Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car at 19 Years Old
Renting a car is often seen as a rite of passage for many young adults, especially when it comes to traveling or exploring new places. However, if you’re 19 years old, you might be surprised to find that renting a car isn’t as simple as walking into a rental agency and picking up the keys. There are several factors that can affect your ability to rent a car at 19, from company policies to insurance requirements. In this article, we’ll unveil the surprising truth about renting a car at 19 years old, covering everything you need to know, including common restrictions, costs, and tips to make the process easier.
Why Renting a Rental Car at 19 Is Different
In most countries, the legal age to rent a car is 21. However, many rental car companies make exceptions for drivers who are 19 or 20 years old, albeit with a few conditions. Here’s why renting a rental car at 19 can be a bit more complicated:
- Age Restrictions: Most rental car companies set a minimum age of 21, but some will allow rentals starting at 19 with additional fees and limitations.
- Underage Fees: If you’re under 25, you’ll typically have to pay an underage surcharge, which can significantly increase the cost of your rental.
- Insurance Costs: As a young driver, you may be required to purchase additional insurance coverage, either from the rental company or through a third-party provider.
The Legal Age to Rent a Car: What You Need to Know
While the legal driving age in most countries is 18, rental companies generally set their own rules regarding the minimum age for renting a car. In many cases, 21 is the benchmark, but there are some exceptions.
In the U.S., some rental agencies will allow you to rent a car at 19, especially if you’re renting in certain states or regions. However, you’ll still need to meet specific conditions, which include:
- State Laws: Some states allow rental car companies to rent vehicles to drivers under 21, while others do not.
- Type of Vehicle: Some companies may restrict the types of cars available to drivers under 25. Luxury vehicles, SUVs, or sports cars are often off-limits to those under 21.
- Government or Military Exceptions: In some cases, young drivers serving in the military may be eligible to rent a car at 19 with fewer restrictions.
Rental Car Companies That Rent to Drivers Under 21
Some rental companies are more flexible than others when it comes to renting cars to young drivers. If you’re 19 and looking to rent a rental car, here are some of the major rental car agencies that may allow you to rent:
- Enterprise: Enterprise allows drivers as young as 19 to rent a car in certain locations, but expect to pay an underage fee and meet other requirements.
- Hertz: Hertz may rent to drivers aged 19 and older in some areas, though this is generally limited to specific vehicle types, such as economy cars.
- Avis: Avis typically rents to drivers under 21 in some locations, but an underage surcharge applies, and specific policies may vary by region.
- Budget: Budget may allow rentals for drivers 19 and older, depending on the location, but again, expect to pay extra for the underage fee.
What Are the Costs of Renting a Car at 19?
Renting a car at 19 is likely to be more expensive than renting at 25 or older. Here’s why:
Underage Surcharge
Most car rental companies impose an underage surcharge on drivers under 25. For drivers aged 19-20, the surcharge can range from $20 to $50 per day, depending on the location and the rental company.
Insurance Coverage
If you’re under 25, you may be required to buy additional insurance. This is often an added cost that young drivers aren’t always prepared for. Some rental companies will allow you to use your personal car insurance or credit card coverage, but be sure to check beforehand to avoid paying extra.
Rental Car Type Restrictions
Rental car agencies often restrict the types of vehicles available to younger drivers. If you’re 19, you may only be allowed to rent economy or compact cars. Luxury vehicles, larger SUVs, or sports cars are typically reserved for drivers aged 25 and older.
Step-By-Step Process for Renting a Car at 19
Now that you understand the challenges and costs associated with renting a car at 19, let’s go through the process step by step:
- Check Your Eligibility: Research the rental car company’s age requirements. Make sure they allow rentals for drivers under 21, and check if there are any additional restrictions or fees.
- Gather Necessary Documents: You’ll need a valid driver’s license, a credit card, and proof of insurance (if you’re not purchasing the rental company’s coverage).
- Choose the Right Car: Be prepared to rent a smaller or economy vehicle. If you want something bigger or more luxurious, you may need to wait until you turn 21.
- Understand the Costs: Be aware of any underage fees and additional charges for insurance. Confirm the total price before making the reservation.
- Book in Advance: To avoid higher costs or availability issues, it’s a good idea to book your rental car well in advance.
Insurance Options for Young Drivers
As a 19-year-old, you’ll likely need to take additional steps when it comes to insurance. Here are the most common options:
- Rental Car Insurance: Most rental companies offer coverage options that you can purchase directly through them, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Liability Insurance.
- Personal Car Insurance: If you already have car insurance, check with your provider to see if your policy extends to rental cars. Some companies cover rental cars under their standard coverage.
- Credit Card Insurance: Many credit cards offer rental car insurance when you pay with the card, but check your card’s terms to make sure you’re covered.
Troubleshooting Tips for Renting a Car at 19
If you’ve run into trouble while trying to rent a car at 19, here are a few tips to help smooth the process:
- Book Through Third-Party Websites: Some third-party booking sites specialize in rentals for young drivers. They might be able to help you find a company with fewer restrictions or lower underage fees.
- Look for Special Discounts: Some car rental agencies offer discounts or deals for young drivers, especially if you’re a student or member of a loyalty program.
- Contact the Rental Location Directly: If you’re having trouble with online bookings, call the rental location to confirm that you meet the age requirements and inquire about any additional fees.
Conclusion
Renting a rental car at 19 isn’t impossible, but it does come with challenges and additional costs. By understanding the age restrictions, underage fees, and insurance requirements, you can better prepare for your rental experience. While there are some limitations to renting a car at this age, the freedom and convenience of having a car while traveling or exploring are well worth the effort. Remember to check for special deals, book early, and make sure you’re fully covered with the right insurance before you hit the road.
If you’re ready to explore your rental options, Enterprise offers various policies for young drivers, and you can find more detailed information on their site.
To learn more about car rental tips and tricks, feel free to visit this useful guide to make your journey even easier!
This article is in the category Safe Driving and created by EasyCarFix Team