Why do car hire companies penalise older drivers?

19/09/2007

As a matter of public policy, surely there is much to be said for people hiring a car rather than purchasing one? For us consumers, it means use of a vehicle tailored to our immediate needs; for society as a whole, it reduces our so-called carbon footprint.

This is especially true for us pensioners. For most of our days a car represents an expensive and unnecessary overhead. But there will be the odd weekend when we need a small car to visit friends, while at another time we might want something more spacious to take out a tribe of grandchildren. So why are hire companies so reluctant to do business with the over-70s?

One company upped its daily charge to me by 66% - from £15 to £25 - on learning I was 72. And the company to whom I've been a loyal customer for some years is uncommital as to whether they'll still want my business when I reach 75. Now this same company makes no special conditions for those 25-70. Hirers should surely take into account that over-70s, unlike younger people, have to have their licenses reviewed every three years.

Further, my anecdotal impression is that the average 76-year-old driver kills or maims fewer people per year than the average 26-year-old. We oldies both drive less, and drive slower. Do any Mature Times readers have any statistics to support my hypothesis, OR any advice on where to hire a car next time?

Mike Bedwell