Ever dreamt of hitting the open road, but found yourself hitting a wall when it comes to renting a car because of your age? Especially for our younger military members and their families, navigating car rental policies can feel like a mission in itself. If you're a USAA member, you're in luck! USAA offers significant benefits that can make renting a car a breeze, even if you're under 25. Let's dive into the specifics, step-by-step, so you can confidently book your next adventure.
Unlocking the Road: Your Guide to Renting a Car with USAA as a Young Driver
Renting a car, especially when you're under 25, often comes with an additional "young driver fee" that can add a hefty sum to your rental cost. This fee exists because statistically, younger drivers are considered a higher risk by rental companies. However, USAA, with its unwavering commitment to military members and their families, has forged partnerships that often waive this fee entirely, making car rentals far more accessible and affordable for its younger members.
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| How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent A Car With Usaa |
Step 1: Are You Eligible for USAA Membership? Let's Find Out!
Before we even talk about car rentals, the absolute first step is to confirm your USAA eligibility. Are you a current or former military member, or the spouse or child of one? If so, you likely qualify!
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Who is Eligible?
- Active Duty Military: Those currently serving in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy.
- Veterans: Those who have honorably served in the U.S. military.
- Spouses of USAA Members: If your spouse is a USAA member, you are typically eligible.
- Children of USAA Members: Children of USAA members can often join.
- Cadets and Midshipmen: Those attending U.S. service academies or who are on an ROTC scholarship or commission.
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Why is this important? USAA's car rental benefits are exclusive to its members. Without membership, you won't be able to access the special age waivers and discounts. If you're not a member yet, head to USAA's website and look into joining – it's often free and opens up a world of benefits beyond car rentals!
Step 2: Understanding the Baseline - General Rental Age Requirements
Now that we've established your USAA eligibility, let's briefly touch upon what you'd typically encounter without USAA's benefits. This will help you appreciate the value of your membership.
- Standard Minimum Age: Most car rental companies generally require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle. Some might even require you to be 25.
- The Dreaded Young Driver Surcharge: For drivers between 21 and 24 (and sometimes even 20-24 depending on the company), a daily "young driver fee" or "underage surcharge" is almost always applied. This fee can range from $15 to $30 or even more per day, quickly adding up and making a short rental very expensive.
- Vehicle Restrictions: Even if allowed to rent, younger drivers might be restricted from renting certain car classes, such as luxury vehicles, large SUVs, or specific performance cars.
Step 3: The USAA Advantage - Waiving the Young Driver Fee!
This is where your USAA membership truly shines! USAA has established partnerships with major car rental companies that offer significant perks, including the waiver of the young driver fee for eligible members.
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- Key Partners: USAA typically partners with major rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget. These partnerships are crucial for young drivers.
- Age Waived: For USAA members, the underage driver fee for those between 18 and 24 years of age is often waived at participating locations in the U.S. and sometimes even internationally.
- Note: While some sources indicate 18 years old is the minimum for Hertz with USAA, for Enterprise, the minimum age is generally 21 with the fee waived for 21-24 year olds. Always double-check with the specific rental company and your USAA benefits.
- Proof of Membership: Be prepared to present proof of your USAA membership, or in some cases, your military ID or proof of USAA auto insurance, at the rental counter to receive the waived fee.
Step 4: Booking Your USAA-Enabled Rental Car
Booking your car with USAA benefits is straightforward, but requires attention to detail to ensure you receive all applicable discounts and waivers.
- Sub-heading: Utilize the USAA Portal/Website
- The easiest and most reliable way to ensure you get all your USAA benefits is to book directly through the USAA website or their dedicated car rental portal. USAA typically has links or a "Perks" section where you can access their negotiated rates and benefits with various rental agencies.
- When booking through USAA, the system usually automatically applies the relevant discounts and fee waivers.
- Sub-heading: Using USAA Discount Codes (CDP Numbers)
- If you book directly on a rental company's website (e.g., Hertz.com, Enterprise.com), make sure to enter the specific USAA Discount Code (often called a CDP number or Corporate Discount Program number). This code tells the rental company you are a USAA member and qualifies you for the benefits.
- Important: These codes are usually readily available on the USAA website under their car rental section.
- Sub-heading: Confirming the Waiver
- During the booking process, or at least before finalizing, look for confirmation that the young driver fee is being waived. Sometimes it might appear as a zero-dollar charge, or simply not appear at all in your estimated total. If you don't see it, or if it still shows a charge, do not proceed without contacting USAA or the rental company's reservation line to clarify.
- Sub-heading: Debit Card vs. Credit Card
- While USAA members can often use debit cards for rentals, be aware that many rental companies have stricter policies for debit card users, especially for younger renters. They might require a higher deposit, proof of return ticket, or even a credit check. Using a credit card, if available, can often make the process smoother. Ensure the card is in the renter's name.
Step 5: At the Rental Counter - Be Prepared!
The pickup process is where you'll finalize your rental. Being prepared can save you time and potential headaches.
- Sub-heading: Required Documents
- Valid Driver's License: This is non-negotiable. Ensure it's current and in good standing.
- USAA Membership Proof: This could be your USAA ID card (physical or digital via the app), proof of USAA auto insurance, or simply knowing your USAA membership number.
- Credit/Debit Card: The card used for booking (or another valid form of payment) should be in the renter's name.
- Rental Confirmation: Have your reservation details handy.
- Sub-heading: Reconfirming the Waiver (Politely!)
- When you're at the counter, it's always a good idea to politely reconfirm that the young driver fee has been waived, especially if you're under 25. Mistakes can happen, and it's better to catch them before you drive off.
- Sub-heading: Inspect the Vehicle
- Before leaving the lot, thoroughly inspect the rental car for any existing damage (scratches, dents, etc.). Take photos or videos as proof. Report any damage to the rental agency staff before you drive away. This prevents you from being held responsible for pre-existing damage.
Step 6: Understanding Insurance and Coverage
USAA members often have excellent insurance benefits, which can extend to rental cars. This can save you money by allowing you to decline expensive rental company insurance.
- USAA Auto Insurance: If you have auto insurance through USAA, your policy often extends coverage to rental vehicles. This can include collision, comprehensive, and liability coverage. It's crucial to confirm the specifics of your policy with USAA directly before renting.
- USAA Credit Card Benefits: Many USAA credit cards offer built-in auto rental collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage when you use the card to pay for the entire rental. This is typically secondary coverage, meaning it kicks in after your primary auto insurance (if you have it). However, for international rentals, it might even be primary coverage. Again, verify with your specific credit card benefits guide.
- Declining Rental Company's Insurance: If your USAA auto insurance and/or credit card provides sufficient coverage, you can often confidently decline the expensive Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) offered by the rental company, as well as their liability insurance if your policy already covers it. However, if you are unsure, or if you don't have personal auto insurance, purchasing the rental company's coverage might be a wise decision for peace of mind.
Step 7: Returning the Vehicle and Post-Rental Checks
The rental process isn't over until the car is returned and you've checked your final bill.
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- Fuel Policy: Always adhere to the rental company's fuel policy (e.g., return with a full tank). Failure to do so will result in significant refueling charges.
- Timely Return: Return the car on time to avoid late fees. If you anticipate a delay, contact the rental company immediately to extend your rental.
- Final Inspection: Before handing over the keys, do a quick final inspection of the car with the rental agent to confirm no new damage occurred during your rental.
- Review Your Bill: Once you receive your final bill, review it carefully to ensure all discounts, including the young driver waiver, have been applied correctly and there are no unexpected charges.
By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the car rental process with USAA, saving yourself money and stress, and getting you on the road to your next adventure!
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10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find the specific USAA discount code (CDP number) for car rentals? You can usually find the specific USAA discount code (CDP number) by logging into your USAA account on their website or mobile app, navigating to the "Shopping & Discounts" or "Travel" section, and then selecting "Rental Cars." The codes for their partner agencies like Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget will be listed there.
How to confirm if the young driver fee will be waived during the online booking process? When booking through the USAA car rental portal, the waiver is often automatically applied. If booking directly on a rental company's website using the USAA CDP code, look at the "estimated total" or "breakdown of charges" section before finalizing your reservation. The young driver fee should either not appear, or show a $0 charge. If it still shows a fee, do not complete the booking and contact USAA or the rental company directly for clarification.
How to rent a car with USAA if I'm 18, 19, or 20 years old? While many rental companies have a minimum age of 21, Hertz, through its partnership with USAA, often allows USAA members as young as 18 to rent a car, with the young driver fee waived. For other companies, the minimum age with USAA benefits is typically 21, with the fee waived for 21-24 year olds. Always confirm the specific age requirements with the chosen rental company and your USAA benefits.
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How to ensure my USAA auto insurance covers my rental car? Contact USAA directly before your rental period. Speak with a representative and specifically ask about your policy's coverage for rental vehicles, including collision, comprehensive, and liability. They can confirm your coverage limits and explain any deductibles.
How to use my USAA credit card for rental car insurance benefits? To utilize your USAA credit card's rental car insurance benefits, you generally need to use that specific USAA credit card to reserve and pay for the entire rental transaction. You must also decline the rental company's Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Review your credit card's Guide to Benefits for full details on coverage, exclusions, and how to file a claim.
How to add an additional driver to my USAA rental car without extra fees? For USAA members, most partnered rental companies (like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget) will waive the additional driver fee for a spouse or other USAA family members who will also be driving the car. Ensure the additional driver meets the rental company's general driver requirements and is also listed on the rental agreement.
How to handle a situation where the rental counter agent is unaware of USAA benefits? If a rental counter agent seems unaware of USAA benefits or tries to charge you a young driver fee, politely explain that you are a USAA member and that the fee should be waived under the USAA program. Have your USAA ID (physical or digital) and the reservation confirmation showing the applied discount or CDP code readily available. If they still refuse, ask to speak to a manager or call USAA's customer service number from the counter for assistance.
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How to find the best car rental deals for USAA members? Start by checking the dedicated car rental section on the USAA website or app. This portal often consolidates the best available discounts from their partner rental agencies. You can also compare rates directly on the rental company websites after applying your USAA CDP code. Consider "Pay Now" options through USAA perks, as these can sometimes offer even deeper discounts.
How to proceed if I need to rent a car internationally with USAA benefits? USAA benefits, including discounts and sometimes fee waivers, may extend to international rentals with participating partners. However, coverage requirements and specific benefits can vary significantly by country. Always check the international terms and conditions on the USAA website or with the rental company, and consider purchasing additional insurance if your USAA policy or credit card doesn't offer primary coverage for the specific international location.
How to contact USAA for further assistance with car rental policies? You can contact USAA's customer service via phone (their main number is usually available on their website), through their secure message center on the USAA app or website, or by using their online chat feature. Be ready with your membership details and any specific questions you have about car rental benefits.
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