Yes, you can rent a car if you're under 25, but it almost always comes with a young renter surcharge and potential restrictions on the vehicle types you can rent. Major rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis typically rent to drivers starting at age 20 or 21, but they charge a daily fee (usually between $20 and $30) for drivers under 25. This fee is on top of the rental cost and is meant to offset the higher insurance risk associated with younger, less experienced drivers.
The specific policies, including the minimum age and the surcharge amount, vary significantly by company, state, and even rental location (e.g., airport vs. neighborhood branch). Some companies may also restrict younger drivers from renting premium luxury cars, SUVs, or minivans.
| Rental Company | Minimum Age to Rent | Under-25 Surchcharge (Estimated Daily Fee) | Common Vehicle Restrictions |
|---|
| Enterprise | 21 (in most states) | $20 - $30 | Premium, Luxury, SUVs |
| Hertz | 20 (in most states) | $19 - $25 | High-value, specialty vehicles |
| Avis | 21 (in most states) | $27 - $35 | Certain car categories |
| Budget | 21 (in most states) | $27 - $35 | Certain car categories |
| Sixt | 18 (with major fees) | Varies significantly | Wide range of premium cars |
To navigate this successfully, always disclose your age when making a reservation online or over the phone. The system will automatically add the young renter fee. Failing to do so can lead to being turned away at the counter. To potentially waive the fee, check if your credit card offers rental car insurance as a benefit; some premium cards explicitly cover the under-25 surcharge. Also, explore non-airport locations, as they sometimes have more lenient policies or lower fees. Finally, consider alternatives like Turo or Zipcar, which have different age-based policies, though they also include fees for young drivers.
