With so many rental car company options to choose from, renting a car can often be more difficult than it should be. This is mostly due to rental requirements being inconsistent from car rental company to car rental company. If you’re finding it difficult to find a car rental company that accommodates your needs, knowing how to rent a car can make this process easier.
At most car rental companies, you will need the following to rent a car:
- a valid driver’s license
- meet minimum age requirements
- an acceptable form of payment and a deposit
Sounds simple enough, right? Unfortunately, age requirements and acceptable forms of payment can vary from car rental company to car rental company.
You might spend several hours calling car rental places to find one that will rent a car to a younger driver, one that will accept debit cards or cash as payment, or whose daily fees for young drivers are lower. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a minimum age of 21 for drivers, for example, and Budget Car Rental will only accept credit cards as payment for young drivers.
To make renting a car easier, we’ve put together a list of the specific rental requirements for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget Car Rental, and Towson Economy Auto Rental.
Requirements to Rent a Car
Minimum age
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
In Maryland, Enterprise Rent-A-Car only rents to drivers who are at least 21 years old. Those who are between 21 and 25 years of age must pay an additional daily fee for rentals. In Baltimore City locations, in Towson, and at the airport, this fee is $20 per day.
Budget Car Rental
To rent from Budget Car Rental, you must be at least 21 years of age. In addition, for driver’s age 21 to 24, you will be charged a $27-day surcharge and are unable to rent luxury vehicles, 12-passenger vans, specialty vehicles, full-size SUVs or premium SUVs.
Towson Economy Auto Rental
At Towson Economy Auto Rental, the minimum age is 18. Renters between 18 and 21 pay a daily young renter’s fee of $10.99, although this can vary depending on the rental vehicle. Renter’s 21 to 24 years of age pay a young renter’s fee of $5.99, which can be higher or lower depending on the rented car.
Renters at Towson Economy Auto Rental younger than 25 may rent compact, mid-size, and full-size vehicles.
Payment options
Many of the most popular rental car agencies only accept credit cards as a form of payment, with some allowing the use of debit cards.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car allows renters to use both credit cards and debit cards as payment options, although cash payments at most Maryland locations are not allowed.
Budget Car Rental
Budget Car Rental agencies in the area will accept credit cards for drivers of all ages but will not accept debit cards from those renters younger than 25.
Towson Economy Auto Rental
At Towson Economy Auto Rental, renters are given a much wider degree of choice as to how they can pay for their rental cars, including cash, debit, and all major credit cards. Unlike other rental companies, debit card payments are accepted without a credit check.
How to Rent a Car, Made Easy
As you can see, car rental agencies can vary widely on their rental policies and fees, especially for young drivers and for those wanting to pay with debit card or cash.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free rental experience with a car rental agency that is willing to work with you, no matter your age or financial situation, choose Towson Economy Auto Rental.