Renting A Car

At many car rental agencies around the country there are age restrictions that you need to be aware of. In fact, there are so many restrictions for those under the age of 25 that some of the smaller and independently help companies won’t allow you to rent a car at all if you are under 25. At the larger corporate operated brand agencies they will insist you be at least 21 years of age to rent a car.

There are a lot of provisions that must be followed for customers between the ages of 21-24. So, keep these in mind if you are thinking of renting a car:

* If you are between the ages 21-24 you must present a major and valid credit card as they will not accept debit cards. The credit card must be in the drivers name.

* All drivers of the rented vehicle must show a valid driver’s license. However, for those between 21-24 your license will be subject to the screening of your driving record. Again, the license must have the name of the renter who will be driving the car on it.

* A surcharge of $27-per-day will applied to those between 21-24. Caution, if you are making reservations online, the companies do not verify your age at that time. The surcharge will be in addition to the quoted online rate.

* If you were looking forward to driving in style, think again. Drivers between the ages of 21-24 are not permitted to rent luxury cars. Most of the specialty vehicles are off limits as well. These include, mini vans, SUVs, and premium SUVs.

* If the current renter of under 25 years wants to add an additional driver to the contract, the second driver MUST be 25 years or older. As well, the additional driver must present their valid driver’s license and credit card.

* Also, keep in mind that charge may be applied AFTER you return your rental car. Even if you have prepaid for the rental and are under 25 years of age, the surcharges will be added at the counter and will need to be paid when you return the car.

A lot of this will depend on which state you are renting your car from. Here are a few examples of what you can find when you head out to rent a car and you’re under 25 years old:

* In the state of Michigan at the larger corporate locations, the minimum rental age is 18 years old. You must have a major valid credit card and driver’s license, and expect to pay a surcharge of $41-per-day if you are between the ages of 18-20 and $28-per-day for those between 21-24 years old.

* In Washington, D.C. all corporate car rental agencies require drivers to be at least 25 years of age with a valid credit card and driver’s license or they will not rent the car at all.

So, these are a few tips and advice on what you can expect to encounter when renting a car in the United States and you are under the age of 25. Depending on your situation it may be better to wait until you are 25 to rent a car or take the bus until then.