Renting A Car In Austria: Understanding The Age Requirements

Renting a car in Austria is a great way to explore the country's breathtaking vistas, from the Alps to the Danube, and ancient castles. While the country boasts a world-class public transport system, renting a car can offer freedom and flexibility to reach off-the-beaten-path locations. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about renting a car in Austria, including age requirements, driving rules, insurance, and vehicle choices. So, whether you're planning to cruise through the mountains or navigate city streets, read on to ensure a stress-free car rental experience in Austria.

Minimum age requirements

The minimum age to rent a car in Austria depends on the company you are renting from. Some companies require the driver to be at least 21 years old, while others will rent to those aged 18 or 19. If you are under 25, you may have to pay a young driver surcharge, which can vary from €6-€15 per day. This is because younger drivers are considered to be at a higher risk of having an accident.

In most countries, drivers as young as 18 will be able to book a rental car, as long as they have held a driver's license for at least one year from the issue date. However, rental suppliers may charge additional fees for young drivers and restrict the types of vehicles they can rent.

If you are renting a car in Austria, you will need a valid driver's license from your home country. If you are from outside the EU, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). You will need to carry your license and your IDP (if required) with you at all times when driving in Austria.

It is important to check the specific requirements of the rental company you are planning to use, as the minimum age to rent a car in Austria can vary by company and car category. Some companies may have stricter requirements than others.

Young driver surcharges

The minimum age to rent a car in Austria varies between 18 and 21 years old, depending on the rental company. Young drivers, typically those under 25, are often subject to a young driver surcharge, which can vary from €6 to €15 per day. This is due to the perceived greater risk of renting cars to newer drivers.

Sixt, a car rental company in Austria, charges a young driver surcharge of €80 per month for drivers under 25 years of age. This is in addition to a one-time sign-up fee charged per contract, the amount of which is disclosed during the reservation process.

The cost of renting a car for young drivers can be influenced by several factors, including the specific policies of the rental company, the type of car, and the location. For example, renting a car in a city like Vienna may be cheaper than renting a car for driving in the Alps, which may require a more powerful vehicle.

It is important to note that rental car age restrictions can vary by country and company. Therefore, it is recommended to research the specific requirements and restrictions of the desired rental company before booking. Additionally, young drivers may need to hold a valid driver's license for at least a year before being eligible to rent a car.

Overall, while it is possible for young drivers to rent a car in Austria, they may face higher costs due to young driver surcharges and other potential restrictions.

International Driving Permits

To rent a car in Austria, you must be at least 18 years old, although some companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Young drivers may also have to pay a surcharge, which can vary from €6 to €15 per day.

Now, if you're planning to drive in Austria, here's what you need to know about International Driving Permits (IDPs):

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your domestic driver's license into several languages, including English. It is not a replacement for your domestic license but is meant to be used alongside it. The IDP came into existence due to several UN Conventions on Road Traffic and is now recognized in over 150 countries.

Who Needs an IDP?

If you have a driving license from a country that is not a member of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you will need an IDP to drive in Austria. This is because many countries do not recognize driver's licenses from other countries, but they do recognize an IDP.

How to Get an IDP

You can obtain an IDP from your country's national motoring association or an authorized automobile club. In Austria, you can get an IDP from ÖAMTC or ARBÖ, although their websites are in German only. The IDP is valid for one year and you must carry it with you at all times when driving, along with your domestic driver's license.

Additional Information

• If you are a resident of Austria, you can use your domestic driver's license with an IDP for up to 6 months. After that, you must exchange your license for an Austrian driver's license.
• If you are from the United States, you can also obtain a German translation of your driver's license from ÖAMTC or ARBÖ.
• The rules regarding IDPs also apply to EU citizens in Austria.

Insurance and liability

When renting a car in Austria, insurance and liability are crucial considerations. Here is what you need to know:

Insurance Options:

When renting a car in Austria, you will typically be offered various insurance options by the rental company. Fire and third-party liability insurance is mandatory and included in most rentals. This type of insurance covers damages or injuries caused to people or property outside of the rental car. Additionally, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and/or theft protection are often included in the rental rates at a discounted price. These coverages come with deductibles that vary depending on the vehicle type and class.

Minimum Insurance Requirements:

In Austria, third-party vehicle liability insurance is required by law. This insurance covers compensation claims arising from accidents, with a minimum insured sum of EUR 7.6 million. Of this sum, EUR 6.3 million is allocated for personal injury claims, while EUR 1.3 million is for property damage. If the actual damage exceeds the insured sum, the driver at fault must pay the difference.

International Drivers:

If you are an international driver, it is essential to check the specific insurance requirements for your country. If you are from outside the EU, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your valid driver's license. Some countries, like the US, require an official translation of the license into German.

Additional Coverage:

Consider purchasing additional coverage, especially if you are concerned about potential costs in the event of an accident. Personal liability insurance and personal accident insurance are options to protect yourself and your passengers in case of injuries. Keep in mind that rental companies may make it challenging to understand the extent of your coverage, so clarifying this before renting is essential.

Credit Card Coverage:

Some credit cards offer rental car insurance, so check with your card issuer if you plan to take advantage of this coverage. Visa, for example, offers CDW/LDW coverage, which you can elect to decline if you prefer to rely on your credit card's insurance.

Vehicle categories

To rent a car in Austria, you must be at least 18 years old, and you must have held your license for at least one year. Some car categories have a higher minimum rental age, and an underage driver fee may apply. An International Driving Permit is required for drivers with a license issued outside the EU.

When it comes to vehicle categories, Sixt offers a wide range of options, from small, zippy cars to larger, higher-capacity vehicles. They also offer vans and trucks, as well as vehicles up to Group F (excluding sports and luxury cars). Auto Europe also provides a range of vehicle categories, including vans, which can be a great option for those seeking extra legroom and storage space.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider choosing a smaller vehicle as they tend to be more affordable. Additionally, booking early, picking up your car at the airport, and renting for multiple days can also help reduce costs.

It's worth noting that certain vehicles may be restricted for international one-way rentals, and additional fees may apply. For example, Sixt allows one-way rentals between their stations, but certain vehicles may incur extra charges.

When renting a car in Austria, it's important to be aware of the driving conditions and requirements. The country has some of the best roads in Europe, but also some of the highest peaks, so driving in the mountains can be challenging. Snow chains may be necessary during winter, especially if you plan to drive in the Alps. Tolls are also a consideration, as you will need a vignette (toll sticker) to use the expressways and highways.

Frequently asked questions