Most auto rental companies have an upper age limit for drivers, at least in the UK. Enterprise does not. This is very important if your are 75+ and bumping against this limit.
You can book Enterprise through the Enterprise US or UK website, but check directly with the Enterprise central office to compare prices and available vehicles, especially if the vehicle you want does not appear to be available on the US site. Be mindful that the UK quote will be in pounds, not dollars and you can do the conversion on the computer.
Using the US Enterprise website may or may not give you the opportunity to enter your Costco membership, but I am told by the GB customer service that the UK gives an 11% Costco discount plus the additional driver free (at this time). The additional driver inclusion can be worth quite a lot, depending how many days you are booking. UK customer service says they will not accept a AAA or AARP discount. At age 80+ we find using Enterprise to be a good option and prefer booking with the UK website or UK customer service.
I originally made this year's reservation through the Costco Travel website a little over 2 months in advance, and I was not aware the date I booked was a Bank Holiday in the UK. They did not show the vehicle I wanted as available and their website was not aware that the branch would be closed either. When I learned Imy pick up date was a holiday, I called Costco Travel to confirm that the branch would be open. I was told there would definitely be someone there to issue our car. Then I called the branch and they said they were definitely closed and there would not be anyone at the branch! Our lodging reservation was miles away, so imagine what a shock it would be to arrive at a closed rental branch. This probably wouldn't have been an issue if we were renting from an airport. Those locations may stay open on holidays.
You can go on the UK website at enterprise.co.uk or you can call. If you call the phone # listed for the Enterprise branch office, it will go to central reservations, but there will be an option that will put you through to the branch office if you prefer.
Posted by
Connecticut
96 posts
I too am part of the 70+ cohort and am booking through Enterprise for my rental in the Lake District this coming October.
A couple of observations:
I too recommend contacting the branch directly if possible, to ensure they are open. I will do that closer to my departure just to make sure all is in order as I booked through Enterprise US.
As I will be using my CC for the CDW, I will be sure and download a copy of the CC guarantee to show at the desk if they protest. Bear in mind that that letter is only good for 60 days from issuance.
Dennis
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8157 posts
Arnold Clark in the UK also does not have an upper age limit, and I love their service. They are extremely thorough and professional, and their prices are competitive as well.
For that matter, neither does Auto Europe, although that can vary depending on which rental agency you choose through their service. Nor does Europcar. But keep in mind that some countries have age restrictions and those agencies are bound by those. But all the ones i have mentioned here do not have upper age restrictions in the UK.