Ways to Rent a Car at 18

You can vote at 18, enter the armed services at 18, and drive at 16, but many car rental companies are reluctant to rent their vehicles to those under the age of 25. Here are a few places to look when you need to rent a car and you're 18 years old:

Work for the US Government or the Military
Most major car rental agencies waive their 25 and older age restriction for employees of the United States government and armed services and allow those 18 to 25 to rent a vehicle despite the car company's usual policy. You'll need to show a government I.D. at the counter with your driver's license.

Use E-Z Rent-a-Car
E-Z Rent-a-Car, with 15 locations in seven states, rents to drivers between 18 and 25. A daily surcharge applies, but the company does offer a discount to students and school employees. E-Z locations include Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport and Las Vegas' McCarran Airport.

Rent a Moving Van
Rental companies that specialize in moving vans tend to be more lenient in their age policies. Try Rent-a-Wreck or a similar company. You won't be driving a luxury vehicle, but you'll get where you're going. Rent-a-Wreck has locations in all 50 states.

Live in New York State or Michigan
New York and Michigan are the only US states to have a law requiring companies to rent to drivers 18 years of age and older. That doesn't mean, however, that you won't pay a surcharge if you're between 18 and 25.

Try an Independent Rental Agency
Small town car franchises and locally-owned companies tend to be more flexible in their rental policies than large, airport-based companies. Call around to the smaller car agencies in your town; you may be surprised at their welcoming policies.

Check out Breezenet.com
Breezenet.com has a database of car rental age policies that's easy to use and includes links to rental company websites and telephone numbers. Many of the companies listed rent to those age 18.

Keep in mind, also, that all companies will require you to have a valid driver's license and many will require that you pay with a major credit card issued in your name.