Which rental companies will rent to you at 19
Most major rental chains require drivers to be at least 25 years old, but a handful will rent to 19-year-olds: Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Alamo are the most consistent options. Availability varies by location — not every branch honors the under-25 policy, and some franchises set their own rules. Call the specific location where you plan to rent, not the national customer service line, because the person answering the phone at that desk knows what their manager actually allows.
Avis and National have policies that technically allow drivers under 25 at some locations, but enforcement is spotty and you may be turned away on arrival. Regional chains like Fox Rent A Car and some independent operators also rent to younger drivers, though their fleets and locations are much smaller. The rental company's website often does not clearly state the age policy — you have to enter your birthdate during the booking process to see whether that location will accept you.
Expect to pay a young driver surcharge on top of the base rental rate. This fee ranges widely depending on the company and location, but typically runs $15 to $30 per day. Some locations charge a flat fee for the entire rental instead. The surcharge is not optional and is separate from insurance costs.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Alamo rent to 19-year-olds at most locations, but you must call the specific branch to confirm because policies vary by franchise.
- Young driver surcharges typically add $15 to $30 per day to your rental cost and are charged in addition to the base rate and insurance.
- You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your own name, and proof of insurance to complete the rental.
- Some rental companies require you to be 21 to rent certain vehicle classes, even if they rent standard cars to 19-year-olds.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your valid driver's license — it must not be expired, and some companies will not accept a learner's permit or temporary license. You also need a credit card in your own name. The rental company will place a hold on the card for the full estimated cost of the rental plus a damage deposit, which can be $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle. The hold is released when you return the car, but the funds are temporarily unavailable.
Bring proof of insurance — either your own auto insurance card or documentation that you are covered under a parent's or guardian's policy. If you do not have insurance, the rental company will sell you their collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW), which covers damage to the rental vehicle. This is not the same as liability insurance and does not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or property. Many credit cards offer rental car coverage if you charge the rental to that card — check your card's benefits before you rent, because using that coverage may be cheaper than the rental company's waiver.
Some companies ask for a second form of ID, such as a passport or student ID. Bring anything that looks official and has your photo on it.
Young driver surcharges and what they cover
The young driver surcharge is a daily fee that rental companies add because they consider drivers under 25 to be higher risk. It is not insurance — it is straightforward an extra charge on top of everything else. The amount varies: Enterprise might charge $15 per day at one location and $25 at another. Budget and Hertz have similar variation. You cannot avoid this fee by declining insurance or using a parent's credit card; the surcharge applies regardless.
The surcharge does not reduce your responsibility if you damage the car or cause an accident. You are still liable for the full cost of repairs or replacement, either through your own insurance, the rental company's damage waiver, or out of pocket. Read the rental agreement carefully before you sign — it will spell out what you are responsible for and what the damage waiver covers.
Insurance and damage coverage options
You have three ways to cover damage to the rental vehicle. The first is your own auto insurance policy — if you have one, it likely covers rental cars. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask whether rental vehicles are covered and what your deductible is. This is usually the cheapest option if you already have insurance.
The second option is a credit card benefit. Many premium credit cards offer rental car coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card. The coverage typically has a deductible of $0 to $500 and does not cover liability (damage you cause to other people or their property). Check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer to confirm coverage before you rent.
The third option is to buy the rental company's damage waiver at the counter. This waives your responsibility for collision damage to the rental vehicle, though it usually has exclusions for things like tires, glass, and interior damage. The cost varies but typically runs $15 to $25 per day. This is the most expensive option but requires no paperwork or phone calls — you just buy it when you pick up the car.
Age restrictions on specific vehicle types
Even if a rental company rents standard cars to 19-year-olds, they may require you to be 21 or older to rent SUVs, trucks, or luxury vehicles. This is not universal — it depends on the company and location. Enterprise, for example, may rent a compact car to a 19-year-old but require 21 for an SUV at the same location. Always ask about the specific vehicle class you want when you call to confirm availability.
Some companies also have restrictions on how far you can drive or whether you can take the car out of state. These rules are more common for younger renters and are spelled out in the rental agreement. Read the fine print before you sign.
How to book and what to expect at pickup
Start by visiting the rental company's website and entering your birthdate during the search. If the site says vehicles are not available for your age, try calling the location directly — the website's age filter is not always accurate. When you call, have your driver's license number ready and ask specifically whether they rent to 19-year-olds, what the young driver surcharge is, and whether the vehicle class you want is available to you.
Book online if possible, because it locks in the rate and surcharge. Booking over the phone sometimes results in higher prices. When you arrive to pick up the car, bring all your documents and be prepared to wait 15 to 30 minutes while the agent processes your rental. They will show you the car's condition, explain the damage waiver options, and have you sign the agreement. Read every page before you sign — do not let the agent rush you.
The agent will place a hold on your credit card and may ask you to initial certain sections of the agreement. If anything is unclear, ask. Once you sign, you are responsible for the terms in that agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at 19 if my parent is with me?
No. The person whose name is on the rental agreement must meet the age requirement. Your parent can be present and can provide their credit card for the hold, but you must be the primary renter and you must be old enough. Some companies allow a parent to be listed as an additional driver, but that does not change the age requirement for the primary renter.
What happens if I get in an accident?
You are responsible for reporting it to the rental company when ready, even if it is minor. If you have a damage waiver, the waiver covers the cost of repairs to the rental vehicle. Your own insurance or the credit card coverage may also explore. You are always liable for any damage you cause to other vehicles or property — that is covered by liability insurance, not the damage waiver. Contact your insurance company and the rental company's claims department right away.
Can I rent a car at 19 without a credit card?
No. All major rental companies require a credit card in your own name to place a hold for the rental cost and damage deposit. A debit card does not work. If you do not have a credit card, you cannot rent from these companies.
Do I have to buy the rental company's damage waiver?
No, but you are responsible for damage to the car if you do not have coverage. If you have your own auto insurance or a credit card with rental coverage, you can decline the rental company's waiver. Make sure your coverage is confirmed before you decline — if you turn down the waiver and then find out your insurance does not cover rentals, you will owe for any damage out of pocket.
Will the young driver surcharge explore if I rent under my parent's name?
If your parent is the primary renter, the surcharge typically does not explore because they meet the age requirement. However, if you are listed as the primary driver on the agreement, the surcharge will explore even if your parent's name is on the contract. Ask the rental agent how they handle this before you book.