Driving tips
What’s the minimum age to rent cars?
In the car rental business, anywhere in the world, there’s a possibility of applying a minimum age to rent cars, as well as a maximum age. There are usually additional fees that are associated with the reservation, which depends on the country, company, type and category of the rental car. Guerin invites you to know everything about this topic, so that you are prepared for any scenario!
Minimum age to rent cars
There are countries where it’s possible to rent to young drivers, on the condition that they apply an extra fee to the reservation, depending on the country, company, type and category of vehicle. Generally, it’s possible to rent a car from the age of 18, but it’s easier to rent a car from the age of 26, as they may be subject to an additional fee beforehand. It is also important that the driving license has been valid for at least one year.
Maximum age to rent a car
Although not addressed until quite recently, the maximum age limit has taken some grasp in the car rental world. The main goal is to reduce risks for more senior drivers. Drivers aged 75 and over are unadvised to make a reservation, even though most European countries do not employ this rule. Companies with this condition require an extra fee, as well as the possibility of requesting a medical certificate or a letter from the insurance company.
Important information about age limit:
Age limit on rental companies
Each car rental company has the power to determine who rents a car and can set its own rules, restrictions and age limits.
Country regulations regarding age limits
Each country has its own driving rules that are mandatory. With that in mind, the rental company adapts these same rules, with the concept of the minimum age to rent cars. In Portugal, the minimum age is 21 years old, with 1 year of driving experience for the Economic group; from the age of 25, and with 3 years of driving experience, includes other groups.
Payment of fee and extra insurance according to age
There’s a possibility that an additional fee may apply to the reservation if there’s an age limit for the driver who wants to rent a car.
Limitations on the rental of certain vehicles or vehicle categories
Car rental companies reserve the right to restrict access to luxury vehicles and other categories to drivers under the age of 26. Vehicles in the minivan and economy categories have fewer age-related limitations.
Know the minimum age to rent cars at Guerin
At Guerin, the minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, with the exception of vehicles in groups G, H, L, N and O, where the minimum age is 25 years old. All drivers, with a driving license for more than 1 year, but under the age of 21 can drive a Guerin vehicle, upon payment of an additional supplement. The "Young Driver Tax" is only applicable for MINI, C, P, E, E1, J and J1 groups. These and other questions can be found in the Guerin FAQ section!
