Jazmin Li
Renting a car can be a convenient option when travelling, especially when visiting places with limited public transportation. However, for young people, renting a car can be a challenge due to age restrictions and additional fees. While the minimum age to rent a car is typically 20 or 21, some companies like Hertz and Enterprise allow rentals from the age of 18 in certain states. These companies, along with others such as Budget, often charge a young renter fee for customers under 25, which can increase the overall cost significantly. Therefore, it is important for young renters to be aware of the potential obstacles and costs when considering renting a car, especially at airports where fees are often higher.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to rent a car | 21 years (Avis, National Enterprise, Alamo, Sixt, Dollar, Payless etc.), 20 years (Hertz), 18 years (Turo) |
| Additional fee for renters under 25 years of age | $25 per day (Hertz), $64.75 per day for 18-20 year olds in New York (Enterprise), $30.75 per day for 21-24 year olds in New York (Enterprise), $20 per day for 21-24 year olds in Quebec (Avis) |
| Age restrictions on car models | Renters under 25 excluded from renting Dream Car, Prestige, and Adrenaline collections (Hertz) |
| Requirements | Valid driver's license, valid debit or credit card |
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What You'll Learn
Renting a car at 20: Possible, but expensive
While it is possible for a 20-year-old to rent a car from an airport, it can be a challenging and expensive process. Many rental companies have age restrictions in place, often requiring customers to be at least 21 or even 25 years old. However, some companies, like Hertz, offer rentals to drivers as young as 20 or even 18, albeit with some restrictions and additional fees.
For instance, in the United States, Hertz allows 20-year-olds to rent cars at most locations, with a minimum age of 18 in Michigan, New York, and Quebec, and 19 in Alabama and Nebraska. Similarly, Enterprise Rent-A-Car services 20-year-olds but charges an additional 'Young Renter Fee' of $64.75 per day for drivers aged 18-20 and $30.75 per day for those aged 21-24. This fee is lower at Hertz, where renters under 25 are charged $25 per day.
Other companies, like Avis, typically require renters to be at least 21, though the minimum age varies by location, with some places allowing rentals at 18 or 19. Additionally, there may be restrictions on the types of vehicles available to young renters, and they may be excluded from renting specialty collections.
The high costs associated with renting a car as a young person can make it unappealing or inaccessible. Aside from the daily underage fees, there are other financial considerations, such as fuel and insurance. Therefore, alternative modes of transportation, like public transport or ride-sharing services, may be more economical options for 20-year-olds.
Despite the challenges, some 20-year-olds have successfully rented cars and shared their experiences online, recommending services like Turo, which allows rentals for 18 to 20-year-olds, and Zipcar, which offers driving cards to those who may not qualify for traditional rental services. While it is possible for a 20-year-old to rent a car, it often comes with extra costs and limitations, making it a more expensive and potentially frustrating endeavour.
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Hertz: Renting to 20-year-olds in most US states
While it is commonly believed that drivers must be at least 25 years old to rent a car, Hertz allows drivers who are 20 years old and above to rent a car from most of its locations in the US and Canada. In fact, in Michigan, New York, and Quebec, Hertz lets drivers rent a car from the age of 18, and in Alabama and Nebraska, the minimum age is 19. However, Hertz does charge a young renter fee of $25 per day for drivers under the age of 25, which is below the industry average.
It is important to note that Hertz's offering differs from other car rental companies. For example, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a minimum age requirement of 21 years in New York, with an additional 'Young Renter Fee' of $64.75 per day for drivers aged 18-20 and $30.75 per day for those aged 21-24. Similarly, Avis Rent A Car has a minimum age requirement of 21 years at most locations, with a few parts of the US and Canada allowing rentals from the age of 18.
While Hertz does rent to 20-year-olds in most US states, it is worth noting that there may be additional costs and restrictions involved. For instance, renters under 25 are excluded from renting certain car classes, such as the Dream Car collection, Prestige collection, and Adrenaline collection. Additionally, some Hertz locations may require a credit card, and the availability of specific car models may vary by location.
When considering renting a car as a 20-year-old, it is advisable to research the specific requirements and restrictions of the desired rental location, as well as compare prices and alternatives. While renting a car can provide flexibility and convenience, it may also come with additional costs such as fuel and insurance. Exploring other transportation options, such as public transport or ride-sharing services, could be more financially prudent, especially for shorter trips or when visiting areas with well-developed alternative transportation networks.
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Avis: 21 minimum age, some US/Canada locations at 18
At most Avis locations, you need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car. However, Avis offers car rentals to 18-year-olds in a few parts of the US and Canada. For instance, in Saskatchewan, the minimum age to rent a car from Avis is 18. In Quebec, the minimum age to rent most sedans is 21, but there is an underage fee of $20 per day for renters aged 21-24.
In the US, Hertz is a popular alternative for 20-year-olds looking to rent a car. At most Hertz locations in the US and Canada, the minimum age to rent a car is 20. However, in Michigan, New York, and Quebec, Hertz allows 18-year-olds to rent a car. In Alabama and Nebraska, the minimum age is 19. It's important to note that Hertz charges a young renter fee of $25 per day for renters under 25, which is below the industry average.
Another option for renters under 25 is Enterprise, which has a minimum age requirement of 21 at most locations. In New York, Enterprise charges an additional 'Young Renter Fee' of $64.75 per day for 18 to 20-year-old renters and $30.75 per day for 21 to 24-year-olds.
While it may be challenging to find car rental services that cater to 20-year-olds, some alternatives are available, such as Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis at select locations. Additionally, private car rental services like Turo cater to 18 to 20-year-olds.
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Enterprise: 21 minimum, young renter fees in some states
While it is possible to rent a car from some companies as a 20-year-old, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a minimum age requirement of 21. In addition, drivers who are 21 to 24 years old will be charged a "young renter fee" that varies depending on the state and rental location.
For example, in New York, drivers aged 18 to 20 are charged a daily additional fee of $64.75, while drivers aged 21 to 24 are charged $30.75 per day. In contrast, the average cost of the young renter fee in other states is approximately $25 per day. It is important to note that renters under 25 may also be restricted to specific car classes.
While some companies like Hertz and Avis offer car rentals to drivers as young as 18 or 20, it is important to be aware of potential challenges and additional fees associated with renting a car under the age of 25. These fees can significantly increase the overall cost of renting a car, and alternative transportation options may be more cost-effective.
Furthermore, certain car classes may be excluded for young renters. For instance, Hertz does not allow renters under 25 to rent from the Dream Car collection, Prestige collection, or Adrenaline collection. Therefore, when considering renting a car as a young adult, it is essential to review the specific policies, restrictions, and potential surcharges of the rental company and the state in which you plan to rent.
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Alternatives: Public transport, Uber, Zipcar
While it is technically possible for a 20-year-old to rent a car from an airport, many rental companies charge an additional 'Young Renter Fee' for drivers under 25. This can be a significant daily cost, and there may be other restrictions in place for younger renters. As such, here are some alternative options to consider:
Public Transport
Using public transport is a viable alternative to renting a car, especially if you are staying in a well-connected urban area. Buses, trains, and subways can be a cheap and efficient way to get around, and you won't have to worry about driving in an unfamiliar place or finding parking.
Uber or Lyft
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient and flexible alternative to rental cars. They are often more cost-effective, especially if you will only be using the car infrequently, as you won't have to pay for rental, insurance, or parking fees. These services are usually accessible via simple apps, and the cars are typically clean and arrive promptly.
Zipcar
Zipcar is a car-sharing service that allows users to rent cars for short periods. It can be a good alternative to traditional rental cars, especially in urban areas, as it often has more pick-up locations available. However, it may still have similar age restrictions to rental car companies.
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