Yes, you can almost always rent a car seat from a major rental car company. However, it's generally not the most recommended option due to additional costs, uncertain availability, and potential hygiene or safety concerns. For a short trip or as a last resort, it can work, but for most families, bringing your own certified car seat is the safer and more cost-effective choice.
Rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis typically offer car seats for a daily fee, which usually ranges from $10 to $15 per day. Over a week-long rental, this can add $70 to $105 to your total bill. Availability is not guaranteed, even if you reserve one in advance. There's a risk of the specific type of seat you need (infant, convertible, or booster) not being available upon your arrival.
The primary concerns are hygiene and unknown history. Rental car seats are cleaned between uses, but they may not be sanitized to the level a parent would prefer. More importantly, you have no way of knowing if the seat has been involved in a previous collision. Car seat manufacturers and safety experts advise that any seat in a crash, even a minor one, should be replaced because its structural integrity could be compromised. Renting a seat means you are trusting its entire history to be accident-free.
| Rental Company | Estimated Daily Fee | Seat Types Typically Available | Advance Reservation Required? |
|---|
| Hertz | $13.99 - $15.99 | Infant, Convertible, Booster | Yes, highly recommended |
| Enterprise | $10.99 - $13.99 | Infant, Convertible, Booster | Yes, not guaranteed |
| Avis | $14.00 - $15.00 | Convertible, Booster | Yes, subject to availability |
| Budget | $12.00 - $14.00 | Convertible, Booster | Yes, strongly advised |
| Alamo | ~$12.00 | Convertible, Booster | Yes, availability varies by location |
If you decide to rent, call the specific rental location—not just the general reservation line—to confirm details. For most, the better path is to use your own seat. You can check it for free on most airlines, and using a familiar seat can provide comfort and security for your child during the travel process.
