Most rental companies will rent to you at 65 or older, but you'll pay more
The short answer: you can rent a car as a senior, but nearly every major rental company charges an extra fee once you hit 65 or 70, depending on the company. There is no legal age limit that prevents seniors from renting. The fees exist because rental companies see older drivers as higher insurance risk, and they pass that cost to you.
The fee structure varies widely. Some companies charge $15 to $25 per day for drivers 65 and up. Others charge a flat fee of $50 to $100 for the entire rental. A few companies have no senior surcharge at all, which makes them worth calling directly. The rental agreement you sign will spell out the exact fee before you commit.
Your age alone does not disqualify you. What matters more is your driver's license status, your insurance coverage, and whether you meet the company's standard requirements — a valid license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance.
Key Takeaways
- Most major rental companies charge drivers 65 and older an additional daily or flat fee, typically $15 to $25 per day or $50 to $100 for the rental.
- No federal law prevents seniors from renting a car, and age alone does not disqualify you if your license and insurance are current.
- Some smaller or regional rental companies have no senior surcharge, so calling ahead to compare can save you $50 or more on a week-long rental.
- Your own auto insurance or credit card coverage may already cover rental cars, which can offset or eliminate the rental company's insurance charge.
- Bringing your insurance card and proof of coverage when you pick up the car can speed up the process and may lower your out-of-pocket cost.
Which rental companies charge senior fees and how much
Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget all charge drivers 65 and older. Enterprise typically charges $15 to $20 per day. Hertz charges a flat fee of $50 to $100 depending on the rental length. Budget's fee varies by location but generally falls in the $15 to $25 per day range. These are the three largest rental companies in the United States, so you will encounter them often.
Avis and National have different thresholds. Avis charges drivers 70 and older, not 65. National also starts at 70. Both charge roughly $15 to $20 per day. If you are between 65 and 69, Avis and National may not charge you a senior fee at all, which makes them worth checking first.
Alamo charges drivers 65 and older but the fee is usually lower than Enterprise or Hertz — often $10 to $15 per day. Thrifty charges at 65 as well, with similar daily rates.
Regional and independent rental companies often have no senior surcharge. Check local operators in your area before booking with a national chain. The savings can be substantial on a week-long rental.
How to find the lowest total cost
The rental company's advertised daily rate is not your final cost. You need to add the senior fee, insurance, taxes, and any airport surcharges. A $40-per-day car can easily become $70 or $80 per day once fees stack up.
Start by calling three companies directly and asking for the total cost for your exact dates and location. Do not rely on online quotes, which often hide the senior fee until checkout. When you call, say: "I am 67 years old. What is your total daily rate plus any senior surcharge for a mid-size car from [date] to [date] at [location]?" Write down the number they give you.
Then check whether your own auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars. Many policies do. If yours does, you can decline the rental company's insurance, which saves $10 to $20 per day. Bring your insurance card to the counter. The rental agent will call your insurer to verify coverage before you drive off the lot.
Compare the three quotes side by side, including insurance. The cheapest option is often not the company with the lowest daily rate — it is the one with the lowest total cost for your trip.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. These three items are required by every rental company, regardless of age. Your license must not be expired or suspended. If your license is close to expiration, renew it before you rent.
If you are using your own insurance, bring the insurance card or a printed copy of your policy showing the rental car coverage. If you are declining the rental company's insurance and relying on your own, the rental agent will call your insurer to confirm. Have your policy number handy.
Some companies ask for a second form of ID, such as a passport or military ID. Bring it if you have it. It speeds up the process and reduces the chance of a delay at the counter.
Senior-friendly rental options and alternatives
If the senior fee feels too high, consider car-sharing services like Zipcar or Turo. Zipcar charges by the hour or day and does not have a senior surcharge, though you must be at least 18 and have a valid license. Turo is a peer-to-peer service where you rent directly from car owners; age policies vary by owner, but many do not charge extra for seniors.
Another option is ride-sharing with a driver — Uber or Lyft for shorter trips, or a car service for longer journeys. This removes the need to drive yourself and the insurance questions that come with it. The cost per mile is higher, but if you are renting for only a day or two, it may be cheaper than the rental company's total fee.
If you are renting for an extended period — two weeks or more — ask the rental company about weekly or monthly rates. These sometimes have lower per-day costs and may not include the senior surcharge, or the surcharge may be a flat fee rather than daily, which saves money over time.
What happens if you do not disclose your age
Do not lie about your age on the rental agreement. The contract asks for your date of birth, and the rental agent will see your driver's license. If you misrepresent your age and the rental company discovers it, they can void your insurance coverage, refuse to let you pick up the car, or charge you the full senior fee retroactively plus a penalty.
More importantly, if you are in an accident and the rental company finds out you lied about your age, your coverage may be denied. You would be liable for all damage to the car and any injuries or property damage you caused. The senior fee — $15 to $25 per day — is far cheaper than paying for a collision out of pocket.
Be honest about your age. It is the only way to may support your coverage is valid if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at 70 or 75?
Yes. There is no maximum age limit for renting a car. You can rent at 70, 80, or older as long as your driver's license is valid and not suspended. You will pay a senior surcharge, but the rental company cannot refuse you based on age alone. Some companies charge the senior fee starting at 65, others at 70.
Does my Medicare or senior discount card help with rental car costs?
No. Medicare does not cover rental cars, and senior discount cards (like AARP) do not reduce rental fees. Some AARP members get discounts through specific rental companies like Hertz or Enterprise, but you have to ask about it when you book. Check the AARP website for current partnerships before you call.
What if I have a medical condition and need hand controls or other modifications?
Call the rental company at least one week before your pickup date and ask about adaptive equipment. Most major companies can install hand controls, steering wheel spinners, or left-foot accelerators, but they need advance notice. There is usually an extra charge of $50 to $150 for the modification. Bring documentation of your condition if the company asks.
Can a family member under 25 drive the rental car I booked?
Only if they are listed on the rental agreement before you pick up the car. Each driver must be present at the counter with their own valid license. Rental companies charge an additional driver fee, usually $10 to $15 per day, for anyone not listed as the primary renter. Drivers under 25 may also face a young driver surcharge on top of that.
What if I need to cancel or extend my rental?
Call the rental company directly as soon as you know you need to change your dates. Cancellation policies vary. Some companies charge a fee if you cancel within 24 hours; others do not. If you extend your rental, the senior surcharge continues to explore for each additional day. Confirm the new total cost before you hang up.