Car Rental: Is There an Age Limit?

When renting a car, age limits often apply: a minimum age and a maximum age. You’ll see this right away in our search form, where the question about your age (“Driver’s age between 25–69?”) is checked by default. If you’re 70 or older, you’ll need to uncheck that box, and we’ll ask for your exact age. You’ll then see only rental cars that are available for your age group. Some companies don’t rent cars to people over a certain age, while other rental companies charge a surcharge for seniors. But be sure to read on first, because such a surcharge isn’t always applied.

Renting a Car If You Are Over 70

In several countries, drivers over a certain age (often 70 or 75) must undergo a medical examination or take a driving proficiency test to renew their driver’s license. In those countries, it’s usually not a problem to rent a car at an older age, since the driver’s license provides sufficient assurance. However, the rental company may charge a surcharge.

If no surcharge is charged, it may be legally required in certain countries to present additional documents. For example, if you are over 75 years old and renting a car in Ireland, you must have a doctor’s note stating that you have been in good health for at least 12 months when you pick up the rental car. You’ll also need a statement from your insurance company confirming that you’ve driven accident-free for the past 5 years. If these documents are required, it will be specified in the rental terms and conditions for the car you’re considering.

Searching for a rental car: provide your actual age

The local rental company sets the rules; we have no influence over them. Each company sets its own age limits, which you can find in the rental terms and conditions. We recommend that you always read them carefully before booking a rental car. As an older driver, check to see if the phrase“Maximum driver age”is listed. This means that if you’re older than the specified age, you won’t be able to rent a car from that company. That’s why it’s important to always be honest about your age when searching for a rental car. This prevents unpleasant surprises when you pick up the car. Just to be clear: what matters is how old you are at the time you start driving the rental car, not your age when you book the rental.

Senior driver surcharge included

Some companies charge a surcharge for seniors over 75 years old, others start at 80 years old, and still others never charge a surcharge. The latter is actually quite common, especially within the European Union. If the company charges a surcharge, it will be listed in the cost breakdown under the heading “Surcharge for older drivers.” You usually don’t pay this when you book, but on-site when you pick up the rental car.

Does it make a difference when renting a car if you’re 70, 75, or 80 years old?

Although we ask for your exact age in our search form if you’re 70 or older, in practice it doesn’t make much of a difference—at least not until you turn 80. Many companies have a maximum age limit of 79 and do not rent cars to people older than that. Please note: this does not apply to all rental companies. Even if you’re 80 or older, you can still find a rental car, though the selection is more limited.

Age of an additional driver for a rental car

Especially as you get older, it’s a real help to be able to take turns driving a rental car. Many older people therefore opt for an additional driver. You may have to pay an extra fee for this, but often the second driver is included in the rental price. The same age rules apply to the additional driver as to the primary driver. If the rental company charges a surcharge, you’ll need to pay it for the additional driver as well, regardless of whether they’re above or below the age limit.

Renting a Car Worry-Free as a Senior

Does the information above make you hesitant to rent a car as a senior? There’s no need to worry. As mentioned above: if you enter your correct age, we’ll only show you rental cars that are available for your age group. Once you’ve found a rental car that meets your needs, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before booking. One more tip: you can rent a car completely worry-free by choosing our Worry-Free label. Your deductible will be covered, the rental car will have a favorable fuel policy, you’ll have unlimited mileage, and you can be sure the rental car will be provided by a reputable company!