Renting a car when you're under 25 | finder.com.au
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Car rental: Under 25s

Things Australians need to know when renting a car if you’re under 25.

Tim Falk
Tim Falk
Updated
Fact checked

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Compare car rental for under 25s Compare car rental excess insurance for under 25

Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?

Yes, you can. While the minimum age at which you can rent a car is mandated by each country, it's then up to individual car rental providers to decide whether to keep that minimum or choose a higher minimum age limit.

So if you're under the age of 25 and you need to rent a car on a holiday or business trip, the good news is that you should be able to find a provider willing to let you hire a car.

Compare car rental for under 25s

Make sure to untick the box that says "Driver aged between 30 and 65", and enter your exact age.

Which companies rent to drivers under the age of 25?

In Australia, the following companies rent vehicles to drivers aged from 21 to 24 years who hold an open licence:

  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
  • Redspot
  • Thrifty
If you're under 21, none of the major car rental companies will let you get behind the wheel. However, there are some providers, such as JUCY, that accept drivers as young as 18 years old who hold either an open licence or an Australian green P-plate (P2) licence.

What is a young driver surcharge?

One of the unfortunate facts of hiring a car as a young driver is that you'll need to pay more than drivers over the age of 25. Rental companies impose what is known as a young driver surcharge or an age surcharge, which is an additional fee imposed on drivers under 25 years of age. This fee is typically applied daily, so it can significantly increase the total cost of your rental.

For example, Hertz Australia requires renters aged between 21 and 24 (inclusive) to pay a $16.50 (including GST) daily young renter surcharge. This surcharge is capped at 7 days per 30 days rental period, but if you want to hire a car for a week you're still looking at an extra $115.50 when compared to a driver who's 25 or older.

Check the table below for details of the young driver surcharges imposed by some major rental companies in Australia.

BrandsApplies to drivers agedDaily young driver surcharge
Avis21 to 24$27.50
Budget21 to 24$16.50
Europcar21 to 24$30.25
Hertz21 to 24$16.50
Redspot21 to 24$15.40
Thrifty21 to 24$27.50

What about car rental excess insurance for young drivers?

Most drivers under 25 might not fully understand what car rental excess insurance is, or might not think it's worth it. What if we told you that you could be out-of-pocket by $4,000 minimum if you had an accident in a rental car? If you're someone who'd rather keep that $4,000, then you might be interested in car rental excess insurance.

NameMinimum ageInternational or domesticFeaturesStarting price (per day)Apply
Rental cover logo

Rentalcover.com

19 yearsBoth
  • Complete vehicle cover for up to $100,000 in damages
  • Can be used with any rental car company worldwide
  • 30% discount for seniors, students and those in the military
  • Underwritten by Lloyds
  • No further excess payable
$9.48 ($0 excess)Get quote
Picture not described

Car hire excess

21 yearsBoth
  • Cover from $4,000 to $8,000
  • Additional cover for damage to windscreens, roof, tyres and underbody
  • Underwritten by Lloyds
  • No further excess payable
$9.30 ($0 excess)Get quote
Picture not describedTripcover car excess insurance

Tripcover

21 yearsBoth
  • Cover from $4,000 to $8,000
  • Underwritten by Allianz
  • Excess options: Nil or $300
$5.68 (with a $300 excess payable)Get quote

*Always read through the product disclosure statement (PDS) to make sure the product is suitable for you.

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