Alamo
Alamo is known for its customer-friendly policies and has some age requirements. To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old. There is no maximum age limit for renting in the United States or Canada.
Young Driver Fee
If you are between 21 and 24 years old, you may have to pay an extra fee called a "Young Driver Fee." This fee usually costs around $25.00 per day but can change depending on where you rent the car. To find out the exact amount for your rental, you can start the booking process online. You can then decide whether to confirm or cancel your reservation.
Car Class Restrictions
Drivers aged 21 to 24 may have limits on the types of cars they can rent. In Michigan and New York, you can rent a car starting at 18 years old due to specific state regulations. If you are in the U.S. military or a government employee renting for official travel, you can rent a car starting at 18. You do not have to pay the extra fee that they usually charge for younger drivers. Just show your official travel orders at the rental location.
Avis
You need to be 21 years old to rent a car from Avis in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces. In New York and Michigan, you can rent a car starting at age 18.
Renting Under 25
- Extra Fee: If you are between 21 and 24, you will have to pay an extra fee. In New York and Michigan, there are specific fees for ages 18-24. Contact Avis for the latest information.
- Car Options: You can rent Economy, Full-Size, Premium cars, Convertibles, Intermediate SUVs, and Standard SUVs. But, you cannot rent Full-Size SUVs, Luxury cars, Minivans, Passenger Vans, Premium SUVs, or Specialty Cars.
Budget
The minimum age to rent a car from Budget varies by location. Different places might have different fees and car options for younger drivers, so always check the rules for your specific rental location.
Corporate-Operated Locations in the U.S.
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car.
- Rules for Ages 21-24: If you are between 21 and 24, you need a valid credit card (no debit cards) and a valid driver's license. They can also check your driving record and charge an extra $27 per day which will be added to your rental cost. You cannot rent luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty vehicles, or full-size/premium SUVs. Additional drivers must be 25 or older and have a valid driver's license and credit card. Some places may accept debit cards for this. If you prepay and are under 25, you have to pay the underage fee will be added at the counter when you return the car.
Special State Rules
- Michigan: You can rent a car in Michigan if you are at least 18 years old and have a valid credit card and driver's license. If you are 18-20 years old, you pay an extra $41 per day. If you are 21-24 years old, you pay an extra $28 per day.
- New York: Similarly, you can rent a car in New York if you are at least 18 years old. You should have a valid credit card and driver's license. If you are 18-20 years old, you have to pay an extra $52 per day. If you are 21-24 years old, you pay an extra $35 per day.
Note: If you are under 25, there are limits on which cars you can rent.
Exceptions and Special Cases
- Licensee-Owned and International Locations: There are places where the car rental business is operated by a franchisee rather than directly by the main company, and also locations outside of the country where the company is based. Their age rules vary for different locations. Most places allow rentals for ages 18-24 with a small surcharge. It is important to always check the specific rules for your location.
- Insurance Replacement Renters: For people who are renting a car because their own car is being repaired or replaced through their insurance company, the minimum age is 18 for customers with insurance replacements from specific companies like Allstate or State Farm.
- Corporate Account Renters: People who rent cars through a business or organization that has a special account with the car rental company must be at least 21 years old, or 18 if they are U.S. government employees on travel orders. Some corporate and insurance customers may not have to pay the underage fee.
- Government and Military Renters: Government and military renters have different rules. If they have travel orders, the minimum age is 18, and there is no underage fee. Without travel orders, the minimum age is 21 (18 in Michigan and New York) with no underage fee. However, if you are renting a car for personal or vacation purposes and you are under 25 years old, you might have to pay an extra fee.
- Renters with a Disability: Renters with a disability have specific rules too. If either the person who rented the car or the person who is allowed to drive it is 25 years old or older, you will not have to pay any extra fee for being underage. But if both are under 25, the company will charge the underage fee.
- Inbound Tour Renters: Tourists renting cars who are non-U.S. residents must be at least 19 years old to rent on an inbound tour rate. For U.S. residents, the minimum age is 21, and an underage fee may apply for those who are under 25.
- Maximum Age Requirements: In the U.S., the Budget does not have a maximum age limit for renting a car. However, in other countries, there may be age restrictions. To ensure you know the rules and any fees that might apply, check your reservation confirmation or contact Budget customer service.
Dollar
Dollar offers affordable rates with the following age policies:
- Renting Under 25: Yes, you can rent a car even if you are under 25. Dollar rents cars to drivers who are 20 to 24 years old (and 18 years old in New York and Michigan). Whether you are going home for the holidays, taking a road trip with friends, or heading out on your own, Dollar makes it easy for younger drivers to rent a car.
How to Rent a Car If You are Under 25?
If you are under 25 and want to rent a car from Dollar, here is what you need to do. First, make sure you are at least 20 years old (or 18 if you’re in New York or Michigan). You must have a valid driver’s license that has been active for over a year. You also need a debit or credit card in your own name. Lastly, be prepared to pay an extra fee for being under 25, in addition to the regular rental cost.
- Easy Process To Rent: To rent a car, start by making a reservation online where you choose where and when you want the car and what type you need. If you pay in advance, you will need to give a credit card number. When it is time to pick up the car, go to the Dollar location with your valid driver’s license and a credit card to get your car keys.
- Minimum Age for Renting: In the U.S. and Canada, you need to be at least 20 years old to rent a car. If you are in New York or Michigan, you can rent a car starting at 18 years old.
- Special Cases: If you are in the U.S. military or a government employee, you can rent a car starting at 18, just you need the right official paperwork. Some corporate rental agreements also allow renting at 18. Additionally, in Michigan and New York, you can rent a car starting at 18 due to local rules.
- Young Renter Fee: There is an extra fee for renting if you are under 25. This fee is charged once per rental.
- Car Types Available: Most car types, from compact to SUVs, are available for young renters. However, some special vehicles, like the StyleSeries, are not available.
Safety Note: Drivers under 25 are often seen as more likely to have accidents compared to older drivers. But if you are a young driver between 20 and 24 (or 18 to 24 in Michigan and New York), you can still rent a car from Dollar. Just be aware that you will have to pay an extra fee called the Young Renter Fee.
Enterprise
To rent a car from Enterprise, you usually need to be at least 21 years old in most parts of the U.S. In Michigan and New York, you can rent a car if you are 18. If you are a U.S. government employee, you can rent a car at 18 too, but you need to show your official work orders.
Young Driver Fees
- In Michigan, drivers aged 18-20 pay an extra $36.50 per day, and drivers aged 21-24 pay an extra $15.75 per day.
- In New York, drivers aged 18-20 pay an extra $64.75 per day, and drivers aged 21-24 pay an extra $30.75 per day.
- In other places, drivers under 25 usually pay about $25 extra per day, but this can be different.
Make sure to check the fee when you book your car.
Europcar
Europcar is a popular choice in Europe and beyond, with these age policies based on various countries:
France, Belgium, Germany
In France, Belgium, and Germany, the minimum age to rent a car is 19 years old. However, drivers under 26 years old will need to pay an extra fee called the young driver surcharge.
Italy
In Italy, you must be at least 25 years old to rent a car. If you are between 18 and 24 years old, you might still be able to rent a car depending on the car type you want, but you will have to pay the young driver's fee.
Portugal
In Portugal, the minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old. Drivers aged 19 to 22 years old will need to pay the young driver charge.
Spain
In Spain, you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Drivers under 25 years old have to pay a fee for being a young driver.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, you must be at least 22 years old and no older than 75 years old to rent a car. Drivers who are 22 to 26 years old will need to pay the young driver fee.
Hertz
To rent a car from Hertz in the U.S. or Canada, you need to be at least 20 years old. In Michigan, New York, and Quebec, you can rent a car if you are 18. In Alabama and Nebraska, you need to be 19 to rent a car. You must have a valid driver's license that has been issued for at least one year and a valid debit or credit card. Some Hertz locations may also require a credit card.
Renting Under 25
If you are under 25, you can still rent a car from Hertz, but you might have to pay extra charges. You can choose from many car types, but you will not be able to rent certain special cars or luxury collections like the Dream Car or Prestige Collection if you are under 25.
National
To rent a car from National, you must be at least 21 years old. There is no upper age limit for renting in the United States or Canada, although policies may vary for different locations. If you are between 21 and 24 years old, you might have to pay an additional fee known as a "younger fee," which is usually around $25 per day but can change depending on where you rent the car.
Exceptions for Younger Renters
In some places, like Michigan and New York, you can rent a car starting at 18 years old. If you are in the U.S. military or a government employee renting for official travel, you will not have to pay the extra fee if you present your official travel orders.
SIXT
To rent a car in the USA and most other countries, you must be 21 years or older. Also, you need to have a valid driver’s license and a valid debit or credit card to complete the rental process.
- For Drivers Under 25: If you are under 25, you will pay an extra fee called the Young Driver Charge. This fee varies depending on the state where you rent the car.
- Special Rules: Sixt has some unique rules compared to other companies. They do not require you to have had your driver’s license for a year before renting a car. As long as you have a valid license, you can rent a car right away.
- Using a Debit Card: You can use a debit card to rent a car if you are under 25, but there are some restrictions. Check the details on websites for using a debit card before you book.
- Renting Abroad: The minimum age to rent a car can be different in countries. In some European countries, you can rent a car from the age of 18, and in some not. Make sure to check the rental age for the country you are planning to visit.
Thrifty
Thrifty provides cost-effective rental options with these age requirements:
- Minimum Age: To rent a car from Thrifty, you generally need to be at least 21 years old. However, local laws may need different age requirements, so it is important to check the rules for your specific location. In some situations, if you are renting through a Thrifty business account, younger drivers might rent without paying extra fees, depending on the company and local regulations.
- Drivers Aged 25 and Older: For renters who are 25 years old or older, there are no extra age-related charges.
- Drivers Under 25: If you are between 20 and 24 years old (or 18 to 24 in Michigan, New York, and Quebec), you might have to pay additional fees. You must check local rules for details about the exact charges and age requirements.
- Authorized Drivers: Only the person who rents the car and any additional drivers listed in the rental agreement can drive the car. All drivers must be at least the minimum age required, have a valid driver's license, and provide a home address. Each driver also needs to have a credit or debit card in their name. If the car rental is arranged through a company’s corporate rental plan, then employees of that company are allowed to drive the car. However, these employees must have a valid driver’s license and meet the minimum age requirements set by the rental company.
- Underage Driver's Fee: If you are between 20 and 24 years old (18 to 24 in Michigan, New York, and Quebec), you might be charged an extra fee due to your age. The specific amount and rules can differ by location, so check with your rental location for details carefully.
Conclusion
So, renting a car can ease your travel experience, but it is important to understand the age policies of different rental companies. Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, SIXT, National, Thrifty, Alamo, and Dollar, so you can choose the best and most affordable option for your next trip. Like, most companies require renters to be at least 21 years old, with additional fees for drivers under 25. Some companies, like Hertz and Dollar, allow rentals from age 20. In states like Michigan and New York, the minimum age is often lower, but you have to pay higher fees. While planning to rent a car, check the specific age policy of the rental company and location. This will help you avoid unexpected charges and ensure a smooth rental process.