Rent-A-Wreck: Can 18-Year-Olds Rent?

does rent a wreck rent to 18 year olds

Rent-A-Wreck is a car rental company with locations worldwide. The company offers a range of vehicles, including economy cars, luxury sedans, trucks, and vans. While the company typically requires renters to be at least 18 years old, some locations may require a minimum age of 21 or 25 years. For renters under 25, a credit card is usually required, and the rental rate may be higher. In addition to the daily rental rate, taxes, airport surcharges, and equipment rental fees for additional equipment may apply.

Characteristics Values
Minimum age requirement 18 years old, but some locations may require a minimum age of 21 or 25 years old
Payment methods Credit card, debit card, prepaid debit card, cash, money orders
Additional requirements Valid driver's license, proof of residency (if paying with cash/prepaid card), insurance (if under 21)
Optional fees Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), equipment rental fees, airport surcharge
Locations Los Angeles, Greensboro, N.C., and various other locations

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Rent-A-Wreck's minimum age requirements

The minimum age requirements to rent a car from Rent-A-Wreck vary depending on location. While the company's Greensboro, North Carolina, branch rents to customers aged 18 and above, its Los Angeles branch caters to drivers under 25. The company's general policy is that renters must be at least 18 years old, but some locations may require a minimum age of 25.

Rent-A-Wreck is the oldest and largest used car rental company in the world. It offers a range of vehicles, from economy cars to full-size luxury sedans and SUVs. The company requires a valid state-issued driver's license and accepts international licenses, although arrangements must be made in advance.

Rent-A-Wreck accepts various payment methods, including major credit cards, debit cards, prepaid debit cards, and cash. When using a credit card, an authorization hold will be placed to cover all estimated rental charges and an additional security deposit, ranging from $150 to $250 depending on the location. For cash customers, a cash qualification questionnaire must be completed during normal business hours, and a deposit is usually required.

The company offers optional Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) protection, billed per day in states that allow it. This is not collision insurance but an agreement that Rent-A-Wreck will pay for damages to the rented vehicle. Without the CDW, renters are liable for any loss or damage to the rental vehicle, even if the cause is unknown or due to theft, fire, or vandalism.

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Payment methods

Rent-A-Wreck accepts a variety of payment methods for its car rental services, including credit cards, debit cards, prepaid debit cards, and cash. However, the specific payment options and requirements may vary by location. Here is a detailed overview of the payment methods accepted by Rent-A-Wreck:

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are widely accepted by Rent-A-Wreck. Accepted credit card networks include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. When using a credit card, the name and signature on the card must match those on the renter's driver's license. Additionally, the credit card must have available funds to cover the rental charges and any associated deposits or fees.

Debit Cards

Rent-A-Wreck also accepts debit cards or "check cards" issued by major banks, such as Visa or MasterCard, that are linked to checking accounts. When using a debit card, a deposit will typically be taken from the checking account at the time of rental. This deposit will be refunded upon completion of the rental period, provided that all charges are paid in full and the vehicle is returned in good condition.

It's important to note that debit card requirements can vary by location, and some Rent-A-Wreck offices may have specific terms and conditions for their acceptance and usage. Additionally, using a debit card may require a potentially lengthy insurance verification process, and a debit card fee may be applied to the rental charges.

Prepaid Debit Cards

Prepaid debit cards are also accepted by Rent-A-Wreck, but they are subject to insurance verification. Rent-A-Wreck will verify that the renter's auto insurance policy provides collision insurance benefits for the rental vehicle and has been prepaid for a minimum of 30 days from the rental date.

Cash

Many Rent-A-Wreck locations also rent to cash customers without requiring a credit card. However, cash customers may need to fill out a cash qualification questionnaire during normal business hours, and a cash deposit may be required if a credit card is not presented. The availability of cash rentals and specific policies may vary by location.

Additional Fees and Charges

Rent-A-Wreck may charge various additional fees and charges, such as underage driver fees for renters under 25, additional driver fees, equipment rental fees for extra items like navigation equipment, airport surcharges, and out-of-state charges for driving the vehicle outside the state of rental. It is important to ask about all applicable charges before signing the rental agreement.

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Additional fees

Rent-A-Wreck has a range of additional fees that customers should be aware of. Firstly, there is a mandatory security deposit, which is usually $200, although this can vary depending on the location and payment method. For example, a $75 non-refundable deposit is required to guarantee a reservation. If a debit card is used, there is also a one-time $15 fee. The deposit is typically charged to the customer's credit card, but some locations will accept cash deposits.

Rent-A-Wreck also charges a daily underage fee of $15 for renters aged 21 to 24. Additionally, there is an extra fee for any additional authorised drivers, which is $5 per driver per day. This does not apply to government renters on official orders, corporate account customers on corporate rate plans, or drivers or companions of physically impaired customers.

There is also a $6 per gallon fee if the vehicle is not returned with the same amount of fuel it left with. Renters are also liable for any loss or damage to the rental vehicle, including towing and storage charges, loss of use, diminution in value, administrative fees, pro-rata license fees, and rental charges.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is an optional daily charge that covers the cost of damages to the rental vehicle. By declining this waiver, the renter accepts full responsibility for any damages.

Some Rent-A-Wreck locations offer electronic toll transponder devices for an additional daily charge. This allows renters to use all electronic toll lanes in the region without incurring toll road violations. If the transponder is declined, the renter will be responsible for paying any toll road violations, plus an administrative fee of up to $50 per violation.

Finally, equipment rental fees apply for any additional equipment ordered, such as ski racks, CD players, or navigation equipment. Specific fees for these vary by location.

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Insurance

Rent-A-Wreck requires renters to be at least 18 years old, but some locations may require a minimum age of 19 or 25 years. For renters under 25, a credit card is usually required for payment, and the rental rate may be higher. Renters between the ages of 19 and 21 must have their own full-coverage auto insurance and pay an underage fee of $25 per day. Those aged 22 to 24 will pay an underage fee of $20 per day.

Rent-A-Wreck accepts all major credit cards and major bank-issued debit cards tied to a personal checking account. A valid driver's license and form of payment are required at the time of pick-up. The name and signature on the driver's license and payment card must be the same.

For renters using a debit card, proof of their own auto liability insurance is required. Additionally, if they have liability coverage only, they must purchase the Rent-A-Wreck Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for $25 per day. The CDW is not insurance but an agreement that Rent-A-Wreck will pay for damages to the rented vehicle. By declining the waiver, the renter accepts responsibility for any damages. Renters with full-coverage insurance do not need to purchase the CDW.

When a renter presents an eligible checking account debit card, Rent-A-Wreck will perform an insurance verification with the customer's insurance carrier to ensure the policy has been prepaid for a minimum of 30 days from the rental date and provides collision insurance benefits for the rented vehicle. If the customer's auto insurance policy does not provide collision insurance benefits, the rental agreement will not be processed unless the customer provides a major credit card with verifiable rental car damage coverage or purchases the CDW.

Some credit card companies provide members with free rental protection when using their cards to pay for rentals, so checking with the card issuer is advisable. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) provides accidental death and medical coverage for the renter and additional passengers. However, this insurance is usually optional, and renters should check their personal car insurance policies to see if rentals are covered. If their policy covers rentals, PAI may not be necessary.

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Locations

While Rent-A-Wreck's minimum age requirement is typically 18 years, some locations may require renters to be at least 25. The company has various locations across the United States, including Los Angeles and Greensboro, North Carolina.

Rent-A-Wreck Los Angeles offers short and long-term car rentals for drivers under 25 and under 21. Reviews for this location highlight the company's customer service, flexibility, and affordable prices.

Rent-A-Wreck Greensboro rents to customers 18 years of age and older. They offer insurance protection to anyone 21 and older, while those under 21 must have their own full-coverage insurance. They are open from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, and 8 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays.

Rent-A-Wreck accepts various payment methods, including cash, credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and money orders. However, the acceptance and usage of credit cards may vary by location. Additionally, specific locations may have different policies regarding cash payments, so it is recommended to contact the desired rental location for detailed information.

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Frequently asked questions

Rent-A-Wreck requires a valid state-issued driver's license and a payment card in the renter's name. The name and signature on the driver's license and payment card must match.

Yes, Rent-A-Wreck typically requires renters to be at least 18 years old, but some locations may require a minimum age of 21 or 25 years.

Rent-A-Wreck accepts major credit cards, debit cards, prepaid debit cards, and cash. However, the accepted payment methods may vary by location.

Yes, Rent-A-Wreck charges a refundable deposit, which is usually charged to your credit card. They also offer optional equipment for rent, such as ski racks and navigation equipment, which will incur additional fees.

Yes, Rent-A-Wreck Los Angeles offers short and long-term car rentals for drivers under 25 and has received positive reviews for its customer service and affordability in this age group.

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