Car Rental Options for 18 Year Olds
If you’re an 18 year old looking to rent a car, you may be wondering what your options are. Many car rental companies have strict age restrictions and won’t allow anyone under the age of 21 to rent a car. However, there are still some options available for those who are 18 years old.
Rental Car Companies That Rent to 18 Year Olds
While most major car rental companies require renters to be at least 21 years old, there are a few that make exceptions for younger drivers. Some of these companies include Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget.
Hertz allows renters as young as 18 years old in select locations within the United States. However, they charge an additional fee of $30 per day for drivers between the ages of 18-20.
Enterprise also allows renters who are at least 18 years old in select locations within the United States and Canada. They also charge an additional fee for young drivers, ranging from $20-$35 per day depending on the location.
Budget has a similar policy as Enterprise and allows renters who are at least 18 years old in certain locations within the United States and Canada. They also charge an additional fee of $27 per day for young drivers.
Pros:
- You can still rent a car even if you’re only 18 years old
- You have access to major rental car companies
- You can travel independently without relying on public transportation or rideshare services
Cons:
- You may have to pay higher fees for being a young driver
- Your rental options may be limited
- You may have to provide additional documentation or meet certain requirements
Rent a Car Through Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing
Another option for 18 year olds looking to rent a car is through peer-to-peer car sharing platforms such as Turo or Getaround. These platforms allow individuals to rent out their personal vehicles, similar to Airbnb for cars.
While these platforms do not have age restrictions, they do require renters to meet certain criteria and may charge additional fees for younger drivers.
Pros:
- You can access a wider range of vehicles
- You may not have age restrictions or additional fees
- You can support individual car owners and their businesses
Cons:
- Rental policies and fees vary depending on the individual owner of the vehicle
- The process may be more complicated than renting from a traditional car rental company
- The insurance coverage and protection options may be limited compared to traditional rental companies
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Rental for 18 Year Olds
Q: Can I rent a car if I am under 21 years old?
A: While most major rental car companies require renters to be at least 21 years old, there are some exceptions. Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget are some of the companies that allow renters who are at least 18 years old in select locations.
Q: Do I need a credit card to rent a car as an 18 year old?
A: Yes, most rental car companies require renters to have a credit card in order to rent a car. This is because they often place a hold on the card for incidentals and damages.
Q: Are there any additional requirements for 18 year old renters?
A: Some rental car companies may require 18 year old renters to provide additional documentation or meet certain requirements, such as having a clean driving record or purchasing additional insurance coverage.
Q: Can I rent a luxury or specialty vehicle as an 18 year old?
A: It may be more difficult for an 18 year old to rent a luxury or specialty vehicle, as these types of cars typically have stricter age restrictions. However, some peer-to-peer car sharing platforms may have more options available.
In Conclusion
Renting a car as an 18 year old can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By researching your options and being prepared with necessary documents and payment methods, you can still enjoy the convenience of having your own transportation while traveling.
Be sure to check with different rental car companies and peer-to-peer car sharing platforms to compare fees and policies before making your decision. And always remember to drive safely and responsibly when behind the wheel.