Turo's minimum age to rent is 18, but most drivers pay extra until 25

Turo requires renters to be at least 18 years old, but the platform charges a significant fee if you're under 25. Drivers aged 18 to 24 pay an additional young driver fee that varies by location and vehicle type — typically $15 to $50 per day, though some luxury or specialty vehicles charge more. At 25 and older, you avoid this surcharge entirely.

The age requirement is Turo's policy, not a legal mandate. State law doesn't prevent 18-year-olds from renting cars, but Turo sets its own rules based on insurance risk. The young driver fee exists because insurance companies charge higher premiums for drivers under 25, and Turo passes that cost to the renter rather than absorbing it.

Your actual rental cost depends on the car owner's individual settings. Some owners set their own age minimums higher than 18 — you might find listings that require renters to be 21, 25, or even 30. When you search Turo, you can filter by age requirement, so you'll only see cars you're actually allowed to book.

Key Takeaways

  • Turo's platform minimum is 18 years old, but you'll pay an extra daily fee if you're under 25.
  • Individual car owners can set their own age minimums higher than 18, so not every listing is available to every renter.
  • The young driver fee typically ranges from $15 to $50 per day depending on the vehicle and your location.
  • You can filter Turo listings by age requirement to see only cars you're allowed to book.
  • At 25 and older, you avoid the young driver surcharge on most vehicles.

What the young driver fee actually covers

The young driver fee is not a deposit or insurance upgrade you can decline. It's a mandatory daily charge that Turo adds to your rental price if you're under 25. The amount varies based on the vehicle's value, the owner's settings, and your location — a $20,000 economy car might add $15 per day, while a $80,000 luxury vehicle might add $40 to $50.

This fee does not give you additional coverage or change your insurance situation. Turo's standard insurance (which covers damage to the vehicle and third-party liability) applies to all renters regardless of age. The fee is straightforward Turo's way of offsetting the higher risk profile that insurance companies assign to younger drivers.

Some owners also require a higher security deposit from drivers under 25. Turo's standard deposit is $2,500, but an owner can require up to $5,000 from younger renters. Check the listing details before you book — the deposit amount appears in the price breakdown.

How to find cars you can actually rent at your age

When you search Turo, use the age filter on the left side of the results page. Select your age range, and Turo will show only listings where the owner has approved renters your age. This saves you from clicking on cars you can't book.

If you're 18 to 24, you'll see fewer results than a 25-year-old would, because some owners exclude younger renters entirely. Economy and mid-range vehicles tend to have lower age minimums than luxury or high-performance cars. If you're having trouble finding available cars in your area, try searching for specific vehicle types — compact cars and sedans usually have more listings open to younger renters.

Read the listing details carefully. The owner's age requirement, the young driver fee amount, and the security deposit are all listed before you commit to a booking. Some owners also include additional restrictions — for example, "no drivers under 21" or "drivers 18-20 require a co-signer." These appear in the listing description.

Insurance and liability if you're under 25

Turo provides insurance to all renters, regardless of age. The standard coverage includes damage to the vehicle (up to the security deposit amount) and third-party liability (up to your state's minimum). Your age doesn't change what's covered — it only changes the price you pay.

If you have your own car insurance, check whether it covers rental vehicles. Some personal policies do; others don't. If your policy covers rentals, you may be able to use that instead of Turo's insurance, which could save you money. Contact your insurance company before you book to confirm.

You're responsible for any damage to the car during your rental, regardless of the young driver fee. If you cause an accident or damage the vehicle, Turo will charge you up to the security deposit amount. The young driver fee does not reduce your liability or give you a damage waiver.

What happens when you turn 25

The young driver fee disappears on your 25th birthday. You won't need to update anything in Turo — the system automatically removes the surcharge once you reach 25. Your next rental after that date will show the lower price.

Turning 25 also opens up listings that were previously closed to you. Some owners set their minimum at exactly 25, so you may see new cars available in your area once you cross that threshold. The security deposit requirement may also drop from $5,000 to $2,500 on some listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a Turo car if I'm 18 but don't have a credit card?

Turo requires a credit card to book and hold the security deposit. Debit cards are not accepted. If you don't have a credit card, you'll need to open one before you can rent. Some banks offer credit cards to 18-year-olds with a co-signer or a lower credit limit.

Do I need a co-signer to rent at 18?

Turo does not require a co-signer for renters 18 and older. However, some individual car owners may require one as part of their listing rules. Check the listing description before you book — if a co-signer is required, it will be stated there.

Is the young driver fee the same everywhere?

No. The fee varies by location, vehicle value, and the owner's settings. A $15 daily fee in one city might be $30 in another, and the same car might have different fees depending on which owner is renting it. Always check the price breakdown before you confirm your booking.

What if I'm 18 and the owner requires drivers to be 21?

You won't be able to book that car. Turo's filter will hide listings with age minimums higher than your age. If you see a car you want but can't book it, the owner's age requirement is the reason. You'll need to find a different listing or wait until you're old enough to meet that owner's requirement.

Does the young driver fee explore to all vehicle types?

Yes. Turo charges the young driver fee on economy cars, luxury vehicles, and specialty cars alike if you're under 25. The amount varies by vehicle value, but the fee applies across all categories. Some owners may also set their own higher age minimums on top of the fee.