Unlock Your Road Trip: A Guide to Student Car Rental Discounts

For students eager to explore beyond campus, renting a car can be the perfect solution. However, age restrictions and additional fees often present a challenge. This guide explores student car rental discounts, age requirements, and tips for securing affordable transportation.

Navigating Age Requirements and Surcharges

The standard minimum age to rent a car in most US states is 21 years old. However, there are exceptions. In New York, the minimum age is 18. SIXT allows car rental under 21, the minimum age is 18 in New York. Keep in mind that luxury vehicles typically require renters to be at least 25 years old.

Young Driver Surcharge: Drivers under 25 often face a "Young Driver Surcharge." This fee varies depending on the driver's age, rental location, and vehicle type. The Young Driver Surcharge is automatically applied during the booking process for car rental under 25.

Avoiding the Fee: While the Young Driver Surcharge is generally unavoidable, student discounts can help offset the overall cost.

Finding Student Car Rental Discounts

Several rental companies offer discounts specifically for students:

SIXT: Eligible students can access exclusive discounts. These offers can help offset some rental costs, including the young driver fee.
Avis/Budget: vs. Tulane University partners with Avis/Budget and Enterprise Rent-A-Car to provide discounted rates on personal car rentals for students, parents, and visitors. The University of Miami Avis/Budget contracted rates are extended for leisure travel to full-time employees ONLY. Avis/Budget rates are not eligible for student leisure travel. Florida contracted rates are only available to students if the student is traveling on behalf of the University.
Enterprise: Tulane University and Enterprise Rent-A-Car have long been partners, offering discounted rates to students, parents, and visitors. The University of Miami’s contracted rates with Enterprise are extended for Leisure travel to employees and students.

University Partnerships: Many universities have partnerships with rental agencies, providing discounted rates to students, faculty, and staff. For instance, Tulane University partners with Avis/Budget and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The Department of Travel Management has partnered with the car rental agencies below to provide the University of Miami with discounted rates for University business travel. To receive discounts, you may be asked to show proof that you are a UM employee or student.

Discount Codes: University partnerships often come with specific discount codes. For example, Tulane University provides:

Avis Discount Code: A476100
Budget Discount Code: T172700
Enterprise Discount Codes University AffiliationCorporate NumberPIN Parents/family/students/visitors (age 21-24) and Leisure Rentals XZ78990 TUL Students 14N1433 TUL

Requirements for Renting a Car as a Young Driver

To rent a car as a young driver, you'll typically need:

A valid driver's license. As long as you have a valid driver's license, you are eligible to rent a car. There's no minimum license-holding period, so even newer drivers are welcome.
A government-issued ID or passport.
A credit or debit card in your name. Some locations may ask for proof of address, especially when using a debit card. Debit cards are typically not accepted for luxury or full-size SUV rentals.

International renters can also book with a valid license and passport.

Vehicle Availability and Restrictions

Most economy, compact, midsize sedans, SUVs, and minivans are available to renters under 25. However, luxury cars, exotic vehicles, and certain specialty categories require the renter to be at least 25 years old.

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Additional Driver Policies

Additional drivers are allowed as long as they meet the same age and license requirements as the primary renter. Keep in mind that additional driver fees may apply. Benefits include waived additional driver fees.

Insurance and Protection

SIXT offers various insurance and protection packages to suit your needs. While young driver insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to minimize your financial liability in case of damage or accidents. Travelers must purchase collision damage waiver (CDW) / loss damage waiver (LDW) and basic liability insurance if the insurance is not included in your rental, when booking for a business purpose. This may already be included in some University contracted rates. Rental Insurance cannot be purchased through the University's Travel Portal or a World Travel Agent.

Mileage Restrictions

Mileage restrictions depend on the rental location and vehicle category. Some car rentals under 25 may include unlimited mileage, while others may have limits.

Booking Online

Yes! All age requirements and surcharges will be clearly displayed during the booking process.

University-Specific Policies

University of Miami:

Business Use: The minimum age requirement for business use rentals is 18 for all car classes except passenger vans. Passenger vans accommodating 12 to 15 passengers have a minimum age requirement of 21.
Leisure Use (employees only): The minimum age requirement for leisure use rentals is 18 for all car classes except passenger vans. Passenger vans accommodating 12 to 15 passengers have a minimum age requirement of 25.
Students traveling on behalf of the University need a letter of introduction on UM letterhead with their name, reservation number, and approved travel days.
Enterprise/National business contracted rates should not be used by students for domestic business travel.
Truck rentals discounts are only available for business.

Additional Considerations for Younger Renters (18-20)

Students age 18-20 can rent vehicles with a valid driver’s license, Tulane ID, proof of full-coverage car insurance, and a major credit card. Online reservations not available for this option. Rental must originate at Canal branch in New Orleans. You must call or visit counter at Canal Street Branch to rent a vehicle in the 18-20 age group.

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