Most major rental chains will rent to drivers under 25, but you'll pay a young driver surcharge and face stricter rules

Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National all rent to drivers as young as 18 or 20, depending on the location and car type. However, being under 25 means you will pay an additional daily fee—typically $15 to $30 per day—on top of the base rental rate. You'll also face restrictions: some companies won't rent you certain vehicle classes (usually sports cars or luxury vehicles), and some locations require a credit card in your name rather than a debit card. A few regional chains and independent operators have lower or no young driver fees, but availability varies significantly by city.

The surcharge exists because insurance data shows drivers under 25 have higher accident rates. Understanding where each company draws its line—and what you can actually rent—saves you from showing up with a reservation that doesn't work for your age.

Key Takeaways

  • Major chains (Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National) rent to drivers 18–20 and up, but charge $15–$30 extra per day for drivers under 25.
  • You may be restricted from renting sports cars, luxury vehicles, or premium SUVs if you're under 25, even if you can rent economy cars.
  • A credit card in your own name is often required; debit cards are usually not accepted for drivers under 25.
  • Regional and independent rental companies sometimes offer lower or no young driver fees, but you need to call ahead to confirm availability in your area.
  • Your insurance status matters: some companies require proof of coverage, and rental car insurance costs more for younger drivers.

Age requirements and surcharges at the major chains

Enterprise rents to drivers as young as 18 at most U.S. locations, with a young driver surcharge that varies by location but typically runs $15–$25 per day. Hertz has a minimum age of 20 in most places, with surcharges around $20–$30 per day. Budget and Avis both rent to 20-year-olds with surcharges in the $15–$25 range. National's policy is similar to Avis, with a 20-year-old minimum and comparable fees.

The surcharge is not negotiable—it's built into the rate structure for your age group. However, the total cost can vary by location, so calling the specific branch where you plan to rent is worth your time. Some airport locations have different policies than off-airport branches in the same city. If you're renting for more than a few days, the cumulative surcharge can add $100 or more to your bill, so factor that into your budget before you book.

Vehicle restrictions for drivers under 25

Most major chains will not rent sports cars, convertibles, or luxury vehicles to drivers under 25. The exact list depends on the company and location, but generally you're limited to economy, compact, mid-size, and standard sedan categories. Some locations also restrict full-size SUVs and premium trucks.

This restriction is enforced at the rental counter, not during the booking process. You might reserve a mid-size car online and arrive to find it available, but if you're under 25 and the system flags you, the agent may offer you a smaller vehicle instead or ask you to pay an additional fee to upgrade to a vehicle you're technically allowed to rent. Always call ahead if you have a specific vehicle type in mind—don't assume your online reservation means you can actually take that car off the lot.

Payment and insurance requirements

You must have a credit card in your own name to rent a car under 25. Debit cards are almost never accepted as the primary payment method, even if you have sufficient funds. The card is used to place a hold for the rental cost plus a security deposit, which can be $200–$500 depending on the vehicle and location.

Insurance is another cost to consider. If you don't have your own auto insurance that covers rental cars, you'll need to purchase the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW). These typically cost $15–$25 per day for drivers under 25—on top of your young driver surcharge. Check your personal auto insurance policy or credit card benefits before you rent; some policies and cards cover rental vehicles, which can save you significant money. If you're unsure, call your insurance company or credit card issuer before you book.

Regional and independent rental companies with lower young driver fees

Some regional chains and independent operators charge lower young driver surcharges or none at all. Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental platform, allows drivers as young as 18 to rent from private owners, though individual owners set their own age policies and fees. Zipcar and similar car-sharing services have different age structures—Zipcar requires drivers to be 18 with a valid license, and membership fees vary, but there's no separate young driver surcharge per rental.

Availability depends entirely on your location. A regional chain that operates in the Southeast might not exist in the Midwest. The best approach is to search for "car rental under 25" or "young driver car rental" plus your city name, then call any company that appears to confirm their current age policy and surcharge. Prices and policies change, and what worked for someone last year might not explore today.

How to reduce your rental cost as a young driver

Book directly with the rental company rather than through a third-party booking site. Third-party sites sometimes don't display young driver surcharges clearly during the booking process, and you may discover the full cost only at the counter. Booking directly lets you see the surcharge upfront and compare it across companies.

Rent from an off-airport location if possible. Airport rental counters often charge higher base rates and additional facility fees, which stack on top of your young driver surcharge. A branch a few miles from the airport can be significantly cheaper. If you're flying in, consider taking a rideshare to an off-airport location or renting the day after you arrive, once you've had time to get to a cheaper branch.

Decline the rental company's insurance if your personal auto policy or credit card covers rental vehicles. This single decision can save you $15–$25 per day. Confirm coverage in writing before you rent—call your insurance company or credit card issuer and ask them to email you a confirmation that rental cars are covered. Bring that email to the rental counter.

What to bring and what to expect at the counter

Bring your driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your insurance card or a declaration page from your policy). If you're renting in a state where you don't live, bring your proof of residency—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Some companies ask for this to verify your address.

At the counter, the agent will ask about insurance, run your credit card, and explain the young driver surcharge and any vehicle restrictions. If you're surprised by the total cost, this is the moment to ask whether a different vehicle class or rental period would be cheaper, or whether the company has any current promotions. Don't be shy—rental companies often have loyalty discounts or promotional codes that aren't advertised online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car at 18?

Yes, Enterprise rents to 18-year-olds at most U.S. locations. Other major chains require you to be 20. Regional and independent companies vary, so call ahead. You'll pay a young driver surcharge regardless of which company you choose.

What if I don't have a credit card?

You need a credit card in your own name to rent from any major chain. If you don't have one, consider opening a secured credit card before your trip—it requires a cash deposit but builds credit and can be used for car rentals. Alternatively, some peer-to-peer rental platforms like Turo may accept debit cards, though policies vary by owner.

Does my parents' insurance cover me if I rent a car?

Usually not. Most auto insurance policies cover the policyholder and household members, but rental cars are often excluded unless the policy specifically includes rental coverage. Call your parents' insurance company to ask, and get a written confirmation. If you're not covered, you'll need to purchase the rental company's insurance or get your own policy.

Why is the young driver surcharge so high?

Insurance data shows drivers under 25 have higher accident rates, so rental companies charge more to offset the increased risk. The surcharge is standard across the industry and is not negotiable, though the exact amount varies by location and company.

Can I rent a sports car if I'm under 25?

No, most major chains restrict sports cars, convertibles, and luxury vehicles to drivers 25 and older. You're typically limited to economy, compact, and mid-size vehicles. Some locations may allow full-size sedans or standard SUVs, but call ahead to confirm what's available in your age group.