It can be hard to rent a car if you’re under the age of 25. In some states, car rental companies are prohibited from renting to younger drivers entirely. This is because drives between the ages of 16 and 24 are involved in more car accidents per capita than at any other age. This can make getting around difficult if you’re a college student without a vehicle of your own. Companies that do allow college students to rent cars often charge high premiums and add on extra fees. Here are a few things to expect when renting a car if you’re under the age of 25.
Credit Card Requirements
Many traditional car rental companies require that you pay with a credit card when renting a vehicle. This many not be a viable option for younger drivers, as many of them haven’t taken out any credit cards yet. The credit card must be in the renter’s name, so using a parent’s credit card is off the table. The card must also have enough available credit to pay a deposit on the car rental. Some legacy rental car companies even require additional proof of income and identity when renting a vehicle. This can include recent pay stubs, proof of insurance, utility bills, or even personal references. Not all car rental companies require a credit card though. Some let college students rent cars with cash.
Check Your Insurance
If you live in a state that allows college students to rent cars, your insurance premium will be much higher than for other drivers. You can get a better deal by using your personal auto insurance policy instead of purchasing one at the car rental agency. It’s always in your best interest to check with your insurance agent before renting a vehicle. If you’re on your parents insurance, that may also be enough when renting a car.
Additional Drivers
If you’re renting a car for a road trip with your friends, you’ll need to pay an additional driver fee for ever extra driver on your trip. This process can be completed at the rental office when you go to pay your deposit. Make sure that every additional driver brings their drivers license and credit card. Most car rental agencies don’t require a fee if the additional driver is your spouse or partner. Bringing extra drivers on long trips is always a good idea, even if it costs extra.
Additional Fees
Before you rent a vehicle, it’s always a good idea to ask what fees that apply to your bill. Many college students share rental costs across several people when traveling on vacation. However, this may not be an option if you’re traveling on your own. If you’re under the age of 25, there’s a good chance you’ll have to pay a young driver surcharge. This surcharge is often nonrefundable. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to pay sales tax on top of everything else. This varies from state to state, so it pays to do some research.
Expect a handful of additional fees if you’re renting from an airport. These will likely include a concession recovery fee, pickup and dropoff fee, and customer facility charges. The best way to avoid these fees is by taking a short taxi or Uber ride to a car rental location outside the airport. Avoiding the airport counter can save money on your next car rental.
Renting Outside the US
If you’re a college student and you plan on traveling to Europe, you may have trouble renting a car for your journey. Many European countries enforce strict minimum and maximum ages on car rentals. Some companies will rent compact cars to young drivers, but don’t expect anything fancier than that. In many cases, car companies in Europe won’t rent luxury cars to anyone under the age of 30. If you’re under the age of 25, you’ll probably have to stick to public transportation when traveling in Europe.
College Students can Rent Cars and Save Money
Are you under the age of 25 and traveling to Los Angeles soon? Value Rental Car wants to make your car rental experience as easy as possible. We offer competitive rates for drivers of all ages, including drivers aged 18 to 24. We also offer cash and debit card rentals if you don’t have a credit card. Take advantage of our complimentary local pickup and drop-off service and skip the lines at the airport and get on the road today.