Renting a car can sometimes feel like navigating a maze, especially when it comes to understanding age restrictions. Age requirements differ not only from state to state but also between rental companies. But fear not, dear readers; we’re here to shed some light on the age-old question of car rental in New Jersey.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in New Jersey?
The minimum age to rent a car in New Jersey is 21 years old. However, some car rental companies may have a policy that requires renters to be at least 25 years old to rent certain types of vehicles or avoid additional fees. It’s essential to check with the specific rental company for their age requirements and any additional conditions they may have.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the age requirements, extra fees for young renters, and much more.
01- The Basic Age Requirement
The minimum age to rent a car in New Jersey is 21, a common requirement across many states in the U.S. It’s worth noting that while 21 is the baseline, some rental companies may have their own stipulations and restrictions. For example, some companies might not rent high-end or luxury vehicles to drivers under 25.
If you’re in a special situation, such as needing to rent two cars at once, the age restrictions and policies may be different. It’s always best to check with the rental company directly to avoid any unexpected surprises.
Before you plan your trip, make sure you’re fully aware of the age requirements and restrictions at the rental company you choose. The last thing you want is to arrive and find out you can’t rent the car you had in mind.
02- Renting Under the Age of 25
If you’re between the ages of 21-24, you may be subject to what’s known as a ‘Young Renter Fee’, ‘Underage Driver’s Fee’, or ‘Young Driver Surcharge’. This fee is often due to the statistical risk younger drivers pose. But don’t let that discourage you. With some smart planning and research, there are ways to minimize these costs or avoid them altogether.
If you fall into this age bracket, you might find our article on how old do you have to be to rent a car in Illinois interesting as well, as the state has different rules for drivers under the age of 25.
03- Renting Over the Age of 70
On the other end of the spectrum, some car rental companies have maximum age limits or charge additional fees for older drivers. To understand more about these potential charges, check out our article on which car rental companies charge extra for drivers over 70.
But for the most part, if you’re over 25 and possess a valid driver’s license, you should have no problems renting a car in New Jersey. Remember, every company is different, so it’s crucial to confirm the specific requirements with the rental company you choose.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
Alternative Options for Young Renters
If you’re under the age of 21 and need to get around in New Jersey, there are still options. Consider other transportation services like Uber or Lyft. If you’re considering this route, you may want to read our guide on how to rent a car for Uber.
Other options include borrowing a car from a family member or friend or using public transportation.
Understanding the Young Driver Surcharge
The Young Driver Surcharge is an additional fee that car rental companies charge to renters under the age of 25. It’s considered a form of insurance to cover the statistical risk of renting to younger drivers who are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.
While it may seem unfair, the charge is commonplace across the car rental industry. However, there are ways to avoid or at least reduce this fee. For instance, if you’re renting a car for a business trip, your employer may cover the cost. Similarly, certain memberships or affiliations, like being part of the military, may also allow you to avoid this fee.
One of the best ways to minimize the young driver surcharge is to shop around and compare rates from various rental companies. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to getting the best deal. Our article on what to ask when renting a car can provide you with a list of crucial questions to help you in this process.
“Shop around, ask questions, and don’t assume the first price you see is the best you can get.” – SimpleRentCar.com
Different Age Requirements in Different Locations
While the minimum age to rent a car in New Jersey is 21, age requirements can vary depending on the location.
For example, in New York, drivers as young as 18 can rent a car. In contrast, some Canadian provinces allow car rentals only to drivers who are at least 23. If you’re planning a cross-border trip, make sure you’re familiar with the car rental age requirements in other locations. Our article on how old do you have to be to rent a car in Canada is a great place to start.
Alternative Payment and Insurance Options
If you’re not old enough to rent a car or simply prefer not to use a credit card, you might wonder, where can I rent a car with cash? Some companies do allow cash rentals, but these typically require a credit check, a cash deposit, and proof of insurance.
In terms of insurance, car rental companies typically offer their own coverage, but many personal auto insurance policies and some credit cards provide rental car coverage as well. If you’re not sure if your policy covers rental cars, check out our guide on can I rent a car without insurance for more information.
Unique Situations
Every rental situation is unique and may come with its own set of requirements and restrictions. For example, if you have a restricted license, like an ignition interlock license, you may wonder if you can rent a car at all. In our article on can you rent a car with an ignition interlock license, we cover this topic in depth.
Similarly, if you need a vehicle for a specific purpose like towing, it’s important to know that not all rental companies will allow you to tow with their vehicles. Our guide on do car rental companies allow towing has more information on this topic.
Wrapping Up
While the legal driving age in New Jersey is 17, the minimum age to rent a car is typically 21 due to various factors.
It’s important to do thorough research, ask the right questions, and be aware of additional costs like the Young Driver Surcharge.
Don’t forget to explore your options, whether it’s renting two cars at once, renting a car with cash, or renting a car for Uber. Also, be mindful of unique situations like renting a car with an ignition interlock license or when car rental companies charge extra for drivers over 70.
Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to navigating the complexities of the car rental industry. Happy renting!
