Is there an upper age limit for renting a car?

Many people are aware that there is a minimum age limit to rent a car, but few realize there is often an upper age limit as well, especially when renting overseas. It’s all about the insurance. If an older renter has an accident, the company’s insurance carrier will increase rates across the board. To avoid this, the car rental companies agree to deny service to anyone over a certain age. What that age is depends on the insurance company, whether that rental location is corporate-owned or a franchise, and the city and country where the rental occurs. Usually the cut-off is between 75-79, though it can be as low as 60 (gasp!) or as high as 99. The major rental companies have no corporately mandated upper age limit in the U.S., but their franchise locations may, and upper age limits are very common overseas. Bottom line? To avoid being stranded without a vehicle, advise your agent if you are 70 or over so he or she can determine how best to meet your needs.