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How old do you need to be to rent a car in California?

I’m taking a trip to San Francisco, but I want to drive up to Napa Valley for some wine tasting. I’m only 23, so I’ve never rented a car before and I’m not sure if I can. How old do you need to be to rent a car in California?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Good news! You only need to be 21 years old to rent a car in
California
, which means you can cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Napa Valley at your own leisure.
However, renters under the age of 25 are often subject to a young driver surcharge and may only be able to rent certain types of vehicles. Call your preferred rental company to find out about fees and restrictions.
While you can always buy
rental car insurance
from the rental company, did you know that your personal car insurance typically covers rental cars? All you need to do is make sure that you have the right coverage at a great price. Download the
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MORE: How to save money on car rentals
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