Minimum Age to Rent a Car | Avis Rent a Car

 

 How old do I have to be to rent a car?

For a limited time, Avis is renting to college students age 18 and up with an Avis-honored credit card and valid driver’s license as well as an official student ID. An underage surcharge applies to renters under 25. 

 

Surcharge for Renters Under 25

For a limited time, you can rent a car at 18 from the Avis fleet, but you will be subject to an additional surcharge. At the time of reservation, we will automatically apply an additional per-day underage surcharge for drivers between the ages of 18 and 24. 

Renters between the ages of 18 and 24 may rent vehicles in the following car classes:

 

  • Economy through full size
  • Minivans
  • Small pick-up trucks
  • Intermediate SUVs

 

Offer valid at select locations in U.S. only for rentals reserved in advance. Rental must begin on or after 09/01/20 and end on or before 12/15/2020. Offer applies to Economy through Full Size cars, Minivans, Small Pick-Up Trucks and Intermediate SUVs. For more information, including an estimate of your total rental cost, visit our Internet website at www.avis.com. Additional mandatory charges may be imposed, including, but not limited to a customer facility charge, airport concession fee, tourism commission assessment, vehicle license recovery fee, facility recovery fees, or other government-imposed taxes or fees. Avis reserves the right to terminate the offer or change the terms at any time. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or special rate and cannot be applied to a previous or existing reservation or rental. Offer is subject to vehicle availability at the time of booking. Renter and additional driver(s) must meet driver and credit requirements, except for the minimum age per this offer. Offer available to College Students 18-24 years of age and an Official Student ID must be presented at the time of rental. Please check your auto insurance policy and/or credit card agreement for rental vehicle coverage. Offer not valid in Maryland, Georgia and Pennsylvania.

If you have any further questions about underage driving restrictions, read the Terms and Conditions for your pickup location prior to your arrival at the rental counter.

 

U.S. Government Personnel

Avis applies the following restrictions to U.S. government personnel (civilian or military) who rent from us:

For personnel (FEMA, U.S. Postal Dept., Navy, and Army) not using the Government Leisure Pass, the minimum age for renters is:

  • 18 years with government travel order or purchase order

  • 21 years without government travel order or purchase order

No underage surcharge applies to government personnel who are renting without a Government Leisure Pass. 

When using a Government Leisure Pass, the renter is subject to underage fees as specified by the renting location.

 

9 Tips for First-Time Car Renters

Most car rental agencies have an age requirement to rent a car. At most Avis locations, you have to be at least 18 years of age to rent a car for a limited time if you meet the above requirements. 

If this your first time renting a car, use these handy tips to make the most of your rental. 

  1. Reserve a car type you’re accustomed to driving. 

    2. It’s tempting to rent a flashy car, but you’ll feel more comfortable driving a vehicle that’s similar to your own. Plus, rental cars are typically models from the last few years, so you’ll probably find some amenities your own car doesn’t have.

  2. Research your insurance options. 

    3. Before you pick up your car, know what coverage options your own auto insurance policy includes for rental cars. Your credit card may also have rental car insurance. If you don’t have auto insurance, it’s in your best interest to get insurance at the rental car counter in case something happens.

  3. Reserve in advance.

    4. The best way to get the car you want for your trip is to reserve before you arrive at the rental counter. With Avis, you can often get an additional discount for prepaying for your car rental, leaving you more money to spend on your vacation.

  4. Bring your ID and credit card to pick up your rental. 

    5. You only need a few things to pick up your rental car: a valid driver's license and a credit card are usually sufficient- learn more here.

  5. Designate a driver.

    6. If you’re traveling with a group, choose one person to be the driver the entire trip. Additional drivers must pay to operate the vehicle. 

  6. Purchase highway toll passes. 

    7. You can get around faster on highways if you purchase local toll passes. Plus, you won’t have to keep change in your vehicle. 

  7. Keep the car clean.

    8. Any cars that are returned really dirty get charged a cleaning fee. You can avoid this easily by having a designated trash bag, not eating in the vehicle, and quickly cleaning up before you return the car.

  8. Don’t smoke inside.

    9. Avis has a smoke-free fleet, so you shouldn’t smoke or vape in or near your rental. You could be charged a $250 cleaning fee if the vehicle has a smoke smell when you return it.

  9. Opt for pre-paid gas.

    10. Skip the hassle of filling up your rental car with gas before you bring it back. The rental location can fill it up for you at a gas price comparable to local rates.

    Related:
    Can I smoke in a rental car?

    Does Avis have a pet-friendly car rental policy?

    Can you rent a car with a debit card?

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