KYIPpilot From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 1383 posts, RR: 7 Posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 6 hours ago) and read 2644 times:
I am 19 years old, and I can't rent a car. I was looking into this topic, and most places are 25, 21 being the lowest. However, only New York state allows 18, but you can get up to a 70 dollar surcharge a DAY!!! Even if you are under 25 you could get an age surcharge.
Why???? I have never been in an accident, had a traffic ticket, or even been pulled over by a cop in my 3+ years of driving. I think it should be a case by case intstance if you are under 21. Do they really think that there are no responsible people <25 out there? I guarentee that not everyone >25 is nice to a rental car.
Was the age ever lower in the US?
"It starts when you're always afraid; You step out of line, the man come and take you away" -Buffalo Springfield
Mdsh00 From United States of America, joined May 2004, 4097 posts, RR: 9 Reply 2, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 6 hours ago) and read 2622 times:
I guess it coincides with the age that insurance premiums drop. Unfortunately, you and I may have great driving records but theres so many more in the 16-24 age group that don't. Just a case of some people ruining it for everyone.
"Look Lois, the two symbols of the Republican Party: an elephant, and a big fat white guy who is threatened by change."
EA CO AS From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 12559 posts, RR: 64 Reply 3, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 6 hours ago) and read 2617 times:
I'd imagine the main reason is because insurance companies begin giving lower insurance rates to people once they hit age 25 based on the propensity for those UNDER 25 to have substantially higher accident rates.
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem - government IS the problem." - Ronald Reagan
Galaxy5 From United States of America, joined Mar 2000, 2034 posts, RR: 27 Reply 5, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 6 hours ago) and read 2592 times:
Its based upon statistical data derived from accident investigations showing that 25 year old (mainly males) are the highest risk factor when it comes to car accidents, therfore insurance companies and rental agencies have come to a mutual economic agreement to place that restiction on rental cars.
"damn, I didnt know prince could Ball like that" - Charlie Murphy
Cactus739 From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 2380 posts, RR: 33 Reply 6, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 6 hours ago) and read 2582 times:
I used to have to rent cars when I was under 25. With some companies (I think Budget was the most lenient)... you can rent when you are 21, but usually pay like a $20 a day surcharge. I remember Budget would actually waive that fee when the car was returned if I was able to show I was on a business trip (which I was).
As for why you have to be 25 or more... blame statistics. People under 25 are statisically the most dangerous.
Sabena332 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 7, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 6 hours ago) and read 2579 times:
I also can not understand this stupid requirement. A buddy and I spent our holidays twice in California a few years ago, unfortunately we could only chose "Budget" as our rental car provider because both of us were under 25 during this time, it sucked because other rental car companies where cheaper than Budget. At least we got upgraded both times to a Mercury Sable and a Chrysler Sebring Convertible respectively .
I think this "only over 25" rules applies on most rental car companies in every country.
DesertJets From United States of America, joined Feb 2000, 7673 posts, RR: 18 Reply 8, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 5 hours ago) and read 2550 times:
Strictly for insurance purposes. Many companies will rent to those 21-25 for only certain classes of vehicles with a surcharge. Normally you will need to call the rental agencies reservations number to get a clear answer. Often you cannot do this online. Some will rent 18-21, most won't. Again varies by state and by rental agency.
Stop drop and roll will not save you in hell. --- seen on a church marque in rural Virginia
CPDC10-30 From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2000, 4759 posts, RR: 26 Reply 9, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 4 hours ago) and read 2511 times:
I always rent from Hertz in Canada - even the day after I got my full license never had anything but good experiences and unexpected upgrades.
But in the states they are really tight-ass and refused to honor my reservation. But at least they got a competitor to honor the same rate, which was a nice gesture.
Now Hertz is supposed to charge $15 per day if you are between 21-25 in Canada, but I have still never been charged that fee.
ORDflyer From United States of America, joined Aug 2004, 511 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 3 hours ago) and read 2477 times:
Yep, this one falls squarely on the shoulders of the insurance companies. I know Michigan is another state that forces companies to rent to drivers under 25, but like NY they hit you with tons of fees. I have been told that Enterprise is pretty liberal about renting to drivers 18-25 but haven't had any personal experiences...has anybody else ever rented from them?
CanadianNorth From Canada, joined Aug 2002, 3371 posts, RR: 10 Reply 11, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 3 hours ago) and read 2468 times:
Whats the name of that movie I'm thinking of? you know the one with the rental car bash up piece there? when they absolutely totaled the rental car and then claimed they "hit a dog"?
USAFHummer From United States of America, joined May 2000, 10685 posts, RR: 54 Reply 13, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 2 hours ago) and read 2417 times:
"Whats the name of that movie I'm thinking of? you know the one with the rental car bash up piece there? when they absolutely totaled the rental car and then claimed they "hit a dog"?"
Uh...Jackass the Movie
Greg
Chief A.net college football stadium self-pic guru
Illini_152 From United States of America, joined Jan 2001, 1000 posts, RR: 2 Reply 14, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 2 hours ago) and read 2415 times:
Now here's the best part though-
When I was 16 I was allowed to take a $180,000 airplane halfway across the state all by myself. When I got to my destination, they GAVE me the keys to a new Silverado 3/4 ton to go get lunch on the other side of town. Without even seeing my driver's liscense (but I couldn't rent a car)
When I was 18, I rented at 26' moving van with no problem and drove it 1000 miles, through heavy city traffic and rural mountian roads. With absolutly no experience or training. Nobody batted an eye. Yet if I wanted to rent a $6,000 econobox to drive across town, it never would have happened.
Go figure! Gotta love insurence companies. 2 more years :^)
Happy contrails - I support B747Skipper and Jetguy
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38502 posts, RR: 80 Reply 15, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 1 hour ago) and read 2405 times:
Males under 25 maybe a higher risk but if you take in to account accidents per miles driven, young men are the safest drivers.
That average accident rate for males under 25 maybe 2 per year but may drive 20,000 miles per year.
The average accident rate for females over 65 may only be 1 per year but only drive an average of only 500 miles per year.
So who is the higer risk driver if they are only renting a car for 1 or 2 days?
AARP would have a fit if insurance laws were based on accidents per miles driven.
Also insurance companies don't charge based on ethicity but we all know how some new immigrants from certain countries drive. I will not point any fingers and I hate to sound like my friend Matt D but I think you know what I am getting at.
Just imagine the outrage if insurance companies charged based on that.
KDTWFlyer From United States of America, joined Jun 2004, 807 posts, RR: 1 Reply 16, posted (8 years 7 months 1 week 1 hour ago) and read 2381 times:
I'm also 19 and the age limit on car rentals is damn annoying. It's easier for me to travel to and get around in a foreign country than it is here in the car-dependent states. So sorry U.S. travel industry, when I decide to travel overseas ill go to a country where I can actually get around without a car.
Iowaman From United States of America, joined May 2004, 4091 posts, RR: 7 Reply 18, posted (8 years 7 months 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 2237 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
It's not my falt that 20% of the population under 25 can't drive worth a damn, I don't feel it is right. Just cause someone under 21 can't drive doesn't mean I can't drive better. Ya ya it's statisitics but something should be devloped like a quick driving test or something to determine if your a safe driver.
AzoresLover From United States of America, joined Jun 2004, 744 posts, RR: 8 Reply 19, posted (8 years 7 months 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 2223 times:
Iowaman, you're fighting a losing battle. I went through it, too, until I got old enough to where I could rent. Isn't it funny..."Wow, you hit 25...suddenly you're totally safe and we'd LOVE to rent you a car!!"
That's the way the insurance industry is...probabilities, actuarials, calculations of risk. You can complain "until you're blue in the face", but you can't do anything about it.
Not that it's fair...it's just the unfortunate reality!
A thought: how about if there were some sort of program to recognize good scholars, like some car insurance companies have...if you maintain a certain GPA, or some such requirement, you get a reduced rate, as they feel you're in a lower class of risk. That would seem to me to be more practical than giving a driving test to see if someone is a safe driver. How could a simple driving test at rental time prove anything definitively????
Those who want to do something will find a way; those who don't will find an excuse.
MHTMDW From United States of America, joined Jul 2004, 139 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (8 years 7 months 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 2221 times:
Long ago and far away... okay Iowa City, 1983, the Hertz franchise in town would rent to students 18+ with a 100 dollar cash deposit. In 1985 I rented from National at O'hare at the age of 20, but i needed a credit card
Arrow From Canada, joined Jun 2002, 2582 posts, RR: 2 Reply 21, posted (8 years 7 months 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 2213 times:
Personally, I think they should raise the driving age to 30 for women, 35 for men. They shouldn't let them drink or vote either. And the minimum age for enlisting in the armed forces should be 50 -- that would take care of all the wars. What a peaceful world we'd have.
Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.
WellHung From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 22, posted (8 years 7 months 6 days ago) and read 2207 times:
If I made money by lending people my cars, I would charge stupid punk kids more than older adults, too. Lord knows his mommy and daddy are probably paying for it anyway, not to mention the lack of respect for other people's property.
JeffM From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3266 posts, RR: 53 Reply 23, posted (8 years 7 months 6 days ago) and read 2202 times:
"If I made money by lending people my cars, I would charge stupid punk kids more than older adults, too. Lord knows his mommy and daddy are probably paying for it anyway, not to mention the lack of respect for other people's property."
WOW! I agree 100%.
and for this one...
"Age discrimination.
Get out in vote in large numbers so you aren't f--ked with."
ROFLMAO.... Vote? What, is there a ballot initiative against Hertz and Avis?
VonRichtofen From Canada, joined Nov 2000, 4621 posts, RR: 40 Reply 24, posted (8 years 7 months 6 days ago) and read 2183 times:
"If I made money by lending people my cars, I would charge stupid punk kids more than older adults, too. Lord knows his mommy and daddy are probably paying for it anyway, not to mention the lack of respect for other people's property."
Considering I'm under 25, have never had an accident or speeding ticket, and am paying for my own car rental with my own credit card I don't think I should be charged the ridiculous extra fee. I could live with a one time extra fee, but not an added $20/day. Too bad there wasn't a way for rentals to quickly check for demerits on licenses before they rent.
Not only that, but the only near accidents I've been in were because of either some 40 something jackass corporate climber hotshot wannabe in his sedan riding my ass, or...you guessed it... Woman in an SUV or Minivan.
I love how people justify higher rates for young males by saying "statistically they get in more accidents". We all know if it was reversed young women would NOT be getting charged more, that would be sexual discrimination
Word
25 Superfly: Rent from Budget rental car. They are the best. Lowest rates on Lincoln Town Cars and Mercury Grand Marquis.
26 KYIPpilot: I love how people justify higher rates for young males by saying "statistically they get in more accidents". Get this. One of my friends is 28 years o
27 Ltbewr: There may be exceptions in the USA as to car rentals to those under 25 (but probably over 21) if your rental is a temporary replacement for insurance
28 AzoresLover: KYIPpilot - You've stated very eloquently why most people absolutely HATE insurance companies. Unfortunately you really can't live without coverage. T
29 JeffM: "Rent from Budget rental car." EWW! I rented from Budget once. BIG mistake. Long lines, funky smelling car, no Neverlost, etc. And the Town Car was a
30 Anxebla: JeffM.... I agree with you.I prefer to use big companies, like Avis, Europcar or Hertz. Like DesertJets say, the limit age is due an insurance purpose
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