Car Rentals After 75?

[jeroly]

I just looked at the details for my upcoming Hertz reservation and saw that they don't rent to people over 75.  I've still got a few years before then but wonder - what are my options for when I need a car after 75?  Are there certain agencies that are known for either renting or not renting to older drivers? Do these policies vary by country/region/continent as well?

Thanks in advance - well in advance, in my case! but appreciated nonetheless!

[Dreamer40]

Fascinating. I’d never heard that so I started reading about it online. It looks like it varies a lot depending on country. Many countries have no limits. Those that have limits set it at different ages (anywhere from 65 to 97). Some countries have flexible limits and it varies by rental agency. Some require older drivers to provide extra documentation that they are safe drivers and you have to buy their expensive insurance.

So the bottom line is that you have to shop around for rental agencies and/or places that don’t impose restrictions. Otherwise, I guess you’d have to rely on ridehsares or public transportation. Or convince a younger person to travel with you and be the driver. Depends on what kind of trip you’re taking. I rarely rent a car when I travel, but it definitely makes sense for certain kinds of trips.

[reeshau]

My in-laws are in their 80's, travel around the country and around the world, and have no trouble renting cars.  I think they typically rent through Budget in the US.

[GilesMM]

Rental cars may be mostly self driving by the time you get old. Relax.

[dcheesi]

I would think this would be considered illegal ageism in the US? They're free to discriminate against young folks (e.g. under 25), but older folks generally have protection from this sort of thing.

[GilesMM]

I would think this would be considered illegal ageism in the US? They're free to discriminate against young folks (e.g. under 25), but older folks generally have protection from this sort of thing.

I don’t know of any age protections except for jobs, some housing and public services. Businesses are free to discriminate.

[nereo]

I would think this would be considered illegal ageism in the US? They're free to discriminate against young folks (e.g. under 25), but older folks generally have protection from this sort of thing.

Insurance is one fascinating area where a company can charge you different rates depending on your age, gender, income, education, participation in various organizations and other “predictors”. They can outright refuse coverage too.

[Dreamer40]

I would think this would be considered illegal ageism in the US? They're free to discriminate against young folks (e.g. under 25), but older folks generally have protection from this sort of thing.

The US is one of the places that doesn’t typically impose an age limit anyway. But a few (not all) of the major car companies in Puerto Rico have age limits.