can you drive a rental car if under 25

[Cooper]

Yes, you can typically rent a car if you're under 25, but it comes with significant challenges and extra costs. Most major rental companies in the U.S. set the minimum age at 21. However, drivers aged 21-24 will face a daily Young Renter Surcharge, which can add $25-$50 or more to the rental cost. This fee is imposed because statistics show younger drivers are a higher insurance risk. Furthermore, some companies may restrict the types of vehicles you can rent, often excluding premium, luxury, or SUV models for this age group.

The key is preparation and choosing the right company. While the big-name agencies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis all rent to under-25 drivers, their policies and fees can vary. It's less common to find companies that will rent to anyone under 21, though some local or independent agencies might, often at a much higher cost and with stricter conditions.

Typical Young Renter Surcharges (Under 25)

Rental Company	Minimum Age	Estimated Daily Surcharge	Common Vehicle Restrictions
Enterprise	21	$20 - $30	Premium, Luxury, Sports
Hertz	20	$25 - $35	High-value models (e.g., Tesla, large SUVs)
Avis	21	$25 - $35	Specific car groups (e.g., Full-size SUV and above)
Budget	21	$25 - $35	Similar to Avis (as they are sister companies)
Fox Rent A Car	18	Varies; can be high	Significant restrictions apply

To make the process smoother, always call the specific rental location beforehand to confirm their policy. Have your driver's license and a major credit card in your name ready, as debit cards often come with additional requirements. Finally, shop around and compare the total cost, including all fees, not just the base rental rate. The surcharge can sometimes double the advertised price.

[StellaLee]

It's possible, but be ready for a "young driver fee" that can be as much as the rental itself. I learned this the hard way on a trip to Florida. The $30-a-day surcharge made a cheap rental not so cheap. My advice? Stick with major companies like Enterprise—they're more predictable. And always, always book with a credit card, not a debit card, to avoid more hassles.

[DiGriffin]

As a recent grad who rents for work, my biggest tip is to read the fine print on vehicle classes. That cool SUV you see online might be off-limits if you're under 25. The system automatically blocks certain categories. I always search for "compact" or "midsize" cars to avoid surprises at the counter. The fee is annoying, but it's a known cost you can budget for if you plan ahead.

[DiCassandra]

From a practical standpoint, the main hurdle is the financial one. The young renter surcharge isn't a small fee; it's a substantial daily add-on based on actuarial risk data. Your best strategy is to use the official websites of the major rental companies. During the booking process, enter your accurate birthdate. The website will then transparently display the total cost, including all mandatory fees, before you confirm. This prevents any unwelcome surprises and allows for accurate comparison shopping.

[LeCorbin]

Sure, you can drive one, but it's a classic "convenience tax" for being young. I look at it like this: the fee is the price of flexibility. Instead of relying on friends or expensive ride-shares for a weekend trip, paying the extra $30 a day might still be worth it for the freedom. Just factor it into your travel budget from the start. And don't even think about trying to sneak past it—they always check your license. It's better to know the real cost upfront.