Can You Rent an Infant Car Seat With a Rental Car?
In the United States, most car rental companies, such as SIXT, Budget, Dollar, and Hertz, offer car rental infant car seats. This is an add-on facility that you can get by paying a flat or daily fee. Remember, this is available on request only.
So, if you need it, make sure you reserve it in advance. Furthermore, different types of seats are available. Some are convertibles, while others are just rear-facing ‘infant-only’ seats. Thus, check the options and related aspects for a better journey.
What are the Different Types of Car Seats in Car Rental?
Car rental with a car seat has different types. Depending on the needs, one can choose from the following options provided by a rental company:
Baby Seats: These are for babies weighing between 1kg and 13kg. Generally, babies up to 15 months of age can easily fit in these seats.
Child Seats: You should choose it if your baby is between 9kg and 18kg and from 9 months to 4 years of age.
Booster Seats: Suitable for kids between 4 years and 12 years, the weight must be between 15kg and 36kg to fit easily.
How Much Does it Cost for Child Seats in Rental Cars?
The cost of a car rental infant car seat in the US depends on the service provider you choose. Additionally, the cost varies according to the car type, duration of the trip, and more. Here is a quick review of the average cost:
Infant Seats: USD 10 to USD 18
Booster Seats: USD 8 to USD 15
Convertible Seats: USD 15 to USD 25
Average Cap Fees: USD 84 to USD 87
Maximum Costs for Long Trips: USD 100 to USD 300
Note: To save more on child seats in rental cars in Baltimore, California, and other regions, opt for off-site options rather than airport-based services.
What to Know About Child Seats in Car Rentals?
Before choosing a car rental infant car seat, you must know a few important things. These include the following:
Always inspect the infant seats for frayed straps, missing parts, and cracks.
Every seat has a life. So, check for the expiry date to ensure the child’s safety.
Make sure the seat is clean and well-sanitized.
Verify if the seat is appropriate for your child’s weight, height, and age.
No rental company installs the child seat due to liability reasons.
Read the manual for safe installation.
Some companies, like SIXT and Hola, may allow you to bring your own baby seat. Inquire about those providers while booking.
Explore deals and discounts on car rentals before booking to save more.
Read the federal rules regarding the uses, dimensions, etc. of car seats.
Do All Car Rental Companies in the USA have Car Seats?
You can rent a car seat with a rental car, as most providers offer this facility with an extra fee. Some notable names for this include the following:
Hertz
Avis
Budget
Dollar
SIXT
Enterprise
Thrifty
Alamo
Payless
National
Note: There are many other leading and regional names to this list. You must explore all those options to find the best and most comfortable seats.
Wrap Up!
Car rental with a car seat for infants is a practical decision that you can take for the safety of your child. However, you should check the safety, cleanliness, and comfort of the seat, along with the applicable fees and other critical aspects, for an enhanced experience.
