Renting a car in the USA as a French driver: the real how-to

The American road trip is the dream of millions of French people: Route 66, western national parks, California and Florida coasts. But between minimum age, mandatory credit cards and insurances that double the bill, renting a car in the United States as a French driver can turn into an administrative nightmare. Here is a clear how-to to prepare your rental without nasty surprises in 2026.

Minimum age, the first hurdle

21, 25 or 26 depending on the rental company

In the United States, most major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget) accept drivers from age 21, but with a young driver fee surcharge. This fee ranges from 25 to 35 dollars per day between ages 21 and 24, which can nearly double the total cost over a two-week rental.

From age 25, the surcharge disappears for most companies. A few like Sixt or some regional agencies even accept ages 19-20, but conditions are restrictive. Watch out: some premium models (SUVs, sports cars, vans) stay reserved for 25 and older no matter what.

The under-21 case

Before age 21, simply forget classic rentals. A few independent agencies accept 18-20 year-olds in some states like New York or Michigan, but with surcharges so high that long-distance buses or organised carpools are often cheaper.

The credit card, an absolute condition

Why a debit card is not enough

This is one of the points that traps French drivers: in the USA, you do not rent a car with a regular debit card. You absolutely need a credit card (Visa or Mastercard credit, or American Express) in the main driver's name. The reason: the company places a hold from 200 to 500 dollars, blocked for the entire rental duration.

Visa Premier, Gold or Infinite cards issued in France usually work, but check that yours is a credit card and not a debit card with systematic authorisation. When in doubt, call your bank before leaving. Without a valid credit card, the rental is cancelled on the spot without refund.

Insurances, the costliest trap

SLI, LDW, PAI: decoded

The price shown on comparison sites almost never includes insurance. On the spot, you will be offered LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) covering damage to the vehicle, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance) covering damage to third parties and PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) covering injuries. Combined, these can add 30 to 50 dollars per day.

Good news: if you book via a serious European comparison site (rental comparator with insurance included), full insurance is often bundled for around 8 to 15 euros per day, three times cheaper. Check the deductible carefully: in the US, it can reach 2500 dollars without full insurance.

Does your credit card insurance cover it?

Visa Premier and Gold cards include rental vehicle insurance, but with important exclusions in the US: maximum 31 days, excluded models (vans, SUVs, pickups), and the requirement to pay the entire rental with the card. Read conditions carefully before leaving, as many people discover exclusions after an accident.

IDP, police checks, driving rules

Is the international permit mandatory?

Legally, several states accept the French licence alone during a tourist stay. In practice, almost all rental companies require an International Driving Permit, and many state police forces ask for it during checks. The IDP being free in France via ANTS, there is no reason to skip it.

On the driving side, rules change. Speeds are in miles per hour (60 mph is about 96 km/h). Highways often allow up to 70 or 75 mph. The U-turn is allowed unless signs say otherwise, the right turn on red (after stopping) is legal in most states except New York. Watch out for yellow school buses: when they stop, all traffic must stop in both directions.

Practical recap before leaving

The smart renter's checklist

Book your vehicle at least 2 months in advance for the best prices. Choose full insurance included in the price via a comparison site. Apply for your IDP via ANTS at least 3 months before departure. Check that your credit card is accepted and has a high enough limit for the deposit. Photograph the vehicle's condition when picking up the keys, including interior and roof.

During a police stop, stay calm and visible. American officers expect you to remain in the vehicle, hands on the wheel, moving slowly. Any sudden gesture can be misread. Reply politely, show your documents when asked, and avoid long justifications.

DevisPermis expert opinion

The American road trip is a unique experience, but it is also where we see French travellers get financially trapped the most. Between young drivers paying 600 dollars in surcharges, those buying on-the-spot insurance at 50 dollars a day, or those left with a 2000-dollar deductible after a fender-bender, the bill can triple. Our advice: prepare everything from France, compare rental companies, pay for cheaper European insurance, and arrive with a complete file. That is what turns a stressful trip into a dream road trip.

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