Renting a car when you’re under 25 can be surprisingly difficult and costly because of young driver surcharges. If you fall in this age range, you could pay hundreds of dollars more than a 26-year-old with a couple of speeding tickets, no matter how perfect your own driving record is. Some rental car companies won’t even serve you if you’re under a certain age.

But it’s possible to avoid paying (or at least reduce the cost of) the under 25 car rental fee. Some car rental companies charge less than others, and some membership programs — like AAA and USAA — can get some (or all) of those fees waived. And other car rental companies don’t charge underage driver fees at all.

Here’s what you need to know about avoiding underage rental car fees when you’re under 25.

How to waive or reduce the under 25 fee.

Underage fees and other policies at major rental car companies.

Other things to know about under 25 car rental fees.

Alternate transportation methods worth considering.

How to waive or reduce the under 25 fee

One of the best ways to not have to pay underage rental fees is through membership in certain programs.

Rent with Hertz, where AAA waives young driver fees

Hertz has among the steepest underage driver fees, yet the fees are among the easiest to get around because of the partnership between AAA and Hertz. AAA benefits when renting through Hertz include a waived young renter fee for members from ages 18 to 24 who also meet standard rental qualifications.

Other Hertz-related benefits for AAA members include discounts of up to 20% off, waived additional driver fees and free use of one infant seat or child booster seat with every rental.

How to become a AAA member: AAA membership costs vary based on location and level of coverage, though it typically ranges from about $40 to $165 per person, per year.

Even with the lowest tier of membership, the cost will likely end up as a net savings, meaning you nearly always break even on your AAA fee with just one Hertz rental per year. Throw in the other discounts and services, and AAA membership is worth it if you’re an underage driver looking to rent with Hertz.