Mandigirl

Hi-- I could really use some help! I'm in the final stages of preparing for a wonderful trip to Ireland this summer. I can't wait! But just as visions of driving about the Irish countryside were finally crystallizing, I tried to rent a car. Of course I could, but almost all of them suggested that they wouldn't rent a car to someone under 25. I simply can't believe that's true with the amount of tourism in Ireland. At the time of travel I'll be about a month off from 24. Is this really going to be a problem? I'm heartbroken...

Alec

Because of high cost of auto insurance in Ireland, reflecting high accident rate, most rental companies don't rent to those under 25. There are a few that accept 23 or over, but impose a stiff insurance supplement for under-age drivers and higher deductible, like http://www.irish-car-rental.com/driving.html

janisj

&quot;<i>I simply can't believe that's true</i>&quot; You can believe it. You could take an older friend along to drive (I know there would be several volunteers on here )

It is a reality check to many Americans - to most of us driving at an early age w/o any sort of restrictions is a &quot;right&quot;.

(BTW they can also refuse to rent to folks they consider too old)

smarty

I didn't think you could rent a car in the US, either, if you're under 25...has that changed?

Christina

This isn't a driving issue, it's a private car rental issue. There is no law in the US, either, about whom car rental companies can rent to in terms of age. It's a business decision based on accident rates and other things, they can do what they want.

In the US, you can rent a car from the major companies I know in most states from age 21 and up, although there is a surcharge for ages 21-24 of around $25 a day. Smaller local companies may have their own policies, of course. I had a job where I needed to drive rental cars on business trips when I was only 22, so that was a challenge, but it wasn't a problem if I used a corporate account, which I'm sure the big ones make allowances for, also.

wojazz3

As Alec pointed out, you're not out of luck, irish-car-rental.com will rent to you but you'll have to pay an additional E8.00 per day which isn't terrible.

Interestingly, irishcarrentals.com will allow 21-24 to rent for E25 per day. My recollection was that they used Sixt also. Very strange.

Bill

Subright04

Also try Autoeurope.com. I am only 24 and there is no fee for me to rent a car there, I am going to Ireland on Tuesday and I have rented my car from them. I know they rent to you if you are between 21-23 but there is a small fee attached. They are also the best rate that I found anywhere on the internet for an automatic car!

wojazz3

Good catch sunbright though I don't know if the fee is &quot;small&quot;. You would have to call the renatl agency. Auto Europe frequently uses Avis and Europcar.

Bill

12perfectdays

Don't know if this still holds true but we were able to rent a car at age 20 without hassles or extra fees (in the USA with Alamo)because we were married. (as if that changed anything?)

Just thought I would throw that out there just in case...
suppose you could always see if the car rental manager is a licensed minister, use the people in line behind you as witnesses...
LOL
Dawn