Compare car rental companies. While car rental companies are not as strict as they were years ago, at your age, renting a car can get very expensive. For drivers under 25, rental companies charge a higher surcharge a day. This cost is to cover insurance and liabilities. It's best to shop around to get the best rates for your age.
Check the car rental requirements. Traditionally, if you were 18, it was near impossible to rent a car. Nowadays, companies like E-Z Rent-A-Car and Rent-A-Wreck rents to driver's a least 18 years of age. At 21, your options widen with companies like Hertz, Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise and Thrifty. For residents living in New York or Michigan, it's state law to allow 18 year old individuals to rent a car.
Use any options available to you. If you're in the military or work for the government and you need a rental for official business, you can rent a car if your at least 18 years of age. The rental will also include a military or government discount rate. Another option for military personnel is the United Services Automobile Association (USAA), which has partnership with Avis for drivers 21 and over, without the young-driver surcharge.
Another work option is if you're employed by a corporation. Some companies have corporate accounts with car rental companies. This could not only get you into a rental, but you may get an employee discount minus the surcharge based on your age.
