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2 June 2026 · SunnVio

Renting a car under 25: how the young-driver surcharge works

Between 18 and 25 and want to rent a car on holiday? It's possible, but rental companies apply age limits and a young driver fee. Here is how it works, and how not to overpay.

From what age can you rent a car?

Most rental companies in Europe rent from age 21; with SunnVio you can book from 21 up to 99. Nearly all companies also require you to have held your licence for at least 2 years. 21 but freshly licensed? Then you usually cannot rent yet, not even with a fee.

What is the young driver fee?

For drivers aged 21 to 25, companies charge a young driver fee, often around €10 per day (varies by company and country). Statistically younger drivers cause more damage; the fee covers that risk. Over two weeks that is roughly €140 extra, something you want to know upfront, not discover at the desk.

How to avoid surprises

• Enter your age honestly when booking. Our request form asks for it as standard; the fee is then already included in your quote. Hide your age and you pay the fee at the desk anyway, at the company's rate.
• Mind category restrictions. Young drivers often cannot rent luxury cars, SUVs or vans. A small or compact class is nearly always available, and the best value anyway.
• Compare the total price, not the daily rate. The fee differs per company. Sometimes a slightly higher rental price with a lower fee is cheaper overall. That comparison is exactly what we do for you.
• Remember the credit card. Young renters too need a credit card in their own name for the deposit. Arrange it well before departure.

Full cover, also under 25

Good news: the fee says nothing about your cover. As a young driver you are fully insured with SunnVio and the excess is completely bought off: exactly the same protection as any other driver.

Adding a second (young) driver?

Travelling with friends and want to share the driving? A second driver usually costs around €40 per rental, plus the young driver fee if that driver is under 26 as well. Only registered drivers are insured, never let an unregistered friend drive, as that voids the cover entirely.

Frequently asked questions

Can I rent a car at 18, 19 or 20?

With most European rental companies no; the minimum is usually 21 plus 2 years of licence. With SunnVio you rent from 21.

How high is the young driver fee exactly?

Usually around €10 per day for drivers aged 21 to 25, depending on company and country. Your SunnVio quote always states the fee upfront, never a surprise at the desk.

Do young drivers face a higher excess?

With some companies yes, but not when booking through SunnVio: our excess buy-off applies in full at every age.