can you rent a car with a car seat

[LaLyla]

Yes, you can absolutely rent a car with a car seat. Virtually all major rental car companies in the U.S.—including Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget—offer child safety seats as optional rental equipment. The cost typically ranges from $10 to $15 per day, though weekly rates might offer slightly better value. It is crucial to reserve the car seat at the same time you book your vehicle, as availability is not guaranteed and is subject to demand at your specific rental location.

How to Reserve and What to Expect When you make your reservation online, you’ll usually find the car seat option under "Additional Equipment" or "Accessories." You will need to specify the type of seat required: infant, convertible, or booster seat. Upon pickup, you are responsible for installing the seat yourself. Rental companies do not install them due to liability reasons. You should thoroughly inspect the seat for any visible damage, cleanliness, and check its expiration date (usually stamped on the back or bottom) before accepting it.

Cost Considerations and Alternatives While convenient, renting a seat can become expensive for longer trips. A five-day rental could cost over $60, which may be close to the retail price of a new, basic booster seat. For extended vacations, purchasing an inexpensive seat from a retailer like Walmart or Target and bringing it with you can be more economical. If you are flying, most U.S. airlines allow you to check a car seat for free, in addition to your regular baggage allowance.

Rental Company	Estimated Daily Cost	Seat Types Available	Advance Reservation Recommended?
Hertz	~$13.99/day	Infant, Convertible, Booster	Yes, highly recommended
Enterprise	~$10-$15/day	Infant, Convertible, Booster	Yes, essential for guarantee
Avis	~$14/day	Convertible, Booster	Yes, subject to availability
Budget	~$13.99/day	Convertible, Booster	Yes, not guaranteed at counter
National	~$12-$15/day	Infant, Convertible, Booster	Yes, strongly advised

Final Recommendation The rental car seat option provides excellent convenience for short trips or spontaneous travel. However, for the sake of cost-efficiency, familiarity, and guaranteed hygiene, bringing your own seat is often the preferred choice for families, especially for vacations longer than a few days.

[DelAsher]

As a mom who travels a lot with my toddler, I always reserve a car seat with the rental. It’s one less bulky thing to haul through the airport. My biggest tip? Book it weeks ahead. I learned the hard way once—they were sold out, and I had to scramble. Also, give the seat a quick once-over when you get it. Make sure the straps aren’t frayed and it looks clean. You’re the one installing it, so you’re in charge of your kid’s safety.

[DiAdriana]

From a budget perspective, renting a car seat is convenient but not always cheap. At around $15 a day, a week-long rental can cost over $100. You can often buy a new, certified booster seat for that price. If you have the room, bringing your own is the most cost-effective move. Airlines won’t charge you extra to check it. Just factor in the hassle of carrying it versus the savings.

[BryceLynn]

I frequently rent cars for business and occasionally need a seat when my family joins. The process is simple: add it during the online booking process. The key is understanding that the rental agency provides the equipment, but you assume all responsibility for its correct installation and use. They won’t help you fit it. I always double-check my reservation confirmation to ensure the car seat is listed to avoid any surprises at the counter.

[StJosie]

Your child’s safety is the top priority. While rental seats meet federal standards, you don’t know their history. Bringing your own seat ensures you’re familiar with its installation and it hasn’t been in an accident. If you must rent, inspect it carefully. Look for the expiration date molded into the plastic—usually 6 to 10 years from manufacture. If anything seems off, don’t hesitate to ask for a different one. It’s better to be safe.