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July 17, 2009

Rental Car Age Limits Present Problems for Some Seniors

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Seniors on the Go
by Ed Perkins

If you're planning to rent a car in Europe this summer, you might run into some age bans or surcharges: Here's an update of last year's report.

Young Drivers

Rental companies in most countries require drivers to be at least 21 years old. A few, however, have lower limits: 18 In Croatia, Germany, Iceland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden; 19 in Estonia and Norway; 20 in Bulgaria, Finland, and Switzerland; and 23 in Luxembourg. In most cases, young drivers must have had their license at least one full year; some countries require up to three years. In Germany, renters age 18 to 22 must buy collision damage waiver, even if they have credit-card collision coverage. Throughout Europe, young drivers under 25 can expect a hefty surcharge on the base rental rate. The main exception is the French lease, available to anyone 18 or over.

Seniors

As far as I can tell, senior travelers can rent cars without any maximum age limitations or surcharges in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, or Switzerland.

You may find maximum age limits with some local rental agencies and/or on some classes of car, starting at ages 69 in the UK and Northern Ireland, 70 in the Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, and Slovakia; 73 in Slovenia; 80 in Denmark. Drivers over 70 may sometimes face a surcharge.

Rental agencies in four countries generally establish maximum ages for any senior rental: In Ireland (Republic), travelers over 75 can't rent at all, and those over 70 may have to pay an extra fee; maximum ages are 75 in Israel and 70 in Romania.

Regardless of your age—even if you're well under 70—rental agents always have the option of refusing to rent to you if either your driving record or your general behavior seems to indicate you'd have a problem driving safely. Agents can disqualify you even if you have a reservation, so if you have a poor driving record or appear to be at all senile, don't count on getting a rental.

Even in countries that nominally impose absolute limits, however, a few suppliers might still rent to you. As far as I can tell, those age limits are established by local franchisees and insurance companies; the big multinational companies, such as Hertz, say they have no corporate age limits. Despite Ireland's supposedly ironclad "no rentals over 75" policy, some readers have told me they've been able to do it by checking around among lots of agencies. And no matter where you are, the "French lease" program imposes no maximum age.

The age limits apply to renting, not driving. If you rent in a country without an age limit, you can drive into an adjacent country that does have a limit—provided your rental contract allows such cross-border trips. Check to make sure.

International Driver's Permit

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is required in Austria, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, and Romania. Although not required by rental companies elsewhere, just about everyone recommends an IDP for driving anywhere that English is not an official language. IDPs are available through a local AAA office (you don't have to be a member).

Clearly, it's vital that you make sure you are eligible to rent a car before you plan a driving vacation and especially before you arrive at the rental counter. When you first arrange your rental, make sure to give your age to the agent (or enter it on the website).

If you aren't sure about whether a company will rent to you, consider renting through Auto Europe, a wholesaler who contracts with many suppliers. Spokespersons tell me that if any agency rents to older seniors, Auto Europe will find it—as long as the seniors are good drivers.

Source: http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/rental-car-age-limits-present-problems-for-some-seniors.html?id=3396015

Travel columnist Ed Perkins is a nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate. His weekly columns focus on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams and misleading promotions. http://www.mybusinesstravel.com/