At the age of 18 you can fly, rent a hotel and go on vacation by yourself. Unless you are traveling to a major city, however, it’s not as easy to get around once you’ve actually arrived at your destination. Fortunately, you are allowed to rent a car at the age of 21. Though it may be more expensive, you’ll be able to enjoy the major sites and get to where you need to be with little hassle.

Why are the rules more strict? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers under the age of 25 get into more traffic accidents than older drivers. There is more risk for the companies to rent to younger drivers, so they charge more to cover that risk.

Card Rental Requirements

To rent a car, everyone needs a valid driver’s license and insurance. You can purchase insurance through an agency just for the rental and some major credit cards will cover this for you. The car rental company can also check your driving history to make sure you’re a safe driver. Besides that, all you will need is a credit card.

Renting a Luxury Vehicle

Many car rental companies will not allow younger drivers to rent expensive luxury cars with the higher probability of accidents. Fortunately, you can still rent very nice, non-luxury, cars.

Car Rental Laws by State

In New York and Michigan, the rules are less strict. At the age of 18 you can rent a car! The fees are typically much higher, but if you split them with your friends or get a discount, you’ll still be able to travel on a budget.

Renting a Car on a Budget

Car rental companies typically charge high fees to young travelers. These fees can add up quickly, but fortunately Student Advantage offers discounts with three national car rental companies: Dollar Rent a Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car. With a Student Advantage^® Discount Card, college students can save up to 25% on can rentals and enjoy traveling on a budget!