You’re young and ready to see the world. You’ve booked your first real trip by yourself, and you’re ready to make some amazing memories. You arrive at your destination, ready to see what’s out there and explore a new location. However, there’s still one thing you need to get – your rental car. You know there are agencies in the area, so you go to one and put in your information. Then you realize how hard renting a car under 25 really is.
Unfortunately, this story is common. Renting a car under 25 is a very difficult proposition in most places in the United States. Most states require you to be at least 21 before you can rent a car, but having to being four years older than that still presents some issues. So before you plan that big trip, here are a few things about renting a car you should factor in.
Is Renting a Car Under 25 Possible?
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Renting a car under 25 is difficult and can require a lot of work to do properly. However, it’s not an impossible task. Rental agencies have changed their age limits over time. Previously, they wouldn’t rent to 18-year-olds. This was due to statistics stating that people in this age group carried a higher risk for accidents.
This led to large rental agencies not even allowing those under 25 to rent a vehicle. Today, however, many agencies allow for people over 21 to rent a car; and some agencies even allow twenty-year-olds to rent. However, this doesn’t mean the process is perfect, or else you wouldn’t need any information about car rentals for those in their early twenties. There are still factors that make renting a car under 25 more expensive and difficult for young drivers. They cover everything from location to agencies to simple preparation on your part.
It may seem overwhelming, but understanding these base factors will help you rent a car without any difficulty. Renting a car is an expensive procedure at any age, To get a rental without emptying your wallet, make sure you go over these factors before even talking to a rental agency. There is a lot to consider, but these are ten of the most important factors you need to look over.
Ten Things to Consider before You Rent a Car
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In Depth Research
Any trip requires research to plan, and renting a car at 25 is no different. You need to be prepared to look over a range of information to learn about your options in renting a car. It’s a long process, to be sure. However, if you need a mode of transportation for your trip, you need to be prepared to look through a large amount of information.
A good step is to factor this into your trip plans. While you’re calling the hotel, getting your plane tickets, or packing your bags, look up the rental information at your destination. It’ll save you hassle later and allow you to tackle this part of the trip before you leave home. When you travel, it will be with total peace of mind that everything has been taken care of.
Agencies
The most important question to answer before renting a car under 25 is where to go. As mentioned before, there are many available agencies that will rent to you. The list includes large chains such as Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Advantage, and National. There may also be smaller agencies like Rent-a-Wreck you can consider, too.
These smaller rental companies can be essential if there are no larger agencies in the area. They not only fulfill your need for a car but may also offer better rates than larger agencies. Independent locations can prove just as useful. Be sure to examine all your agency options before you call.
Age Requirements
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As mentioned, agencies often vary the minimum age for renting a car under 25. A general rule is for renters to be at least 20. However, this can not only vary between agencies but also by state. New York and Michigan allow rentals at 18, but Mississippi keeps the age at 21.
It’s important you check the limits for the state and the agencies at your destination. Renting a car under 25 may be different where you’re going, so understanding the rules for states and agencies is vital to having a good trip and easy rental.
Surcharges
Another major issue to consider is surcharges, which are additional fees placed by the agencies. Agencies charge these extra fees for all drivers. However, drivers renting a car under 25 can see higher fees. They can range from $15 to $75 per day.
These fees can be a major drain on your finances, so it’s important to learn what these fees are and how they will impact you. Agencies charge differently, so examine what each agency charges daily. There can be a difference of $65 or so for drivers under 25 compared to drivers over 25. However, there are ways to forgo these surcharges that will come up later in the list.
Other Expenses
Renting a car is expensive even without the surcharges. Your calculations should include the regular daily rental cost, insurance (if you don’t have your own), and taxes and fees. Gas is also a huge consideration. Make sure you research includes all these factors, especially as you examine agencies.
Agency Exemptions
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Surcharges can be a problem for renters. However, there are ways to avoid them. If you are renting a car under 25 and are a member of AAA (American Automobile Association) or USAA (United States Automobile Associaton), some agencies will waive the surcharge. It’s vital to see which rental agencies are associated with these organizations.
USAA is free to join and is available to everyone, even those without military experience. While some discounts are restricted to active or retired military personnel and their families, car rental is available to all members. USAA is one of the easier options to consider for lower rates on rented cars.
Work And Military Exemptions
If you don’t belong to AAA or USAA, there are still other options for you. If your trip is for work, your company may have a corporate account to help you rent a car at a reduced rate and eliminate any underage surcharges. The military offers similar discounts, allowing workers to rent at reduced rates for official business. Government workers can take advantage of similar discounts, too.
Vehicle Types
The type of car you rent may make or break your trip. However, renting a car under 25 carries certain limitations. This varies from agency to agency, but it can affect the cars that are available to you. Some renters will not rent luxury vehicles, vans, or SUV’s to young drivers. Those that do may require higher surcharges on top of all the other expenses discussed above.
This problem is becoming less of an issue as more agencies are offering a wider range of cars for younger renters. However, it is still vital you call ahead and check availability if you need a specific car for your trip.
Insurance
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This isn’t a requirement for renting a car under 25, but it’s still important to understand. It’s best that your have personal auto insurance that covers your rental car in addition to your main vehicle. Another option is to purchase Loss Damage Waivers. While not insurance, it will absolve you of responsibility for any damage that may occur.
Alternatives to Renting a Car
Renting a car under 25 or at any age is expensive. Even with any exemptions you may have, the cost can be high. Once you run the numbers, you may find renting a car is too expensive for your trip. However, there are other options available to you.
Your destination may provide other cost-effective alternatives such as public transportation. The bus may not be a first choice, but if a rental is out of your range, it is an effective option. Subways. trains, and trolleys also offer less costly alternatives. It will require work on your part to navigate the public system, but it will provide cost-effective solutions to an expensive rental. Your hotel may also offer free shuttle service to locations nearby.
Conclusion
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Renting a car under 25 requires a great deal of work and research. Where you are renting, the agency you choose, and even the car you want are all factors that play a part in how much you will pay. You may not end up with the car you want or have to pay more than you expected. Sometimes, you may not even be able to afford the rental at all.
However, you now know the major factors involved in renting a car at a young age. You know to research ahead of time and where to focus your attention. You know what discounts are available to you and how to get them. Most importantly, you have a checklist to refer back to.
Incorporating this checklist into your research will aide you in understanding the process and how you can maximize your options without emptying your wallet. Renting a car under age 25 still requires work, but it’s not impossible. With these tips, you can get through it with greater ease and be able to focus on your trip.
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