Yes, you can rent car seats. Many car rental companies, such as Hertz and Enterprise, offer car seat rentals for an additional fee, typically ranging from $10 to $15 per day. While renting car seats is convenient and cost-effective, you must consider the seat’s safety and installation instructions, cleanliness, and compatibility with your vehicle.

It is important to know the nitty-gritty of renting a car seat in the state where you need it. When my husband and I were flying for Thanksgiving with our six and three-year-olds, we rented child car seats along with a car. The experience was a struggle. It would have been better if I had learned about tips on renting, installing, and using rented car seats. 

You don’t have to go through a similar experience because I have put this article together to walk you through all you need to know about renting a car seat, the likely challenges you’ll face, and the solutions to those problems.

Where you can rent car seats today in America (by state)

Let me mention that the platforms I’ve recommended here are all independent quality providers offering safe and insured car seats – infant, convertible, and boosters – for traveling families in hundreds of locations across the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Australia, and even some in New Zealand.

But after combing through dozens of customer reviews online, I noticed that these rental platforms are more reliable in certain states in America than others. Why? Hard to say. But it’s best to use the best rental services for the state you find yourself in. Here we go:

How does car seat rental work?

When you fly to any of the above states with your little one, you can visit the rental company’s website or call them to make a reservation before your trip. You must provide travel dates, location, and specific requirements like your child’s age and weight.

You’ll accept the rental and extra charges (delivery fees) and pay. Don’t forget to always inspect the car seat upon receiving it and use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local laws.

You will then drop off the car seat at their nearest office at the end of the rental period, or you arrange for pickup.

Can you rent car seats at the airport?

Yes, renting car seats at the airport is often possible, but availability may vary depending on the rental car company and location. 

Some rental companies may offer car seats as an add-on option during the booking process, while others may require customers to reserve car seats in advance. 

It is most important to check the safety regulations and requirements for car seats in the location you will be visiting, as they may differ from your home country or state.

If you want to rent a car seat at the airport, I strongly recommend using BabyQuip. The platform has a network of parents renting clean, well-cared-for baby gear. And it’s reassuring that the company requires these providers to offer only age-appropriate car seats. At the same time, they’re in tip-top condition, thanks to the BabyQuip recently updated Certification Process for BabyQuip Quality Providers.

How to rent car seats when traveling – Step-by-step process

Here’s a step-by-step process to help you navigate the rental process when traveling:

• Step 1: Determine the type of car seat you need, depending on your child’s age, weight, and height. Check the rental car company’s website to see what options they offer.
• Step 2: Make a reservation. You can usually reserve a car seat when you book your rental car. Be sure to double-check the reservation to make sure you’re getting the correct type of car seat.
• Step 3: Pick up your rental car and car seat. The representative will confirm your reservation, give you a car seat, and show you how to install it in your rental car. Alternatively, they can deliver it to the airport or your hotel room.
• Step 4: Install the car seat carefully following instructions.
• Step 5: Return the car seat when you return the rental car. Remove any personal items from the car seat and clean them if necessary.

The reservation procedure will vary depending on your rental company’s website. But the entire process is the same.

Can you rent car seats without renting a car?

Yes, you can rent car seats without renting a car. For example, many baby equipment rental companies in California offer car seat rentals separately. BabyQuip is a good example. You can also find car seat rentals in Florida at major theme parks, such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

To be sure about this in the state where you arrive, you need to check with your local baby equipment rental companies or search online for car seat rental services in your area.

Can you rent a car seat from Hertz?

Yes, Hertz does offer car seat rentals. Hertz is an excellent option because they have a wide range of car seat options, including infant seats, convertible seats, and booster seats, and you can rent them for a daily fee.

So what is Hertz car seat rental cost? Well, the cost is lesser if you have elite status with them. But on average, expect to pay $13.99 per car seat or booster daily from Hertz.

Can you rent a car seat From AAA?

AAA lends convertible and booster seats available for pick up and can be reserved for up to two weeks at discounted prices to members who can use the appropriate discount codes.

The AAA discount and rewards program allows you to earn automatic savings when renting car seats with any of their more than 100,000 discount partners, including Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar. 

Can you rent a car seat from Enterprise?

Yes, Enterprise offers car seat rentals. The cost of renting a car seat from Enterprise varies by location, but it typically starts at around $12 daily.

To rent a car seat from Enterprise, add it to your rental reservation when booking online or request it at the rental counter when you pick up your vehicle. An Enterprise representative will install the car seat, and the rep will instruct you on how to use it correctly.

Can you rent a car seat From Budget?

If you rent a car from Budget, you can also rent a car seat with them. The car rental company operates in many locations worldwide. The cost of renting a car seat from Budget varies by location, but it typically starts at around $13 per day. 

Budget’s car seat rental service is strictly based on reservations. So, you’ll need to add it to your rental reservation when booking online.

Can you rent a car seat From Avis?

When reserving a rental car from Avis, you can also request seats for infants and toddlers. 

You will only sometimes get all specific models and types of car seats available as it depends on your location, but the ones available would always meet recommended safety standards.

Before you reserve a car seat along with your rented car from Avis, I recommend you go through their car safety seat rental details for children so you can make the proper reservations.

Can you rent a car seat From Alamo?

Alamo offers a variety of car seats for every age. This is an excellent company for car seats at US/Canada airport locations, and looking to reserve online.

The car seats available at Alamo for rental typically feature a 5-point harness with a two-piece harness retainer and front harness lock, extensive labeled seatbelt paths with locking clips, and upholstery of vinyl or cloth, based on availability.

Can you rent a car seat From Thrifty?

Being a subsidiary of The Hertz Corporation and car rental company, Thrifty offers car seat rental services. You can use their services in Washington, Miami, Ohio, New York, Philadelphia Airport, Fort Myers Airport, Tampa Airport, and Phoenix Airport.

However, they are the best option only if you want a belt-positioning high-back booster seat to be used in the back seat for your kids who have outgrown a convertible car seat. 

I recommend looking at other car seat rental companies if you want an infant-only car seat.

4 common issues you may face when renting car seats (+solutions)

No guidance from your car rental agent

One of the major problems you’ll have to deal with when renting car seats is that your rental agent may not be knowledgeable enough to guide you on proper installation procedures and how to use the car seats in accordance with your child’s age, weight, and height. This becomes crucial if renting a car seat model you’ve never used.

Solution

To avoid this problem, be precise with the specifications you want (the car seat type you’re familiar with). Is it convertible? Rear-facing? Infant-only? All-in-one? Ask for available seat models and then look up installation instructions beforehand. We have prepared a separate article to show you the instructions for using car seats in various states. 

Condition of the car seat

I’m sure you’ve thought about the condition of the car seats you’re renting, and yes, it’s a significant hurdle. You can’t always know the history of the car seats. There are chances that some of these seats could be damaged, compromising your child’s safety. Don’t forget cleanliness too.

Solution

When you receive any car seat from the rental agent, check the sticker for the seat’s manufacture and expiration date. Also, don’t hesitate to request a new car seat if the condition of the seat your rental agent gave you doesn’t meet your standard.

Safety concerns

Safety is the most important worry when renting car seats because there’s no way you can be confident that the car seat hasn’t been in a severe accident. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the use of previously owned car seats. But for convenience’s sake, renting car seats can be the only option. If you take the bite, here’s how to tackle safety concerns.

Solution

If I were renting a car seat, I’d sooner get it from a parent at BabyQuip than from a car rental agency:

• They’re more likely to know how to care for their car seats appropriately.
• You can read reviews of the individual offering the seat before committing to finding out how well the gear is cared for.
• You can contact the baby gear provider directly to ask questions about the car seat’s history in advance.
• You’ll need to buckle up your baby on the plane.

You’ll need to buckle up your baby on the plane

If you plan to rent a car seat at your destination instead of taking one along, remember that your baby will need a safety seat on the flight if they’re less than three years old.

Solution

You’ll have to bring and install a car seat on the plane. I recommend the Cosco Scenera Next. It’s a good travel seat for babies; it’s super light and cheap. If you’re flying out of your state to visit family or friends, you can ask them to buy the Cosco Scenera Next and install it in their car when they pick you up.

If you have difficulty installing the baby car seat on the plane, you can ask for a belt extender.

In summary

Renting car seats is convenient and cost-effective when traveling with young children. But it all boils down to knowing where to get the best rental services and what to expect.

After the Thanksgiving trip, I’ve permanently opted to bring car seats along on each family trip rather than hoping the car rental place would have them.

These days, the rental company can allow you to reserve a car seat but still make it available on a first-come-first-serve basis. You might arrive at your destination only to realize that the model you researched is unavailable.

With that in mind, bringing a car seat for your infant is best. They can be checked in for free, and you can buy straps to affix to one of your roller bags. It may not be the most convenient, but it can provide peace of mind.

How about shipping your car seat instead of renting one? We have written a comprehensive article on how much it costs to ship a car seat. 

FAQs

Do car rentals have car seats?

Yes, most car rentals have car seats to rent, but you have to reserve one in advance. Many times, this reservation is on a first-come-first-served basis. 

The availability of car seats from car rentals also hinges on whether they have a seat that fits your child. I recommend renting car seats from baby equipment platforms like BabyQuip.

How much does it cost to rent a car seat?

According to Consumer Reports, on average, renting a car seat costs $13 per day. However, the price can vary depending on the car seat model, the platform (either through car rentals or local baby equipment rental companies), and the location. 

But the highest you can expect to pay for renting a car seat is $65 to $70. Remember that delivery fees could be added if you want the car seat brought to your hotel or location.

What are typical car rental car seats?

When renting car seats, expect to see a lot of Cosco convertible car seats and Graco booster seats. These are the specific brands available for rental on most baby equipment rental company listings because they are generally easy to use and affordable compared to most other options in the market.

Also, Cosco and Graco offer a wide range of car seats suitable for different age ranges and needs, making them popular on many rental listing platforms.

If renting a car seat is not your cup of tea, check out the list of our best car seats by brand.