Best 10 places that rent cars to 18-year-olds

If you are looking to rent a car in the U.S., hundreds of car rental companies offer this service to people over 25 years old, the age that is considered appropriate to rent a car in most states of the country. However, some companies offer this service to minors. Still, the youngest has certain limitations when choosing the model of vehicle they wish to rent, among other rules.

The states where 18-year-olds can rent cars are New York and Michigan since, by law, these companies require drivers to be over 25. Those who wish to pay for this service and are between 18 and 24 years old must pay an additional fee according to the restrictions of each county.  

Can you rent a car at 18 years old?

In the United States, most states require citizens to be 18 or older to drive a vehicle. However, those who wish to rent a car from the agencies must be 25 or older to avoid paying additional fees. Young people between 18 and 24 can rent a car, but they do have to pay extra money to cover the risks.

You can rent a car without paying extra if you are 21 or older and live in Mississippi. On the other hand, young people over 18 residing in New York and Michigan can rent a car without being required to pay more than the rental fee.

How much does it cost to rent a car in the USA?

On average, renting a car in the U.S. costs around $55 per day and about $1,345 per month.

Places that rent cars to 18-year-olds

Several companies offer the option of renting cars to people over 18. Here is a list of the 10 best car rental companies that allow young people between 18 and 24 years old to drive. 

REMINDER: The companies charge additional fees for those under 25. 

1. National Car Rental 

Founded in 1947, this company aimed to create a car rental network for business travelers needing to get around Missouri. Over the years, National has grown into a company with thousands of locations nationwide. It offers many vehicles, from economy cars to luxury SUVs. 

Regarding the age of National car rentals, military members of the U.S. armed forces and government employees over 18 can travel without paying the $25 youth surcharge (for renters under 25). To do so, they must present documents proving their status.  

On Trustpilot, National Car Rental has a 4.6/5 rating. Its customers are satisfied with the speed of customer service, the booking methods and the wide variety of available car models. 

2. Hertz

Hertz was founded in 1918 in Chicago and became known for renting luxury automobiles, primarily to business travelers and high-end tourists. However, in 1923 the company expanded nationally. Hertz was the first company to introduce the hourly rate system for car rentals.

Hertz has an exclusive program for those 18 and older to rent cars. However, they will be charged an additional $19 per day. Yet, this is only limited to Michigan and New York.

On Truspilot, Hertz is 4.4/5, with customers noting the helpfulness of the staff, the speed of processing paperwork, and the variety of vehicles available.

3. Avis

Avis is a well-known multinational car rental company. Founded in 1946, Avis has positioned itself as one of the most reliable car rental companies. One of the reasons for its success is the wide range of models, colors, and types of cars available in its stores. 

Michigan or New York citizens can rent a car at 18 at Avis. The driver must have a valid driver’s license and a credit card to pay for the service. Those over 21 who want to drive can do so, leaving aside the policy of most car rental companies (to be over 25 years of age). However, those under 25 have access to a limited catalog of vehicles. 

With a score of 3.3/5, Avis Car Rental customers were not very happy with the company’s organization regarding delivery and receipt of the vehicle. However, the amenities and the large fleet of cars available have increased the score.

4. Budget Car Rental

This company, founded in 1958, is one of the strongest in the car rental market in the United States. Budget has gained recognition for offering reasonable rates to its customers to confront the competition. It has several airport locations and provides a wide range of vehicles in excellent condition. 

Budget’s policy is to rent to people between the ages of 21 and 25 at $27 per day. In recent years, Budget has expanded the age range of its customers to include 18-year-old students. However, an additional fee applies to young people between 18 and 20. While in Michigan, the cost is $41, in New York, it is $52. 

With a score of 1.8/5, Budget fails to climb to the top-scoring car rental companies because the institution does not explain to the customer that additional fees will be charged. However, as far as the condition of the cars is concerned, there are hardly any complaints.

5. Sixt

This international company was created in Germany in 1912 and is one of the oldest car rental companies in the United States. Currently, Sixt offers services to more than 100 countries; they have a large fleet of vehicles and different flexible mileage packages according to the customer’s needs.

New York drivers can rent vehicles if they are between the ages of 18 and 20 for a $72 tax. They must pay the “young driver” fee. The portfolio of cars available for drivers 21 to 24 years old is reduced to economy, compact, large, intermediate, intermediate SUVs, or minivans.

With a rating of 1.3/5, it is one of the lowest-rated companies by customers. Many complaints are about reserving a car and, upon arrival at the branch, that vehicle is unavailable, and customer service employees offer a “similar” one. However, from what can be read in the comments, they do not deliver on this promise.

6. Alamo

Alamo was founded in 1974 in Florida and became one of the country’s most recognized car rental companies. Alamo became one of the most internationally recognized companies and went from offering service at airports to renting compact cars to vans and luxury vehicles to any citizen. On the other hand, you can download Alamo’s mobile app, “Drive Happy”, and search for and rent the car that best suits your needs and tastes.

People between the ages of 21 and 24 must pay an additional “young driver fee” of $25. Young New Yorkers and Michiganders 18 can rent a car at Alamo but must pay the corresponding fee. New York charges an additional $52 per day, while the young driver surcharge in Michigan is $41 per day.

Rated 2.1/5 on Trustpilot. Although it is one of the country’s most reputable car rental companies, its customers are unsatisfied because the car rental requirements are poorly explained, which puzzles customers.

7. Enterprise

This company was created in 1957 in St. Louis, Missouri. It started as a company to serve travelers on business trips. Enterprise became one of the best car rental companies since it expanded its services to any occasion and client, not only at the airport. Thus, it came to have a presence in more than 88 countries. Another highlight is its Carshare section, where people can share vehicles. On the other hand, used cars have also begun to be marketed.

Young people between the ages of 21 and 24 must pay a young renter fee for the rental, which is $20 per day (varies by state). 18 to 20-year-olds pay extra money for being underage if they are residents of New York ($57 per day) or Michigan ($40 per day). Another point against this age group is the limited portfolio of cars available for their use. Enterprise has car insurance in case you need assistance with your car. 

Rated 2.2/5 on Trustpilot. This is because many customers complain that they have not confirmed the reservation and, upon renting the car, it turns out that it is not as reserved. It also has criticisms regarding the movements that can be made with your credit or debit card.

8. Dollar

This company was founded in California in 1965. Since then, it has become an excellent alternative in the car rental market due to its affordable prices. Its popularity grew until it expanded into other countries and became part of a solid international car rental competition.

Drivers must be over 20 years old to apply for a car, except in Michigan and New York, where driving is allowed at 18. However, 18 to 24-year-olds must pay an additional fee.

With a 3.2/5 rating on Trustpilot, Dollar Rent a Car is one of the most internationally recognized companies. Still, customers have complained about the condition of the vehicles, as well as other additional charges that are not clearly explained on their website.

9. Zipcar

Zipcar was founded in 2000 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as a carsharing company. Like Enterprise, it was among the first companies to implement car sharing. This provides flexibility to its drivers, who can rent a car only when needed without paying extra. 

Drivers between 18 and 24 must pay a fee to rent a car. This fee is $5.25 per hour or $41 per day. Zipcar members between 18 and 20 must pay the young driver and rental fees.

With a score of 4.6/5, Zipcar ranks among the best companies to rent a car at a reasonable price. However, many users have complained about the poor quality of the vehicles and customer service. Zipcar members have problems with the platform to book their cars.

10. Fox Rent a Car

Fox is one of the companies with significant growth since its creation in 1989 in Los Angeles. This company stands out for offering competitive prices, and its branches are scattered in major cities worldwide.

Young people between 18 years old can choose a car without presenting several documents, which other car rental companies require. This rule applies to 18-year-old who are residents of New York and Michigan. On the other hand, 18-year-olds eligible for this benefit are active-duty military members. Fox’s policy allows people over the age of 19 to drive. However, those under 25 must still pay the young driver fee of $25 daily. 

With a Trustpilot score of 4.3/5, Fox Rent a Car ranks among the top car rental companies in the country. Its customers are delighted with the services provided by the company, the order and condition of the vehicles, and the price-quality ratio. Among the negative comments, one can read criticisms regarding reservations.

What are the requirements to rent a car for 18 years old?

If you are between 18 and 25 years old, you can rent a vehicle if you meet certain conditions imposed by the rental companies, such as belonging to one of the following select groups:

• The state government allows military personnel or government employees under 18 to rent a car if they present official documents confirming the information. 
• Those over 18 can drive freely in Michigan and New York, the only states where the law allows young people to drive at that age. 
• Some car rental companies allow drivers between 18 and 25 to rent cars, but they must pay an additional fee with a credit card, so be sure you know how to use your credit card. 

What do you need to rent a car at 18?

Underage drivers who want to rent a vehicle in the United States must present different documents at the car rental company’s office. Some of the paperwork may vary depending on the state you are in. Still, they usually ask for the following certificates: 

• Valid and current identification showing age. 
• Valid and current driver’s license. 
• Forms of payment with available funds (credit or debit card). 

IMPORTANT: Additional fees for young drivers are payable in advance.

References

• “How Much Is a Rental Car in 2024? | Cost Guide | Travellers 🧳.” Travelers Worldwide, https://travellersworldwide.com/how-much-is-a-rental-car/#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20you’ ll%20pay,class%20cars%20across%20all%20locations.
• “Mejores Empresas de La Categoría Agencia de Alquiler de Automóviles En Trustpilot.” Opiniones de Trustpilot: Descubre El Poder de Las Opiniones, https://es.trustpilot.com/categories/car_rental_agency.
• “Minimum Age to Rent a Car | Avis Rent a Car.” Avis | Rent a Car, https://www.avis.com/en/help/usa-faqs/age-requirements.