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Car hire under 25
Although you are legally an adult, (old enough to vote, and pay taxes), you still can't rent a car from most rental agencies, not until you're at least 25 years old. So what's are you, a young traveller, to do?
Luckily, not all car companies have a rule against car hire to younger adults under 25. Some companies will rent out to travellers 21 and over, and even in a few select cases, companies have been known to make exceptions for drivers as young as 18. However, this privilege can get expensive. Companies will request a surcharge of possibly $50 or more a day (depending on your rental company). You may also find that promotions and discounts, (mysteriously) no longer apply to you. Also, you may find that the more luxurious (and expensive) cars models, like convertibles and SUVs, have conveniently become unavailable. In order to avoid paying the highest possible rates, it's best to compare fees and restrictions at rental agencies in the area you plan to visit. Be sure to watch for loopholes that might allow you to avoid certain surcharges and restrictions.
Tips:
- Different locations for one dealership commonly have different age restrictions and hidden fees for the under 25 car rental bracket. This is because individual locations are allowed to set their own guidelines. Make sure to note if there is more than one location for a possible company in your desired destination and be sure to call each individual company for separate quotes. You will mostly likely find that the numbers are different at each.
- Be sure to ask your employer if your company has a corporate account with a rental car agency. Those rental car companies who wouldn't normally rent cars to persons under 25 will allow drivers age 21 to 24 to rent if they've reserve their car through their a corporate company account. Some of these locations may even waive the underage surcharge, so be sure to check with your boss before planning a getaway.
- U.S. Government employees or military personnel will find that they get a discount at most rental car agencies, even if they are under the age of 25. Many times the surcharges will be waived on top of additional discounted rates
- Ask your parents if they belong to any group or club that offers special discounts and rates for car hire under 25. Many organizations have partnerships with rental companies that allow members to special deals on car rentals.
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