Which rental companies will rent to you at 20
Most major rental chains impose a minimum age of 25, but several will rent to drivers as young as 20. Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis all rent to 20-year-olds at many locations, though policies vary by branch and you will pay a daily surcharge — typically $15 to $30 per day — for being under 25. Alamo and National also rent to some 20-year-olds depending on location. Regional chains like Fox Rent A Car and Advantage often have lower age minimums than the national brands.
The catch is that availability and pricing are not consistent. A rental company's corporate policy may allow 20-year-olds, but individual locations can enforce stricter rules. Before you book online, call the specific branch where you plan to pick up the car — do not rely on the website alone. Some locations will refuse to rent to anyone under 25 no matter what the policy says.
Your best bet for finding a rental at 20 is to contact multiple companies directly and ask which ones at your airport or city will rent to you. Have your driver's license ready when you call, because some branches will ask about your driving record before quoting a price.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis rent to 20-year-olds at many locations, but each charges an underage driver surcharge of $15 to $30 per day.
- Individual rental branches can refuse to rent to drivers under 25 even if the company's policy allows it, so you must call your specific pickup location to confirm.
- Regional and independent rental companies often have lower age minimums than national chains and may not charge an underage surcharge.
- You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your own name to complete the rental, regardless of age.
- Insurance requirements and costs are the same for 20-year-olds as for older drivers, but some companies restrict the types of vehicles available to younger renters.
What the underage surcharge actually costs
The daily surcharge for drivers under 25 ranges from $15 to $30 per day depending on the company and location. On a three-day rental, that adds $45 to $90 to your total cost. Some companies charge a flat fee per rental instead of a daily rate — typically $25 to $50 — which is cheaper if you are renting for a week or longer.
The surcharge is separate from the base rental rate and insurance. It is not optional — if you want to rent at 20, you pay it. Some companies advertise lower base rates but make up the difference with a higher underage fee, so compare the total cost, not just the daily rate. Use the rental company's website to get a quote, then call the location to confirm the underage surcharge before you book.
Insurance and liability when you are under 25
Rental companies treat insurance the same way for 20-year-olds as for older drivers. You can decline the company's damage waiver if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars, but you will be liable for any damage to the vehicle. Read your insurance policy or call your insurer before you rent to confirm what is covered.
If you do not have your own insurance, you will need to buy the rental company's coverage. This typically costs $12 to $25 per day and covers collision and theft. Some companies also offer roadside information and other add-ons. Ask what is included in the base coverage and what costs extra.
Your age does not change your liability — if you cause an accident, you are responsible for repairs or replacement, whether you are 20 or 50. The rental agreement you sign at pickup will spell out what you owe in different scenarios.
Documents you need to bring
You will need a valid driver's license issued by your state or country. An expired license will not work. If your license is from another country, bring an International Driving Permit along with it — some companies require this, others do not, so call ahead.
You also need a credit card in your own name. The rental company will place a hold on the card for the estimated rental cost plus a deposit, usually $200 to $500. The hold is released when you return the car, but it ties up that much of your available credit during the rental. Debit cards are not accepted by most major chains, though some regional companies will take them.
Bring proof of insurance if you have it — your policy documents or a declaration page from your insurer. If you are declining the rental company's coverage, you will need to show proof that your insurance covers rental cars before you can sign the agreement.
Vehicle restrictions for drivers under 25
Some rental companies limit what types of cars 20-year-olds can rent. You may not be able to book a luxury vehicle, a sports car, or a large SUV. Economy and mid-size sedans are almost always available. Compact SUVs and crossovers are usually available too, though some companies restrict these to drivers 25 and older.
These restrictions are not universal — they vary by company and location. When you call to confirm that a location will rent to you at 20, ask what vehicle classes are available. If you have your heart set on a specific type of car, mention it when you call rather than discovering the restriction when you arrive to pick up.
Regional and independent rental companies
Fox Rent A Car rents to drivers as young as 18 at most locations and does not charge an underage surcharge. Advantage and Thrifty rent to 20-year-olds without a surcharge at many branches. Payless Car Rental has rented to drivers under 25 in the past, though policies have tightened in recent years — call your local branch to check current policy.
Independent rental companies in your area may also rent to 20-year-olds. Search online for "car rental near me" and call local businesses directly. Smaller companies often have more flexibility on age requirements and may not charge a surcharge. The trade-off is that their fleets are smaller, so availability is less predictable and you may not have a choice of vehicle type.
Regional companies are most common at smaller airports and in mid-sized cities. At major airports, the national chains dominate, but it is still worth checking whether a regional company operates there.
How to book and what to expect at pickup
Start by visiting the websites of companies that rent to 20-year-olds and entering your age and pickup location. Get a quote, but do not book yet. Call the specific rental location where you plan to pick up the car and confirm three things: that they will rent to a 20-year-old, what the underage surcharge is, and what vehicle classes are available.
Once you have confirmed by phone, you can book online or call back to reserve. When you arrive for pickup, bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance if you have it. The agent will run your license through a database to check for violations or suspensions. If your record is clean, you will sign the rental agreement, which lists what you are liable for and what is covered by insurance.
Read the agreement before you sign. It will show the daily rate, the underage surcharge, any insurance charges, and the total estimated cost. The agent will walk you through the vehicle inspection — you will both note any existing damage so you are not charged for it when you return. Take photos of the car's condition with your phone if you want a record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at 20 if I have a speeding ticket?
Yes. A speeding ticket does not disqualify you from renting. The rental company will see it on your driving record, but a single minor violation will not prevent the rental. Multiple violations, suspensions, or a DUI will likely result in a denial. Call the rental location to ask about your specific record if you are unsure.
What if I get in an accident during the rental?
Call the rental company when ready and report the accident. If you bought their damage waiver, they will handle the claim. If you declined it and relied on your own insurance, contact your insurer right away. You are liable for the deductible either way. Do not leave the scene or admit fault to anyone except police and the rental company.
Can I rent a car for someone else if I am 20?
No. The person whose name is on the rental agreement is the only one legally allowed to drive the car. If you rent it, you must be the primary driver. Some companies allow an additional driver for a small fee, but that person must also meet the age requirement and be present at pickup to sign the agreement.
Do I need a credit card if I have a debit card?
Most major rental companies require a credit card. Debit cards do not work because the company needs to place a hold on your account, and debit card holds can take longer to release. Some regional companies accept debit cards, but you will need to ask when you call. If you do not have a credit card, a regional or independent rental company is your best option.
Is the underage surcharge the same at every location?
No. The surcharge varies by location, season, and demand. A location in a major city may charge $30 per day while a smaller airport charges $15. Peak travel seasons also affect the price. Always call your specific pickup location to get an accurate quote rather than relying on the website estimate.