If you’re 19 and eager to hit the road with a rental car, you might be wondering, “Can You Hire A Car At 19?” The answer isn’t always straightforward, as car rental companies often have age restrictions. However, it’s not impossible, especially with certain providers and under specific circumstances. This guide will break down the age policies, focusing on how you might be able to rent a car even if you’re under the typical minimum age of 21 or 25.
General Car Rental Age Policies
Most major car rental companies, particularly in the U.S., generally set a minimum age of 21 for renters. Many even have a minimum age of 25 without incurring extra fees. This is due to insurance and risk factors associated with younger drivers. For those under 25 who are permitted to rent, it’s common to encounter an “underage surcharge,” also known as a “young driver fee.” This additional daily cost can significantly increase the total rental price.
However, these are general guidelines, and exceptions exist. Let’s explore situations where you might be able to rent a car at 19.
Renting a Car at 19: Is It Possible?
While it’s less common, renting a car at 19 is indeed possible in certain situations. Specifically, Budget Rent a Car, at its corporate-operated locations, offers options for 19-year-olds under particular circumstances. These exceptions primarily revolve around specific customer types and rental scenarios.
Exceptions for 19-Year-Old Renters at Budget
Budget Rent a Car provides a few key exceptions where individuals aged 19 can rent vehicles:
1. Inbound Tour Customers:
If you are an inbound tourist, meaning you don’t reside in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, or Canada, and are renting under an inbound tour rate, Budget allows rentals for those as young as 19. This is designed to accommodate international visitors who may be accustomed to different age restrictions in their home countries.
2. Insurance Replacement Rentals (Potentially 18+):
In some cases, the typical car rental age limit may be waived for insurance replacement rentals. If you need a replacement vehicle due to an accident or vehicle repair covered by insurance, and you are at least 18 years old, you might be eligible to rent. This often depends on the specific insurance provider. In the context of the original article, the following insurance providers may allow renters 18 and older for insurance replacement rentals:
- Allstate
- American Family
- Bristol-Myers Squibb
- CCRG Claims
- Progressive
- State Farm
- Travelers
Image alt text: Car rental keys being handed over, symbolizing the start of a car rental agreement, relevant to understanding age requirements for hiring a car at 19.
Important Note on Underage Surcharges: Even when exceptions allow 19-year-olds to rent, an underage surcharge might still apply unless specifically waived under the terms of the rental agreement (such as for certain corporate accounts or government personnel in some cases, although not typically for 19-year-olds outside of specific inbound tour or potentially insurance replacement scenarios depending on the provider).
Other Age-Related Car Rental Scenarios
To give a broader picture, it’s helpful to understand the age policies for slightly older young drivers:
Renting a Car at 21:
For those 21 and older, renting becomes significantly easier. At most corporate-operated Budget locations in the U.S., 21-year-olds can rent a car by paying an underage surcharge. This surcharge at Budget is often around $27 per day but can vary by location, especially in New York and Michigan. You’ll typically need a valid driver’s license and an accepted credit card (debit cards may not be allowed).
Corporate and Military Rentals:
There are further exceptions for corporate clients and U.S. government personnel or military members. For employees of companies with corporate accounts (BCD rates) at Budget, the minimum age can be lowered to 21. U.S. government personnel with travel orders can sometimes rent at 18 without a surcharge, and those without travel orders may rent at 21 without a surcharge (except in NY and MI, where the minimum age can be 18).
Renters with Disabilities:
Budget also waives the underage surcharge for renters with disabilities over 25, or when their authorized driver is over 25. If both are under 25, the surcharge may apply.
Location Matters: Licensee and Non-U.S. Locations
It’s crucial to remember that age policies can differ:
- Licensee-Owned Locations: Budget locations that are licensee-owned (not corporate-operated) may have different age rules. Many still apply a surcharge to renters under 25, but specific policies can vary.
- Non-U.S. Locations: Rental age rules outside of the U.S. can also be different. Always check the specific terms and conditions for the country and rental company you are using.
Image alt text: A Budget Car Rental location sign, emphasizing the importance of checking location-specific terms and conditions when considering to hire a car at 19.
How to Check Age Requirements for Your Rental
Given the variations, the best practice is always to verify the exact age requirements for your specific rental location and situation. Here’s how you can do it for Budget Rent a Car:
- Visit the Budget Website: Go to Budget.com.
- Find Your Location: Use the “Find a Location” tool to locate the specific rental branch you plan to use.
- Go to Terms & Conditions: On the location page, scroll down to the “Terms & Conditions” section.
- Check Age Requirements: Click on “Age Requirements” for detailed information related to that specific location’s policies.
By following these steps, you can confirm whether you can hire a car at 19 from your chosen location and understand any applicable surcharges or conditions.
Conclusion
While the standard car rental age is often 21 or 25, it is possible to rent a car at 19, especially through Budget Rent a Car under specific conditions such as being an inbound tourist or potentially through insurance replacement. However, always remember to check the terms and conditions of your rental agreement for the exact location to understand the age requirements and any potential underage surcharges. Planning ahead and verifying the policy will ensure a smooth rental experience, even if you are a younger driver eager to get behind the wheel.
