I am now 70 and had no trouble renting a car in Italy last month. I understand that Ireland and UK are tougher on post 70 drivers. Any info would be appreciated. George
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Here is a quote from autoeurope.com for Ireland: "To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 2 years. Drivers age 23 and under and over the age of 70 may incur an additional fee locally. There is a maximum age of 75 for rental." The Dan Dooley Web site lists a similar policy, including a surcharge for drivers 71-75.
However, the Irish Car Rentals Web site only lists a minimum age--no maximum age. So apparently the age 75 limit is AutoEurope's and Dan Dooley's personal policy and is not necessarily the law of the land.
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
If you do rent in Ireland be sure to take the hubcaps off the left side before you start out. You will almost certainly hit a curb or two and might have to pay if you lose one.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Jeff, there is no better way to announce yourself as a tourist with potential goodies in your car than to remove your left hubcaps! Why would you do that? That's what insurance is for. I've driven in Ireland several times and have never had a problem with hubcaps (ok, I did smack a mirror once). Still, it's hardly "almost certain" that you'll hit a curb or two, anymore than it is here.
And to answer your question, George, Irish Car Rental explicitly says there is NO maximum age limit (and no surcharge). I have booked with them twice because they have always had the lowest rates when I've been looking. In fact, I just now priced them for a 5-night September trip and the total cost was $101.00 (with all compulsory insurances, breakdown coverage, taxes, and airport fees included) for a 3-door manual car.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
The 75 is not an auto europe rule. I took my parents to Scotland and they were picking one of the car rentals. We rented directly from a small company on Orkney and my Dad was too old to drive the rental car. Fortunately, it was not a problem for me to drive. The clerk said that my did sound over 75 in his emails... ; ) I guess I'll have to get a driver in 20 years.
Pam
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
207 posts
Thank you all... I will check out Irish rental cars...George