Hello all: I’ve traveled a number of times utilizing Rick’s guidebooks, but age was never a consideration until now. I have a perfect driving record, but was recently told that there may be difficulty in my renting a car since I am now 76 years old. Any input will be appreciated. Thanks!!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
Yep !!! Some companies view over 75 as high risk not unlike teenagers. And they want to charge a premium. At 81 I have hit it a couple of times in the US but always traveling with son who then rented the car and got a driver.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6811 posts
Depends on the car rental agency. Check around, some do not have that restriction (and some do).
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8157 posts
If you're traveling in the UK, Arnold Clark does not have any senior age restrictions at all. They are a good company to rent from, too.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4164 posts
Arnold Clark is perfect for you ( rent through Celtic Legend - https://www.celticlegend.co.uk/car-rental/ ) I hired from them last Autumn , with no age restriction , I'm 77 and had the car for a month ) They do have minimal age requirements , but they don't kick in until after 80 years . Also the pricing and terms couldn't be beat , included full comprehensive insurance ( CDW , windscreen and tires , 2nd driver ) excess elimination ( deductible ) only added about 200 quid for a month )
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
783 posts
There's really no reason not to rent directly from Arnold Clark. Celtic Legends is taking a commission from somewhere...we've rented from AC directly multiple times, and there's never the battle over CDW etc.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8157 posts
jjgurley, I found the same thing. I originally booked my upcoming Arnold Clark rental car through Celtic Legend, and got a price of £810 for 18 days with a manual transmission. But when I checked directly with Arnold Clark a month or so later, I was able to get a new booking for 18 days with an automatic transmission for only £649. Factoring in that I got an automatic, I saved around £300.
The only difference is that you have to pay a deposit with Arnold Clark, and with Celtic Legend, you don't pay until you pick up the car. If that's important to you, then it would be worth it to go with CL. For me, I'd rather save the money.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4164 posts
Well , I had a completely different experience . Having checked both places for pricing and perks ( insurance , second driver , and several other issues ) I did better with Celtic Legend . Mardee . one thing to consider - Since there was a one month interregnum , between your inital and second booking , a consideration is that prices for rentals ( like hotel rooms ) are constantly in flux . Its possible that market demand may have accounted for the price drop .
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8157 posts
Steven, yes, I agree that the market could have changed the price. I didn’t check back with Celtic Legend and I would feel too guilty to go back to Celtic Legend to get another quote 😊
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4164 posts
Mardee , you should never feel guilty about that sort of thing . After all , as Michael once said - " It's not personal Sonny , its just business " ;-)