TravelBuzz! - Any car rentals for 18 yr olds?

Does anyone know of an agency which rents cars to 18 yr olds? I have a daughter who wants to fly to San Antonio and rent a car. So far, no luck.

She may have better luck with some of the non "name-brand" agencies that are away from the airport (might require a shuttle ride or even a taxi) There will likely be a surcharge because she's under 25, but you may actually find someone to rent her a car.

What's with the 25 yo minimum driving age?? I have been driving for, hmmmm almost ten years, and on my birthday a few months ago, was only able to rent a car??

Young people have higher accident rates. The government doesn't care nor cares to do anything to rectify the problem. The private market recognizes that fact but can't do anything to rectify the problem. Adding a surcharge evens out the financial impact.

I would suggest using mass transit (or a tour bus, depending on where she's going). It's cheaper, and a responsible way to travel.

Karen2,

I was able to rent a car from some Rent-A-Wreck place in Orlando when I was 19. Definitely have to look in the local San Antonio phone book (or on the web's yellow pages) to look for a small rinky dink place. Beware through, surcharge for underage driver may be as high as $25/day; so your daughter should be prepared to cough up lots of money for the rental (not to mention CDW, insurance, etc.)

Or, if you belong to a professional organization and has a corporate ID number; you could try them too. Folks of all ages who belong to a particular company can rent as long as they use the corporate plan.

Hope this helps!
Jamester

For information on underage car rentals at various airports, definitely take a look at:
http://www.bnm.com/uage2.htm#saton

For a discussion of underage surcharges and how to avoid them, see:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/002878-2.html

I remember being able to rent a car at the Nashville airport from Budget at 18. My experience was that many rental firms would allow you to rent at 21 to 25 with an outrageous surcharge, but it was really hard to find an under 18. The rules also seem to vary from state to state.

I would suggest calling all of the national firms first and if that doesn't work, look for off airport (e.g. Enterprise) and then local firms.

Most of the name brand ones say 21 and up. New york has a law, and mandates a surcharge. Cant help ya with San Antonio http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Originally posted by StacyCat:
New york has a law, and mandates a surcharge.

I have rented in NY State on a corporate account since I was 20 and never paid a surcharge.

Corp account trumps the surcharge...

Karen--howya...probably best advice is get the SAT phone book. Also try Enterprise.

jl

Thanks for asking, Jamiel. How about you? And the job search? Unfortunately, the kid has no corporate card. Enterprise said no.

If she is there for work, she might be able to rent. There is some provision for this case.

NO WORK...PLAY!! NO car, NO fun!! Oh, well.

I doubt your daughter will want to do this BUT . . .

Uhaul rents to anyone 18 and over with no surcharge.

One would certainly have room for any luggage!