Car Rental Companies Charge You for Being Younger than 24

If you're able to meet the requirements and are willing to pay a little extra, there are ways to get around the issue. Drivers are under the age of 24 are considered to be more of a liability. And there's enough statistics to prove that younger drivers are more prone to auto accidents. Though car rental requirement may vary by state, meeting the rental requirements and presenting the right credentials will likely get you the vehicle you want.

Meet the Minimum Requirements

Before you attempt to rent a vehicle, inquire about the minimum age allowed. Seldom will car companies rent to people under the age of 25. But rental companies never rent to anyone under the age of 21. If you pass the age requirements, you'll need to show proof of a valid driver's license. You should also have a clean driving record. And you may also need to show proof of a preferred credit card. If you own a debit card, the rental company may require an advanced payment on the rental.

When you return the vehicle, you can expect them to debit your account if you're made an over-payment. You'll also need to show proof of liability insurance. If you don't have your own insurance, rental companies may permit you to rent when showing proof that you're named in your parents' car insurance policy. Their insurance policy will cover liability and collision.

Conduct a Little Research on Rental Companies

If you're under 24, it won't hurt to conduct research on local car rental companies to learn about their policies. Find out if there's a surcharge for drivers under the age of 24. A surcharge is an additional payment. This charge is added to the vehicle's rental rate. The surcharge can sometimes be an additional 35 to $40 or more per day. Doing your homework may be able to save you money. Rental fees and requirements will always vary by state. For instance, New York and Michigan are the only states who've set the minimum rental age between 18 and 21.

Rent a Standard-Size Car

If you're under the age of 24, fast cars may appeal to you. Just keep in mind that drivers under the age of 24 usually aren't permitted to rent SUVs, luxury cars, or sports vehicles. Standard-size cars fare better on gas mileage too. You'll be required to replace the gas you've used when you when returning the vehicle. If you don't replace the gas, car rental companies will deduct the appropriate amount from your credit card.

Join a Car Rental Club

You may not always have to rent a car, but a car rental club membership may entitle you to future special savings and discounts. Check with your local area for enrollment details. Membership privileges may allow you to shop around for the best rental deal.

You may want to consider looking for car rental companies in a smaller town. Many offices in these local locations are independent, and some don't adhere to binding corporate policies.
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Should You Take the Fuel Tank Option?

Every car rental agency has its own policy. However, they do have a common policy that allows customers to choose a prepaid option when renting one of their vehicles. This prepaid option permits the driver to pay an upfront fee, as stated in the rental agreement, eliminating the need for the drive to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas. No refund is given to the driver for any fuel that's left in the tank when the vehicle is returned.

If you decide not to choose the prepaid plan, and you return your vehicle with a gas tank that's less than full, you will most likely have to pay the rental company for having to refuel the vehicle. Their fuel charge will most likely be based on an estimate: the number of gallons needed to fill the tank times the cost per gallon as stated in the rental their rental agreement. Quite often, car rental agencies will charge a higher price per gallon than your local gas stations.

Rental Car Agencies May Charge $8.00 or More per Gallon

Here's the shocker! There are some rental companies that may charge $8.00 or more to fill up the gas tank after you return a vehicle. That's a huge dent in the wallet, especially for people who've opted for the prepaid plan. At some point, a person will need to add fuel. And if that person returns the vehicle with more fuel in the tank than starting with, he/she won't be credited for the additional fuel. So the rental company makes a profit on prepayment. That's extra gas the rental agency won't have to replace.

Business travelers can easily get the short end of the stick. Initially, they may have chosen not to go with the prepaid option. And in a hurry to return their car and catch a flight, they didn't fill up the tank. This last-minute chaos can cost them to pay dearly. Rental car agencies may charge $8.00 per gallon or more.

Think Before You Sign the Dotted Line

Is it possible to know exactly how far you'll end up driving and what the fuel costs will be? Probably not! So, in the rush to take advantage of what seems like a good bargain up front, people quite often go for the prepaid plan. And this attitude may be what many car rental companies are counting on. Business travelers may take the attitude that paying the extra fee is no big deal, since their companies are footing the bill. That may be the wrong attitude. Companies do examine their expenses.

Some Car Rental Companies are Flexible

A number of car rental companies may allow you to forego the prepaid option, and free you from the worry of having to fill up the tank before returning the vehicle. In this scenario, you're only required to replace the gas you've used. If your rental had a half tank of fuel to start, you're only required to return it with a half tank of fuel. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of the fuel tank option.
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