Hidden Fees on Rental Cars and How to Dodge Every Single One

The Young Driver Surcharge

Drivers under the age of 25 often face a young driver surcharge, a fee justified by rental companies due to perceived risk. However, this fee can be avoided or reduced by joining certain membership programs or renting from companies that specialize in youth-friendly policies. Universities or professional organizations sometimes offer partnerships with rental agencies that waive these fees. Research and leverage these affiliations to minimize or eliminate the young driver surcharge, making car rentals more affordable for younger travelers.