creative and download maps you can later use offline or use your phone as GPS.

Conclusion

Car rental for young drivers is a possibility in the USA but it will come with different policies including the category of cars you can rent and will cost a little more extra due to the Young Drivers fee. For your next trip that you will need a car rental as an under 25, put the few tips discussed in this article into consideration and enjoy your trip.