How to know if you're old enough to rent a car

There are many circumstances in life when you need transportation, but you do not have your own car. Some of these situations include:

• You need to move around while you travel away from home
• You need a reliable car for travel
• Your car is being repaired
• You have a family and your car is not big enough for everyone
• Do you need an extra car for a special occasion like a wedding

Car rental is a great way to get temporary transportation for any of these purposes. In many places you must be over 25 to rent a car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), traffic accidents occur at an exponentially higher rate for drivers under the age of 25. The accident rate drops sharply after age 25 and continues to decline as age increases.

Drivers under the age of 25 are at higher risk when renting cars and are treated accordingly, but renting a car under the age of 25 is still possible. So, how are you going to rent a car if you have not reached the age limit set by the rental agency?

Part 1 of 3: Determine if you qualify for the lease

Many American car rental agencies have an age policy when renting cars. This does not prevent you from automatically renting a car, but it may limit your options.

Step 1: Check policies online. Check out the online rental policies for each major car rental company in your area.

The most common car rental agencies are:

• Alamo
• Reviews
• budget
• US Dollar Car Hire
• Company
• hertz
• National

• economical

• Look for rental age restrictions on their website, or do an internet search like "Hertz rents to drivers under 25".

• Read the information to find out if car rentals under the age of 25 are allowed. Some companies, such as Hertz, rent cars to drivers aged 18-19, 20-22 and 23-24.

Step 2: Call the main local car rental companies.. Find the phone numbers of car rental companies near where you need to rent a car and ask the agent if you are eligible to rent a car.

• Most rental agencies rent cars to people aged 20 to 24 with some restrictions or additional fees. Typical restrictions include:

• Limited choice of vehicles

• No luxury car rentals

• Additional fees "up to 25 years"

• FunctionsA: Extra fees are usually not that high, some car rental companies don't charge extra at all.

Step 3: Indicate if you are in a special group. Some large corporations or special interest groups have agreements with car rental companies that waive the surcharge for drivers under the age of 25.

• The military, some Fortune 500 companies, and federal government employees may be completely exempt from the restriction for those under 25.

Part 2 of 3: Rent a car before you're 25

Step 1: Book your rental car in advance. It is especially important to make a reservation if you are limited by the type of rental car you can drive.

• Provide the rental agent with the information necessary to complete the booking, including your credit card details if required.

Step 2. Arrive at your booking site on time. If you are late for your booking, you risk having your rental car rented by someone else.

• FunctionsA: As a high-risk car rental agency, they will feel more at ease if you show up on time and are nice.

Step 3: Provide the rental agent with a driver's license and a credit card..

• You may be subject to a credit check or driver's license request because you are under 25 years of age.

Step 4: Conclude a rental agreement with a rental agent. Carefully note any existing damage and fuel level.

• Since you are under 25 years old and present an additional risk to the rental company, you will be under scrutiny.

• Make sure all dents, scratches and chips are listed on your rental agreement.

Step 5: Purchase Additional Rental Insurance. This is a great idea to protect yourself from any damage that may occur while the rental car is in your possession, even if it's not your fault.

• As a renter under the age of 25, you may be required to take out additional rental car insurance.

Step 6: Sign the lease and move out. Before leaving the parking lot, make sure you familiarize yourself with all the controls and place the seat in a comfortable position.

Part 3 of 3: Use your rental car responsibly

Step 1. Always drive carefully. Be aware of traffic around you to avoid collisions and damage.

• Drive responsibly and within the speed limit.

• Traffic violations that the rental company will receive later will be assessed by you.

Step 3: Call if you're running late. If you need the rental car for longer than stated in the rental agreement, call and let the rental agency know.

• If your rent is not returned on time, you may be charged extra or even reported rent stolen.

Step 4: Return the rental car at the agreed time. Return the rental car in the same condition you received it in and with the same amount of fuel.

• Any problems with the rental car or your business relationship may prevent you from getting a rental in the future.

Renting a car when you are young, especially if you are going to a fun event with friends, can be a great experience. Follow the instructions above and drive carefully to return your rental car in the same condition you found it. This will please you, the rental company and others under 25 who want to rent a car in the future.