Renting a Car from Age 21: Deposit, Insurance and Excess Explained

You can rent a car from JJ Rent Car from the age of 21 with a valid driving licence and an ID card or passport. We explain clearly how the deposit, insurance and excess work, and which car to choose.

8 October 2026 · 4 min read
Renting a Car from Age 21: Deposit, Insurance and Excess Explained

You can rent a car from JJ Rent Car from the age of 21. All you need is a valid driving licence, a proof of identity and a paid deposit, the amount of which depends on the type of vehicle. All of our vehicles come with both third-party liability and collision insurance, so in the event of an accident you do not pay the full cost of the damage, only an excess determined by the type of insurance. Below you will find how it all works in practice.

What You Need When Collecting the Car

The list is short, but it is best to have everything ready in advance:

  • a valid driving licence (it must be valid on the day of collection),
  • proof of identity (an ID card or passport),
  • a minimum age of 21,
  • a deposit based on the type of vehicle, the amount of which is shown on each car's detail page.

If you are unsure about the validity of a document, or if you have an unusual situation, please call or write to us via the contact page before making your reservation. This will spare you any unnecessary complications when collecting the keys.

How the Deposit Works

The deposit is a security payment that the car rental company holds for the duration of the rental, in case any claims arise, for example for damage or a breach of the terms. Here is what you should know:

  • the deposit amount depends on the type of vehicle; a smaller car usually has different requirements from a large SUV or an electric car,
  • you can see the exact amount on the vehicle's detail page, so there will be no surprises on the spot,
  • the rules regarding the deposit and its return are set out in the terms and conditions.

It is sensible to plan for the deposit as a separate item in your budget, alongside the rental fee itself. For younger drivers, this is often the biggest organisational obstacle, so we recommend choosing a car and checking its deposit before you decide on your dates.

Insurance: What Is Already Included

Every car in our fleet has third-party liability insurance and collision insurance. Third-party liability insurance covers damage you cause to others. Collision insurance covers damage to the rented vehicle itself. In brief:

  • you are never driving "uninsured"; basic cover is part of the rental,
  • however, in the event of an accident an excess applies, which is the part of the damage paid by the customer,
  • the amount of the excess depends on the type of insurance.

You can find further information in our overview of additional insurance. However, please always confirm the specific option and its excess with us before signing the contract.

The Excess Illustrated by an Example

Imagine that you scratch a bumper while reversing in a car park. The insurance will not then cover the full cost of the damage: one part, the excess, is payable by you, and the rest is covered by the collision insurance. This leads to three practical rules:

  1. Call the police in the event of an accident if necessary, and contact us.
  2. Take photographs of the car's condition both when you collect it and when you return it.
  3. Do not underestimate parking; most minor damage occurs during manoeuvring.

Which Car to Choose If You Are Between 21 and 25

There is no single right choice; it depends on what you need the car for.

  • For the city and a first rental: the Škoda Fabia with a 1.0 TSI engine and manual transmission is easy to handle, has air conditioning and seats five. It is practical for parking in Prague as well as for a weekend away. Read more in our article on renting a Fabia in Prague.
  • If you want power and an automatic: the Škoda Fabia vRS has a 1.5 TSI engine, automatic transmission and satellite navigation. It offers a more exciting drive, but with greater power comes greater responsibility. Please check the deposit on the vehicle's detail page.
  • For a trip with four people and luggage: the Octavia Combi offers more space for a trip with friends or for moving out of a student residence.

The length of the rental also affects the daily mileage limit: it is 300 km per day for a one-day rental, 250 km per day for 2–5 days, and 200 km per day for 6–14 days. For a long weekend, the limit will therefore usually not be an obstacle.

How to Reserve a Car Step by Step

  1. Choose a vehicle from the fleet and check the deposit on its detail page.
  2. Complete the reservation form with your pick-up and return dates.
  3. Have your driving licence and ID card or passport ready.
  4. Collect the car at our branch at Westfield Černý Most, Chlumecká 765/6, Prague 14, or arrange delivery within Prague by phone or e-mail.

If you are planning a trip abroad, this is permitted only within the EU, only by prior arrangement, and with mandatory assistance cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the minimum age really 21?

Yes. To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old and present a valid driving licence and proof of identity.

Do I have to pay a deposit if I am a young driver?

Yes, the deposit is payable based on the type of vehicle. Its amount is shown on the specific car's detail page, so you will know it in advance.

What if I damage the car in an accident?

Our cars have collision insurance, but the customer pays an excess depending on the type of insurance. Please report the accident immediately and take photographs of the vehicle.

Can I take the rental car abroad?

Only to EU countries, by prior arrangement and with mandatory assistance cover. You can also find a related, older article in our article for young drivers.

Reserve Your Car

Have you made your choice? Take a look at the detail page of your chosen vehicle and submit your reservation. If you have any questions about the deposit or insurance, please contact us on +420 703 149 146 or at [email protected].

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