Car rental policies for older drivers can vary depending on the provider and the country you’re in. Some providers charge an additional fee to account for the additional cost of insurance. This will be regardless of your driving experience or years no claims, which we understand is a bit of pain!
Why do older drivers sometimes have to pay more for car rental?
The limits are imposed because of the cost of insurance for older drivers. Many rental offices are franchises who struggle to get the same insurance deals as multinational firms. This means they simply can’t afford to cover older drivers at the standard rate. This leads to some firms imposing an older driver surcharge to cover the additional costs. The older driver surcharge will displayed like this on the quote below:
Rent a car without the older driver charge
Zest Car Rental works with a number of suppliers who don’t have age limits. Check the ‘mandatory local charges’ on the quote results page to see if an older driver charge is needed.
Something else to bear in mind is that even if there’s no upper age limit, you may be required to provide a note from your doctor. This should be dated within a month of departure and states you are considered safe to drive. If you’re not sure if you need a note, always check with your broker or supplier.
Tips for older drivers
- Read the small print – yes, it’s tedious but it could save you a fortune.
- Speak to your broker/supplier – they’ll be able to tell you exactly what limitations (if any) there are.
- Keep an open mind – There will be a firm who’ll provide you with a car. Zest can help you find them.
Commonly experienced problems for older drivers
Please remember we don’t penalise older drivers and you won’t experience these problems on www.zestcarrental.com.
- I booked somewhere else & was charged more because I’m older
Always check that there isn’t an older driver surcharge. This will be displayed in the mandatory local charges section of the booking quote.
- Why was I penalised?
Some suppliers won’t rent to older drivers because their insurance company will raise their rates if vehicles are hired by “high risk” drivers.
- Technical issues
Other websites will ask for your age (e.g. 80) but may still display vehicles that have a limit below your age (e.g. Age limit: 73). You therefore won’t be given the car upon collection or will have to pay a surcharge. We avoid hiding any extra charges at Zest, any additional costs will be displayed within the advertised car rental quote.
- Why are some locations so strict?
Restrictions in countries such as Malta & Ireland aren’t implemented by the suppliers – it’s the law. In other places, it is down to the supplier (usually a franchisee) to decide on policy.
Cyprus is also a tricky destination for over 70’s. We can supply cars in Cyprus to drivers under 80. We can also provide a car for any age in North Cyprus.
- I booked a car through another site but the supplier wouldn’t give it to me because I’m too old
Check the T&Cs, if there are no age restrictions but you’re refused a car upon collection because of your age, the supplier may be in breach of contract. You can claim back any losses you have as a result.
- No company will hire to me because I’m over 90
This isn’t true. Numerous suppliers don’t have an age limit – you just have to find them. Contact us to discuss your individual needs with a customer advisor – we work with many suppliers who have no age limit.
There are not many countries where you’ll be denied a car.
Older drivers are in safe hands with Zest
We’ve got you covered for trustworthy car rental, regardless of your age! As aforementioned, we will always be upfront with any additional fees you may face, and we will not work with unreputable drivers who will unjustifiably refuse rental based on old age.
If you’re still concerned about renting a car and the additional hurdles you may encounter as elderly driver, get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help.
I have been using Zest for years to rent in Faro before covid. Last I looked I could not rent as I am over 70. I get the feeling that has changed is that correct – I am 72 on Sunday!
Hi Nigel,
Your age won’t be an issue, you will be able to rent a car with Zest in Faro at 72! In most locations worldwide, we operate with car rental providers that will allow someone over the age of 70 to hire a vehicle without any additional cost. Just remember to enter your age when searching for a quote and we will show all options available to you, sometimes a driver age surcharge may be applicable.
Feel free to get in touch if you need any further advice or assistance with your car rental booking!
Hope this helps,
Jake
Centaurs in Palma Majorca one of your recommendations now charges compulsory insurance of 16 euros a day if you are 75 which I just am.This doubles the published hire rate.My last claim for anywhere in the world was more than 10 years ago so what’s going on.
Hi,
Unfortunately, car hire insurance underwriters don’t take your past driving history into consideration. It would make hiring a car an absolute nightmare if you had to provide your full driving history and would push prices up massively.
Because Centauro impose an additional charge on drivers over 74 our system doesn’t allow customers to book with them unless they specifically request that supplier. This is to ensure you’re not hit with unexpected charges upon collection. We work with a number of suppliers at Palma Airport who have no upper age limit including Hertz, Hiper, and Click & Rent.
I hope this information is useful but if I can be of further assistance, please get in touch.
Kind regards,
Mark
Economy Car Hire
“Go car hire” are a pack of gangsters because i didnt buy their additional insurance at 15 euros per day i had a credit card swipe for excess of 950 euros incase of any accident or body car scratches….then gave me a car that was covered in scratches an ready of the knackers yard, which of course i refused to take..this wasted a full hour of my holiday and was extremely stressful. On return of vehicle i made sure to get a member of staff to check over car and sign paperwork to confirm no problems with vehicle….would NEVER use this company again…
Yes I am 71 years young and have hired cars from record go.at Palma and was charged about 170 euros extract..not right is it ..