How drivers under 25 age can avoid the young renter fees?
Are you a driver below 25 years? Then you must be concerned with high rates of rentals due to extra young renter fees. But you know there are certain ways to avoid the young renter fees and hence preventing overpaying for a rental car.
After the lockdown was lifted several car rental companies come up with the idea of waiving off the young renter fee as it can be as high as $30 a day. Stick till the end of the article to know the secrets of avoiding this extra fee.
All about the young renter fee
As per the survey, drivers under 25 years of age are considered to be riskier towards any mishap. Thus, car rental companies charge an extra fee for drivers under 25 to compensate for the risk expected from the young drivers. This fee is also referred to as under-25 or underage fees.
Depending on the policies of different car rental companies, young renter fees can range somewhere from $20 to $60. So you can imagine, that this fee can be even heavier than the actual rate. After adding taxes, this is sure that you will wish to avoid the young renter fee.
Young renter fees for car rentals varies with the state
The genuine age for most car rental companies to rent to drivers is 21 and older but with a few exceptions. Some set the minimum age criteria at 20 while others at 19.
Some states like Michigan and New York set the minimum age to rent a car at 18 with some discretion on the fee. Some rental companies offer a car with hefty young renter fees that the total cost includes taxes and this renter fee adds up to $76 per day excluding the rental rate.
The minimum age for renting a car is 18 in the states like New York and Michigan. And the exception we talked about is military personnel and U.S. government employees who can rent a car at 18 if they present official orders at the car rental location.
Boundations on car rentals to young drivers
Drivers under 25 face some restrictions on categories of cars offered to them. Although it varies with rental companies, luxury vehicles, exotic cars, sports cars, and premium ones are not permitted. The remaining categories including compact, intermediate, economy, full-size, standard are allowed.
What are the requirements of car rentals for young drivers under 25?
You are eligible for renting a car if you fulfill all the requirements of that company. These requirements include:
- Valid driver’s license.
- Authorization for other requirements.
- Driver’s credit card on his name
Make sure that your credit card has enough amount for the deposits of your vehicle. But this is where the challenge starts as issuing a credit card for people under 21 is not possible as per the Credit Card Act of 2009. You also get the option to pay with your debit card but then you again face some restrictions and requirements.
How can drivers under 25 avoid the young renter fees?
Here are some easy ways which you can avoid or at least minimize the young renter fees.
Negotiations regarding rates:
If you own a car rental business, renting a car will be more affordable for drivers under 25. The qualifications and regulations of such bookings take place through signing the agreement between the rental car company and the renter corporation.
Replacements of insurance:
In case you face accidents, you can ask for a replacement car and the rental companies will not charge the young renter fees from you. But make sure that your insurance company has discussed the affordable rates with the rental car companies.
Military and Federal employees:
If you are a federal employee or on-duty military person, then you can rent a car at the age of 18 without paying young renter fees. Choose the rental company carefully depending on whether you are traveling on orders or without orders. Some rental companies also offer the benefit of insurance. If you are traveling on order vehicles are booked through a system called DTS: Defense Travel System.
Limited time and instant fee waivers:
Some car rental companies offer instant fee waivers for a limited time to cut down the young renter fees temporarily, most of the time during the start of calendar years. Some states have programs that clear the underage fees on rentals.
Check out this information with your car rental companies
So these were the ways following which drivers under 25 can avoid the young renter fees. Check with your rental and insurance companies before finalizing one. Reap the benefits of being a military person. These rules vary with different car rental companies and are not fixed. So follow and share with your friends to exempt them from unnecessary extra charges. Stay tuned for more updates and tips.
For any queries and doubts, feel free to mention them in the comment section below or email us.
For more updates, deals, discounts, and offers follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Thank you for reading till here.