How to Rent a Car at Age 21

Most rental car agencies prefer their renters to be at least 25 years of age.

Despite the fact that most people obtain their driver's license at the age of 16, car rental agencies do not care to have drivers younger than 25 rent a vehicle. While certain car rental agencies won't do business with anyone younger than 25 at all, others will allow anyone as young as 21 to rent a car, but they will charge drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 an "underage" fee every day of the rental. To rent a car at 21, you first need to locate a rental agency willing to do business with you.

Instructions

1. Contact a rental car agency to reserve your rental car. Reservations are not required, but are suggested as a method of ensuring you get the car you want. Contact rental agencies by phone, in person or reserve your vehicle on the rental company's website.

2. Indicate the type of rental car you want: compact, sedan, SUV or truck. Indicate your rental pick-up location, pick-up date, drop-off date and drop-off location. Also provide your name, address and contact information to reserve your vehicle. Keep the reservation confirmation number for your records.

3. Visit the rental agency's location on the day of pick-up. Bring your driver's license and confirmation number with you. Go through the rental policy with the rental agency employee, which includes accepting or declining the rental insurance.

4. Provide a method of payment. Your rental charges will include an additional daily fee for being underage. Drive off with your rental car.

References

• Hertz: Minimum Age to Rent Car