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Rental Cars and Young Drivers

by Zachary February 1, 2021
written by Zachary

You’re twenty-one years old. You’re allowed to buy a pack of cigarettes at the liquor store, and even a nice cold beer at your local bar (if these are your vices). You’re old enough to enlist in the army or volunteer for the Peace Corps—hey, you can even get married legally. But there’s one thing that will be very difficult for you to accomplish if you’re only twenty-one.

You’ll Have a Hard Time Renting a Car

Yes, it seems unfair, but there are reasons to this madness. Younger drivers are statistically more likely to drink and engage in other risky driving behavior, and they’re involved in accidents more often. Car rental companies refuse to rent to younger drivers for two basic reasons—younger drivers increase the company’s liability and insurance costs, and they pose a risk to the company’s fleet.

So it’s understandable that most car rental companies don’t want to do business with younger drivers—but if you’re one of the above-mentioned paragons of responsibility, it’s hardly fair. It doesn’t matter that you’ve played by the rules and have an immaculate driving record; an irresponsible 30-year-old will be able to rent a car easily, while you’re left standing at the rental counter.

Because rental car companies are leery about doing business with drivers under the age of 25, they typically charge a hefty ‘youth’ fee—which often doubles the rental rate. And drivers who are between the ages of 18 and 21 will have a difficult time renting any vehicle.

The states of New York and Michigan are exceptions to the rule; legislation in each state mandates that car rental companies rent to drivers between the ages of 21 and 25. Renting a car in either of these states won’t be an issue for you—unless you’re under the age of 21. Drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 will have a difficult time renting a car from any company, in any state.

The very few companies who will rent to drivers under 21 also charge substantial fees—usually at least $50 a day.

Independent Car Rental Companies

Independent car rental companies will occasionally rent to the chronologically challenged, but these ‘Mom & Pop Shops’ are few and far between. They’re hard to locate, too. Young drivers have to call company after company, trying to find the one out of a hundred that will accept their business. Location can make a difference; it’s easier to find an independent dealership that rents to younger drivers in larger cities.

If you do find a company that will rent to you, they will probably require you to make your reservation with the branch with which you’ll be doing business. Drivers who are under the age of 21 often can’t reserve a vehicle online or through a central reservation center.

When you make your reservation, make sure that you let the company representative know that you are under the age of 21. Even if you’ve read the company’s policy online, you want to deal with potential problems before you’ve arrived at your destination and need to travel! And it helps to know ahead of time that you won’t be able to rent a luxury vehicle. The few independent companies that will rent to under-21’s reserve their oldest vehicles for their youngest customers. To avoid problems later, you should notice and record any dents or bumps on your rental car before you leave the rental company premises.

Younger Drivers

The ban on drivers under the age of 21 may be changing. Fox Rent-a-Car now charges an additional fee of only $14 a day for younger drivers—making the process of renting a car economically feasible.
Still, this is an exception, and the concession is only granted to people who are at least 20 years old. It remains tremendously difficult for drivers who are under 21 years old to rent a vehicle. And again, it’s expensive: the additional fees can be so high that other forms of transportation begin to look good. No one enjoys taking the bus, but when under-age fees are added to the daily rental fee—and then other expenses are added in—the price becomes so prohibitive for the under-21 crowd that it makes sense to consider other options.

There’s another important exception to the ban on renting to drivers under the age of 21. All government personnel and members of the military can rent a car from most rental agencies if they’re traveling on government business. The renter must be at least 18, and is able to rent at a reduced military rate.

Until recently, drivers from the ages of 21 to 25 faced the same kind of restrictions as drivers under 21. Lately the situation has eased up a little for this age group, and drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 are now able to rent from quite a few national car rental companies. Most Advantage, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, Hertz and National locations will rent to drivers under age 25. The driver in this age group will still be required to pay a daily fee, but this is usually cheaper, averaging about $25 a day.

Hertz is currently offering a fee-free rental experience for drivers between the ages of 20 and 24 who include the promo code 144314 when they make their reservations. Be aware that Hertz is one of the more expensive car rental companies, so even without the youth fee, your Hertz rental may be more expensive than with other companies. But if you do want to take advantage of the offer, hurry—it ends on Sept. 30.

And if you’re a member of USAA, an organization for military personnel and their kids, then you’re in luck. USAA has an agreement with Avis that allows members over age 21 to rent a car without paying an additional ‘youth’ surcharge.

Membership in other organizations may not score a youth fee waiver, but they can help save money in other ways. You should take advantage of benefits of AAA membership, and if you’re a Costco member, you’ll automatically save money at Budget Rent-a-Car. Although these memberships may not be able to waive youth fees, the discounts they offer can help offset the additional expense.

If you have a job, you might be able to take advantage of special corporate rates that waive additional fees for younger drivers. And if you’re renting a car for company business, you should be able to take advantage of special deals that your company has with a rental company.

Basic common sense will also help you save money on a car rental. Reserve your car early, and don’t add features that you don’t need. Downsize when at all possible. And again, be sure to inspect your rental car for damage before you leave the lot.

It also pays to spend extra time comparing the rates of a different rental car companies. They’ll vary, and you may be able to save big bucks if you know who you’re dealing with. Breezenet.com offers a great comparison chart, so you can easily compare rates and company policies.

Responsible Driver

If you’re traveling with someone over 25 years old, you can sometimes be written into the contract as an additional driver without the underage fee. You will have to show a driver’s license, which will enable the car rental company to check your driving record. You will also be required to show a credit card in your name, assuring the rental company that you have established credit and are assuming some of the risk that goes along with your rental. It’s a good idea to have a copy of your car insurance policy, too, as proof that you are a responsible driver.

If all else fails, and you’re faced with paying youth fees that raise your daily rental to astronomical rates, consider asking a parent or older friend to co-sign your rental. This will usually provide the car rental company with enough assurance to waive the youth fee.

When you’ve finally cleared all the obstacles and you’re driving away in your car rental, remember to drive carefully and have a wonderful time. And hang on—in no time at all you’ll be older, remembering how great it was to be young.

February 1, 2021 0 comment
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Rental Cars
Auto Rental

Perks of Renting a Car

by Zachary January 1, 2021
written by Zachary

Given the economic challenges of today, many people are looking for ways to save money, others simply do not own a vehicle, and others wish to maintain the top value of their vehicles. The perks and advantages of renting a car today are so tremendous that millions of people are choosing to become a one-car household or a car-free household. The benefits of renting a car will save you money, make your life easier, and inject a bit of excitement into your life.

Pick Up and Drop Off

People who have traditionally not used car rental services in the past are often unfamiliar with the policies and services of car rental companies. Several years ago, as part of a customer service initiative, a few elite rental companies began a pick up and drop off service. For no extra charge, they would pick you up from your home or place of employment and drop you off once you returned. This service is even more popular today and it is typically only applicable during hours of operations; however, most people pick up and drop cars off during hours of operations.

Since the implementation of this ground-breaking program, most car companies have adapted a similar service. Not all car companies offer this service for free. You should be certain to ask in advance as to whether or not they charge a fee. You will no longer have to find a ride, leave work early to drive your car home, or take a cab or public transportation.

Traveling Long Distances

The reasons for renting a car to travel long distances could be many. If you own an older vehicle or a vehicle with poor gas mileage, it may save you thousands of dollars a year to rent a vehicle rather than to drive your current vehicle long distances. Not everyone is able to afford an economically-friendly upgrade. As an ideal solution, rent a car. You can find rentals as cheap as $15 per day. You will also increase the life-span and value of your vehicle. If you have to drive hundreds of miles each way, renting a car will save a tremendous amount of wear and tear on your vehicle. As a result, your vehicle will require less maintenance in every way from not having to buy new tires regularly to requiring fewer oil changes and repairs.

Regardless of how long you intend to keep your current vehicle, the value will be greater if it is in pristine condition with fewer miles and last years longer by only driving short distances. You might also consider leasing a car from a car rental company to use as a commuter car if your commute is extensive. Even if you are not looking to save money, perhaps you want a more spacious vehicle to travel long distances with the family or friends. Car rental companies also rent SUVs and minivans with any amenity you can imagine.

Additional Perks

As car rental companies continue to gain in popularity the number of services provided by car rental companies continues to expand, as well. Car companies are providing their most advanced models to rental companies as a way to promote their new cars. You will have access to hybrids, electric cars, and the most gas-efficient cars on the market. You can essentially test drive the vehicle for a day or two to truly learn about the benefits of such vehicles.

Many companies have installed self-service check-in kiosks for people to save on time. They often offer child seats, GPS navigation systems, and many more amenities. Also, do not forget to become a member to qualify for even greater savings through membership programs, as well as on one-way rentals. You can even rent a car to impress a date or surprise your loved one for a weekend of fun.

Saving money, increasing the life-span of your vehicle, and the pick up and drop off services are only a few of the benefits of renting a car. In addition to all of the perks listed, each time you rent a car it is as if you are driving a brand new car for the first time making it a truly enjoyable experience.

January 1, 2021 0 comment
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About Me

About Me

My enthusiasm for cars is very strong and as an outlet I created this blog to share them with you all. Cars especially race cars are my forte now. I am glad I found a profession I truly love. So here you will find everything about cars like Reviews, Deals, Updates, News etc. I will also provide you info about auto-parts and my own personal opinions. Stay tuned for more.

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  • 2021 Ford Raptor Diesel Review

    February 20, 2021
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Copyright © 2021. Whos Danny George