Why the emphasis on Age 18?
In most parts of the world, age 18 holds a massive significance in an individual’s life. Turning 18 allows having independence and the liberty of holding the reins of one’s life in their own hand. With autonomy, stability has firmly been associated. Financial stability is on the top. With the increasing globalization and the introduction of new platforms that allow individuals at an early age to start earning, the opportunities to have ownership – permanent or temporary – are opened.
What does renting refers to?
For instance, renting a car is a form of temporary ownership that can later be turned permanent. Still, it is significantly one of the most common methods individuals opt out of at 18. Renting refers to having mobile service for a short or designated period with cash that does not tear off the pockets of individuals. When a person turns 18, there are many societal, academic, family, or career pressure.
To achieve them, commuting in most parts of the world becomes a hurdle for most people. Either taking subways or waiting to hail a taxi, all these have the opportunity cost that is the most crucial – Time. Thus, saving that time and making commuting easy for individuals aged 18 or + especially allows immense benefits. People at the age of 18 are eager to explore various opportunities and jobs. To multitask efficiently, renting a car would be the ideal option.
Benefits of Renting a Car
Adhering to both its pros and cons, let’s explore some of the benefits renting a car at the age of 18 would have on the lives of the concerned individual. As renting prices are negotiable, it is not that much of a hassle to own one for some short period. It feels a sense of ownership and independence for some time. Moreover, there are various outlets, companies, and services that provide the opportunity of renting a car. Since competition would ideally be high amongst these sectors, the benefit would be for the consumer – 18+ individuals – to bear, as more options would be available at the cheapest rates and most prolonged or negotiable payment period.
The aforementioned indicated saving the commuting time and cost for the individual, contributing towards the list of benefits. Another adding advantage of a rental car revolves around the consumer’s comfort and affordability. The purpose of renting a car might deviate from person to person; therefore, instead of having a standard way out, renting a vehicle
would allow it to fit the various needs and the requirements that a consumer might desire.
Disadvantages of Renting a Car
Although having a rental car at the age of 18 might seem feasible for a few, like every other thing in the world, this too has a set of drawbacks. Firstly, in some countries, age 18 is the liable age for driving a vehicle, but having a driver’s license is necessary. Therefore, if an individual without a license wants to rent a car, it would be tough to pass that procedure since it might seem like cheating the law. Secondly, external service seems like the quickest and easiest way out of the concerns frequently acquainted by the people at the age of 18; however, one must keep an eye out for the hidden charges or the clause corporated into the contract renting.
Conclusion
Sensing that the customer is not experienced and can be manipulated, the service outlets or the rental companies try to take advantage of that fact. Therefore, it is advised to always thoroughly read out the related documents.
Now that we have established a coherent stance on the significance and positive/negative outcomes of renting a car at the age of 18, let’s explore the frequently asked questions:
1- Is renting a car the safest option?
The safety of renting a car depends on the circumstances you are faced with. Still, ideally, it is the cheapest, most flexible, and reliable source of commuting, especially at the age of 18, because of its advantages.
2- Is insurance applicable to rental cars?
Insurance is pretty much applicable to everything that one owns, temporarily or permanently, as per US law. But the geographic variations might play a role. Thus one needs to be aware of the insurance policies and the laws applicable in their country.
3- How to be sure that there are no extra/hidden charges and that the car rented has any previous issues that weren’t conveyed at the time of dealing?
The best way to look out for hidden charges is to understand and thoroughly read the documents, or best to have them read by someone who has prior knowledge of such dealings. And to cross-check the condition of the car, many online databases of the registered vehicles can be located and cross-checked.
Hence, when renting a car at the age of 18, the significance it withholds, and the pros and cons should be kept in mind for safe dealing.
