Have you ever heard the rule with that you have to be 25 years or older to rent a car? Believe it or not this is an outdated rule for most companies, and the actual age to rent is much lower. At SD Cruising Rentals, you only need to be 21 years old to rent a vehicle. But where did this original rule come from, and why did it change? Stick around to learn everything you need to know about age requirements and car rentals!

Do I Really Need to Be 25 Years Old to Rent a Car?

Believe it or not, there was never any law requiring renters to be 25 years or older to rent a car. Rather, this age requirement was put into place by insurance companies. This is due to the fact that young drivers are significantly more likely to damage a vehicle than older drivers. By averaging this out, companies could create a single standard plan that keeps those drivers most at risk out of the equation. Once this policy became standard, many people misunderstood its implementation and assumed it was a legal requirement.

Over the years many companies have begun to relax their policies on age limits, meaning that younger drivers now have access to rental cars without an additional fee.

So, What Are the Rules?

The actual answer is a little complicated depending on where you’re looking to rent. Some locations have chosen to retain the classic 25-year-old age limit, while others have moved as much as five years younger. It’s always best to check with the company you’re renting with and never assume that you’re old enough. You should also be aware that some states require rental drivers to be at least 18 years old, regardless of company policies.

You may find that some companies who have a self-imposed age limit allow younger drivers to get behind the wheel for an extra fee. This is simply to ensure the driver understands the risks and is willing to pay extra for any damages incurred because of their age.

At SD Cruising Rentals, you need to be 21 in order to drive one of our vehicles. We do this to ensure the safety of our customers, as well as other drivers. We want you to have the best time possible while visiting California, so we will do everything we can to ensure you’re next ride goes smoothly.