We've heard that various countries - or companies-- will not rent to people over 70 or is it 75 or is it 80? Any clarification will be appreciated. We are especially interested in England, Ireland, and Italy. Thanks. Julia B
Posted by
Portland
3642 posts
If you go to Kemwel.com or AutoEurope.com, you are asked for your age. They will show you only the companies that will rent to you. I think it is more a question of companies rather than countries.
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
It can be either companies or countries. After I was turned down by Hertz in England because I was 76 I did a Google search. I found that there were about a 12 dozen countries in Europe that had upper age limits on renting cars (England was not one of them). Sorry, I do not remember which countries. I do remember there was at least one that the age was a low as 70. Guess you will have to do your own search.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
From https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/rental-car-requirements:
Age Limits: Minimum and maximum age limits for renting a car vary by country, type of car, and rental company....Drivers over age 70 may have trouble renting in the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Greece, Northern Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Turkey; drivers over 80 may have trouble in Denmark. If you're over 69, you may be required to pay extra to rent a car in the Republic of Ireland, where the official age limit is 75 (although some rental companies will rent to those ages 76–79 if they provide extensive proof of good health and safe driving).
Also, you should plan to rent separate cars for Britain and Ireland, not to take one on the ferry crossing, which may not be allowed and/or more expensive. You normally must specify the age of the driver(s) at the time of booking and will pay a fee for an extra driver. Specifically for Ireland, Dan Dooley seems to allow a generous range of ages.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23604 posts
....they provide extensive proof of good health and safe driving).......
And just what would that proof consist of ?? especially safe driving ???
Posted by
Portland
3642 posts
@Laura
I don’t know where RS is getting his information, but I rented and drove a car in Greece, last spring, at the age of 79, and in Slovenia a couple of years earlier. AlI I had to show was my passport and driving license. I’ve also done the same in Italy several times since passing 70. I repeat my advice to the OP, check with one of the consolidators.
Posted by
OP
43 posts
Many thanks for your replies. There are helpful and good information. Julia