Thrifty - Avoiding Underage Fees Traveling with Disabled Dad

Hi there! I'm not sure exactly where to post this but since Thrifty seemed to have the best rates in Wichita, KS (where I'm traveling 7/8-7/11) I thought I'd ask here.

My dad is disabled and unable to drive (even with hand controls) but we often need to rent a car. Since I'm 22, this has meant an extra $25/day (at least with Thrifty) which adds up quickly! I'm wondering, is there a way to avoid or reduce the underage fees by talking to a Thrifty representative and having the rental in his name but adding me as a driver without an underage fee?

I'm not really interested in using his disability for my benefit, it just sucks that the only reason I'm renting the car instead of him is because he can't drive it.

I know Hertz has a deal right now where they waive the underage fee but their rate for these days is a lot higher than Thrifty.

I appreciate any advice! I know I might just have to suck it up for a few more years! :)

Hertz

Right now, there's no extra charge for
21-24 year olds to rent.

Enough with sales conventions, conference calls and the drone of talk radio. If you were a rental car, wouldn't you rather have you behind the wheel? With no extra charge for young drivers, it's never been more affordable to rent from Hertz.* Believe us, our cars are hoping you will.
*Offer available on all car classes excluding Prestige Collection vehicles, Corvettes and Shelby Mustangs.


Go to Special Offers then Deals by the Day go through Sep 2009

As far as I know, there isn't an official policy of doing this. Seems like a good idea, but on the other hand, you're still young and therefore a [statistically] risky driver and a potential exposure to the rental car company, regardless of your reasons for driving. ;)

If you are employed with a major corporation, check and see if your company has a corporate rate with Thrifty. Most bigger corporate discounts waive the underage fee (the small business one that anyone can sign up for won't). (Technically, you have to be on business in order to get the actual benefits of the corporate rate, but they have no way of checking that. Also note that your negotiated corporate rate could be higher than the discount retail rate you're finding that's attracting you to Thrifty in the first place.)

Otherwise, it would really be up to the manager on duty or rental agent. You may want to try calling ahead, although as a corporate-owned location, getting in contact with someone physically at the location can be difficult. You can try the phone number I found at (316) 946-4403. If no one answers there, call the central customer line at (877) 283-0898, option 2 and then 0 and then ask for the "on-rent desk" or "help desk"--this should get you to a U.S.-based agent who may be able to get you patched through to or get you the number for the actual location in Wichita.

I appreciate the feedback!

I saw that Hertz deal and it's pretty good but the rate was something like $50 over other companies (almost negating the underage fee waiver). I'm going to try to call that 316 number and then I might try an underage bid on Priceline for the heck of it.

Thanks!