OT will my ds23 be able to drive our (or his own) rental car?

[Lewisc]

From Alamo's website.

Online Check-Insm is available at alamo.com only and must be paid with a major credit card. Renter must choose from
cars on lot in car category reserved. Specialty vehicles may not be eligible for Online Check-Insm. Renter
must meet standard age, driver and credit requirements.

There are "moral" threads regarding mugs, parents "forgetting" the age of their kids, room occupancy etc.

This isn't really a moral discussion. The first question is if you'll get caught. It's hard to plan on being able to lie about your age when you know you'll have to show a valid drivers license.

The age disclaimer is on the screens. The second question is what will be the consequences if you're in an accident. You might be OK. I showed the attendant my drivers license. I thought the online asked for your DOB. Maybe not. All bets are off if you lie about your DOB.

test booking any AAA website:

Renters under 25:
Additional charges may apply.

The poster may be on to something. I'd argue I was ready, willing and able to pay the surcharge. I provided my drivers license. I just wouldn't count on getting away with it.

 

[dudspizza]

I've already apologized for offending your morals, lets not continue the witch hunt please!

I shouldn't have to say that I'll be unsubscribing from the thread - so no need to continue on your hard core searches. Thank you all for your input, I'm sure the OP appreciates your research on what she originally asked for.

Another example of someone suggesting breaking rules or working around them and then getting upset with transportation board members for calling them on it.

You suggest a way to "get away with it". No morals involved here. The fact is if someone uses your method AND gets caught doing it, there will be a cost and frustrations involved. Better to find the proper way to do things or find another alternative.

Best thing to do is find a honest way to rent a vehicle if you are under 25.

 

[dudspizza]

Here is an article from http://www.thrifty.com/car_rental_information/content/great_tips_for_under_25_car_rental.aspx


Under 25 -- Great Tips to Save on a Rental Car

You’ve probably heard that if you’re under the age of 21, it’s next to impossible to rent a vehicle. What you may not realize is that if you’re under the age of 25, time is still not on your side. Liabilities and insurance costs increase for drivers in this age group. Because of that, rental car companies pass those costs along in the form of daily surcharges – and unless you’re part of a government, corporate or membership program – these are hard to get around.

So, what can you do to keep your rental car costs in check? While it may be impossible to find a rental car company that doesn’t impose fees, doing your homework and comparing several companies’ fees could get you the best deal possible. Another way to keep overall costs low is to be a smart renter. Here are some simple tips that can save you big at the rental car counter:

Sign Up for Perks. Most major rental car companies have some sort of frequent-renter or membership-type program that offers discounts, free rental days, mileage with your favorite airline, and more.
Book Online. Many companies offer great discounts for booking your rental car on their websites. Some even offer a discount if you find a better online deal than the ones offered on their site. Booking online is also a great way to check out current deals. Whether it’s 10 percent off, a discount for booking with a certain credit card, or a deal on a car you wouldn’t normally consider (like a minivan), the savings could really add up.
Use Rental Car Codes, Coupons and Discounts. A quick online search for rental car coupon codes can save you a lot of money when you’re booking online. Coupon code websites are a great place to find rental car offers.
Size Matters. Consider an economy car. Not only is it generally the cheapest kind of car you can rent, it can also help you save money on gas. But don’t get too hung up on size. Sometimes economy vehicles sell out first, so the rental car company may have a surplus of midsize or full-size cars at lower prices.
Fill the Tank. Always refill the rental’s gas tank before you return it. If you don’t, prepare to pay as much as double the price per gallon. Also, unless you’re going to be doing a huge amount of driving, the pre-pay option for a full tank of gas usually isn’t a good idea.
Read Your Insurance Policy. While most rental car companies offer insurance you can purchase, the extra cost may be unnecessary. Chances are, you’re already covered by your own auto insurance policy (unless you’re renting an upgraded vehicle, like a luxury car, convertible, etc.) Also, many credit cards include insurance benefits when you book a rental with their card. Doing your homework ahead of time can save you big bucks.
Shopping around and following these simple tips can take the sting out of those surcharges, while making you a smarter renter!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Not to be disrespectful to anyone saying it's easy - but the 23 years old thing can definitely be an issue. DH just turned 25 this past September (I am 23), and we travel A LOT. We encountered this issue a lot until we discovered how to pass over it:

Book the car for your DS online through something like AAA or travelocity and choose online check-in (which means you will get to the car rental company and check in at a kiosk). His age will never be asked. I would definitely recommend doing this through AAA if you can

We did this multiple times in the past three years (before DH was 25) and could always circumvent it this way.

and if you follow this advice and "circumvent" the rules.. when the car is in accident plase send the cliam to this poster. Because in the eyes of hte rental car agency you have violated the contract you agreed to which means you will be responsible for all damages etc. They will suddenly not work at all with insurance etc.

Ethical or not.. the real truth is they have much better lawyers then you do and can and will take advantage of every loophole they can find to your disadvantage.

 

[crashbb]

I've already apologized for offending your morals, lets not continue the witch hunt please!

I shouldn't have to say that I'll be unsubscribing from the thread - so no need to continue on your hard core searches. Thank you all for your input, I'm sure the OP appreciates your research on what she originally asked for.

Actually, if I was the OP I would definitely appreciate it. That way, I'd know not to follow advice that can lead to serious trouble.

ETA:

OP, are both you and your spouse going to be drivers on the car? In other words, would you son be the second driver or the third? Some rental companies waive the underage fee (for those 21-24) if they are the second driver. I believe Alamo was one (I know I saw it when looking at the Travelocity fine print). What company are you renting from?

 

[mmmgood]

As mentioned above here is in the Travelocity/Alamo-National terms and conditions:

*THE UNDER 25 SURCHARGE/YOUNG RENTER FEE IS WAIVED FOR
. ONE DESIGNATED DRIVER. ANY ADDITIONAL DESIGNATED . DRIVERS
ARE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL DRIVER AND UNDER 25 . YOUNG RENTER
FEES.

There are several references stating the primary driver must be 25 to avoid fees but this clearly states the fees for one under 25 designated additional driver are waived at Alamo/National when booking through Travelocity.

Edited: As stated by Lewisc below, he is correct - I misquoted and this only seems to apply for surrogate drivers.

 

[Lewisc]

Any time I've checked the underage surcharge is in addition to whatever charge, if any, is applicable for an additional driver.

The OP asked if a 23 year old will be able to either drive their rental car or rent her own car. The answer is yes. There may be additional fees for an additional driver and/or underage driver.

Do they work for a major company/university? Some companies have a negotiated rate which doesn't charge for an underage driver. Sometimes only for business rentals but sometimes you're allowed to use if for leisure use.

Otherwise price it out. Hertz may be waiving the underage surcharge but could have a higher rate then paying the surcharge with a different agency.

Where are you staying? It's possible a hotel shuttle or even a taxi cab once or twice might be cheaper then paying the surcharges.

A number of years ago some kind of commercial college student organization had a rental contract available to their members. No surcharge. There was one code for drivers 23-25 and another for drivers (I don't remember if it was 21-23 or 18-23). There was no surcharge. The underage fee was built into the rates. You could generally get a better rate shopping and paying the underage surcharge.

I see a PP found a travelocity deal which waives the fee for an underage driver. You need to shop. That might give you a good deal. Possibly paying for an additional driver and/or not getting the lowest discount might offset some, or all, of the apparent savings.

edited again to add the Alamo policy regarding no underage surcharge is clear as mud. A disabled person, who is unable to drive, can still rent a car. The person who rents the car designates a "surrogate" driver. Under those circumstances any underage surcharges and fees for one additional drivers (the surrogate driver) are waived. The PP (unintentionally) quoted out of context. Each point starts with ** The part quoted in the PP is in the section regarding rental by disabled drivers (without a license) and a surrogate driver.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I beleive the codes available to USAA members allow those 21-25 to rent with no additional surcharge. I don't however, find those to codes to otherwise offer competitive rates if you don't have an underage driver. -- Suzanne

 

[uva185]

Many companies have codes to waive the underage driver fee. When I turned 21 insurance company (All State) gave me a code to use with Hertz to waive the fee. That code saved me thousands of dollars before I turned 25 and didn't have to worry about it anymore.

 

[mollybeasley]

Not to be disrespectful to anyone saying it's easy - but the 23 years old thing can definitely be an issue. DH just turned 25 this past September (I am 23), and we travel A LOT. We encountered this issue a lot until we discovered how to pass over it:

Book the car for your DS online through something like AAA or travelocity and choose online check-in (which means you will get to the car rental company and check in at a kiosk). His age will never be asked. I would definitely recommend doing this through AAA if you can

We did this multiple times in the past three years (before DH was 25) and could always circumvent it this way.

Thanks that's a good tip. I've been thinking about rejoining AAA. Now might be a great time to get all the extra discounts too.

 

[mollybeasley]

Any time I've checked the underage surcharge is in addition to whatever charge, if any, is applicable for an additional driver.

The OP asked if a 23 year old will be able to either drive their rental car or rent her own car. The answer is yes. There may be additional fees for an additional driver and/or underage driver.

Do they work for a major company/university? Some companies have a negotiated rate which doesn't charge for an underage driver. Sometimes only for business rentals but sometimes you're allowed to use if for leisure use.

Otherwise price it out. Hertz may be waiving the underage surcharge but could have a higher rate then paying the surcharge with a different agency.

Where are you staying? It's possible a hotel shuttle or even a taxi cab once or twice might be cheaper then paying the surcharges.

A number of years ago some kind of commercial college student organization had a rental contract available to their members. No surcharge. There was one code for drivers 23-25 and another for drivers (I don't remember if it was 21-23 or 18-23). There was no surcharge. The underage fee was built into the rates. You could generally get a better rate shopping and paying the underage surcharge.

I see a PP found a travelocity deal which waives the fee for an underage driver. You need to shop. That might give you a good deal. Possibly paying for an additional driver and/or not getting the lowest discount might offset some, or all, of the apparent savings.

edited again to add the Alamo policy regarding no underage surcharge is clear as mud. A disabled person, who is unable to drive, can still rent a car. The person who rents the car designates a "surrogate" driver. Under those circumstances any underage surcharges and fees for one additional drivers (the surrogate driver) are waived. The PP (unintentionally) quoted out of context. Each point starts with ** The part quoted in the PP is in the section regarding rental by disabled drivers (without a license) and a surrogate driver.

Thanks to everyone for your tips. I checked with my insurance company, our employers, AAA, and a number of different rental companies. For some reason I'm spending as much time on this relatively small purchase as I did on the big screen TV for Xmas.

The rates seem to be dropping for my week, so that's a nice thing.

THANKS EVERYONE!