Written byIf you’re heading out on a family vacation with the kids, you’ve likely asked yourself: “Can I buy a car seat when I rent the car, or does it have to be this bulky thing that I have to haul along?” The clap of thunder was the sound of parents trying to strike a balance between convenience and safety. To provide you with firm answers, we contacted five of the most widely used rental car companies — including Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget — and posed the questions directly.
The good news? Yes, you can get a car seat when you rent a car. However, there’s a catch: Availability is not guaranteed, fees can accumulate quickly, and not all car seats adhere to the same safety standards. Here, we lay it all out for you: pricing, types, policies, and the lowdown on what other parents think, so you can hit the road without wondering what to do about car seats.
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Why Renting a Car Seat Matters
To assist you in deciding, we called Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Alamo and offered the following questions:
- Do you have a car seat hire?
- What kinds of car seats are there?
- How much is a car seat rental?
- I am sure there will be a car seat.
- Are the seats cleaned between uses?
Many families who plan road trips and camping want the convenience of picking up everything at the rental counter, including child safety gear.
Here’s what the companies had to say for themselves.
1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Yes, You Can Rent a Car Seat. “You might be able to rent or borrow a car seat at your destination,” Ms. Wolff said.
Enterprise offers car seat rentals for infants, toddlers, and children.
Pricing
Currently, car seat rental costs approximately $13.99 per day, with a maximum total amount paid per rental. Prices may vary by location.
Types Available
- Infant seats
- Toddler convertible seats
- Booster seats
Availability
Please note that car seats are not guaranteed, even when a reservation is made. (You are encouraged to call the rental spot in advance to make sure.)
Cleaning Policy
Enterprise has announced that all car seats are cleaned and inspected after each use to ensure safe and healthy travel.
Summary
The Enterprise is convenient, but as always, you should ensure they have Availability at the location being visited.
2. Hertz
Yes, You Can Rent a Car Seat.. If you take our advice and don’t bring a car seat with you (yay, five pounds!), it’s almost certain that you’ll need to rent one for your trip.
Hertz provides car seat rentals at most of its locations throughout the U.S.
Pricing
Cost is generally $13.99 a day with max charge per rental (usually $98.00) for extended stays.
Types Available
- Rear-facing infant car seats
- Forward-facing toddler car seats
- Booster seats
Availability
Although you can request a car seat when booking online with Hertz, they do not guarantee that it will be part of your rental — unless you’ve contacted the pickup location.
Cleaning Policy
Their seats are deep cleaned and inspected after every return, Hertz said.
Summary
Dependable with options for all age groups, but it’s a good idea to call your rental location a few days before you leave, to be sure.
3. Avis Rent-A-Car
Yes, You Can Rent a Car Seat for parties or for those with sensitive skin.
Most Avis locations in the U.S. Offer car seat rentals.
Pricing
You should expect to pay $13 per/day, and as with the others, there’s generally a weekly or rental cap.
Types Available
Avis collaborates with Evenflo, allowing you to rent a premium infant, convertible, or booster seat.
Availability
Avis recommends adding car seats to your reservation well in advance of your rental date, as the product is subject to Availability and seats can sell out.
Cleaning Policy
Avis says it re-sanitizes, inspects, and securely wraps each seat between rentals.
Summary
Quality, and particularly hygiene, are highly regarded by Avis, although advanced booking is essential to securing a car seat.
4. Budget Rent-A-Car
Yes, You Can Rent a Car Seat. Here’s the deal: The cost of paying for a seat on the plane for your baby is more than renting a car seat at your destination.
Budget rents infant, child, and booster seats.
Pricing
Budget charges $13/day for car seat rentals, which is within industry range.
Types Available
- Infant (rear-facing)
- Toddler (forward-facing)
- Booster seats
Availability
You need to check, as the car seats are subject to location. The budget advises customers to call to confirm after making online reservations.
Cleaning Policy
Budget maintains a clean protocol for every vehicle, which includes sanitization and safety checks on the seat.
Summary
“Budget is affordable and has a lot of options, however, you need to remember to follow up with the local branch and make sure you get a reservation for the seat.
5. Alamo Rent-A-Car
Yes, You Can Rent a Car Seat. If you don’t want to bring one along or if you’re not using your car, most rental car agencies also offer car seats for a daily charge.
Alamo has a complete selection of car seats.
Pricing
Rental cost is about $13.99/day, and the price is capped if you’re renting over the long term.
Types Available
- Rear-facing infant seats
- Forward-facing toddler seats
- Booster seats
Availability
Car seats are available on a request basis, according to the Alamo website; note that they are not guaranteed, even if you reserve a seat online. Calling ahead is strongly advised.
Cleaning Policy
All seats must pass meticulous cleaning and inspection standards between uses, according to Alamo.
Summary
Alamo has some good choices, but it requires a bit of follow-up to secure your car seat.
Key Points to Know Before You Book
1. Reserve Early
Car seat inventory is limited. Comparative shop — the earlier you book, the better chance you have to score a great seat.
2. Call Ahead
Even when you shellac a seat online, call your pickup location directly to confirm it exists and that it has been reserved in your name.
3. Check for Compatibility
Ensure the rental car you have reserved can accommodate the type of seat you will receive. Not all compact cars offer sufficient space to accommodate a rear-facing infant seat easily.
4. Know the Laws
Child safety seat laws can vary from state to state. Before you travel, check the car seat regulations for the state where you will be visiting.
5. Inspect the Seat Yourself
Inspect the seat for wear, missing parts, or other improperly installed components before placing it in the vehicle. Don’t hesitate to ask for a new one if you’re not comfortable.
Should You Bring Your Car Seat?
Here, to help guide you in your decision, are some pros and cons:
✅ Pros:
- You know it’s clean and safe.
- You’re familiar with installation.
- No rental fees
❌ Cons:
- Large and difficult to handle at the airport
- Prone to damage in checked luggage
- May not fit all rental cars
Many parents choose to bring their car seat, especially if they have a new model or one that has additional safety features. But for brief jaunts, renting can be simple and reassuring.
Final Verdict: Renting a Car Seat Is Possible—But Plan Ahead
Yes, you can rent a car seat with a rental car, and most major rental companies offer them for newborns, infants, toddlers, and booster seat requirements. And that usually costs about $13–14 per day. Both brands boast clean and safe seats, but Availability is never a given.
Your best bet? Book early, call in advance, and confirm everything a few days before you depart. Whether you hire or supply your own, ensuring your child’s safety should take precedence over everything else.
FAQs: What You Should Know Before Renting a Car Seat With a Rental Car
Can you rent a car seat with a rental car?
Yep, you can. Most major rental companies (like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, and Enterprise) do offer car seats — infant, toddler, and booster options included. Just know: it’s “request-based,” not always guaranteed.
What is the cost of it?
Most charge around $10–$15 per day , depending on the location and seat type. Some cap the fee after 4–5 days, but not all, and the price is per seat.
Are the seats clean and safe?
This one’s a mixed bag. While companies say they inspect and clean seats regularly, a few parents we spoke to weren’t thrilled with the condition. If you’re picky (or a germaphobe — no judgment), bringing your own might be safer.
Can I reserve the seat online?
You can add it during online booking, but please note that it’s always best to call the location directly to confirm. We were told “it depends on inventory” more than once.
Should I bring my car seat instead?
Honestly, it depends. Suppose you’re on a short trip and want to travel light — renting is a good option. But if your kid’s super young, or you’re worried about fit and safety (or cleanliness), bringing your own is usually the safer bet.
