Car rental - an underage fee question
 

Well, finally as of May 24th I'm able to rent a car within all 50 states in the U.S.
The day I've dreamed of since I flew the airplane for the first time to the not known city Sofia, Bulgaria at the age of 2 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

No, seriously. I have a problem. I mean, the only problem I have is the underage fee when renting a car. Most of the car rental companies charge the fee of $10-$20/day. National doesn't even rent to people under 25!

You would say : get the one that charge $10/day wouldn't ya ?
WRONG! Companies that charge $10 usually have higher rates which comes to the same price as others http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Well, I was thinking that maybe you know any other way to ... let's say ... get rid of that fee. I don't mean or want to do anything illegal, but I know that there is a lot of guys under 25 who can rent a car ( usually thanks to their companies they work for ).

Unfortunetely I don't work yet so this is basicaly not gonna work. What I'm trying to say is :

~$200 for a 4 day rental on a compact car ?!!

Please help ! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Well, there's one way I know of:

If you are a member of the American Bar Association (if you are not a lawyer or a law student, then you can be an "associate member, which is $115 a year),then they will fee-waive the #1 Gold Application for Hertz and Hertz will lower the age restriction to 21.

[This message has been edited by BoSoxFan45 (edited 06-09-2000).]

I also remember that Hertz used to waive it for AAA members, too, but it's been over 10 years since I've needed that perk. grrrrr

BoSoxFan45, I don't think I understand. I received the #1 Gold Application for Hertz with the fee waived from TWA ( I'm an Elite with them ). The agreement says the I MUST be 25 to sign up so ...

Are you saying that Hertz is gonna lower the age restriction when I become an American Bar Association member ?

Hmm ...

Eastbay1K, I'm also an AAA member, so I think I'll give Hertz a call. Hope they still do that. Thanks for the tip.

Any other ideas ?

Thanks guys, YOU ARE GREAT !

A few years ago I had the same problem. I was in NYC over Memorial weekend. Something came up and I had to get a rental. I finally found a car at JFK from one of the major rental companies for around $60 per day. Not to mention the underage fee of $70 per day. The day I turned that car in, I vowed to not pay another underage fee.

This is what I did. It is unethical and illegal but I didn't care and don't regret it. I signed up for every car rental express check-out membership club I could find. I forged my birthyear to indicate that I was 25.

Since they have your credit card on file, your keys and rental agreement ready (hopefully), they just hand you the paper and you walk off or either they drop you off at your car. The only person that ever saw my license was the security guy that let me through the gate. He sure didn't care how old I was. It worked every time.

Note: Make sure that there is a preferred service or some type of kiosk for a quick check out. If you have to go to the check-in desk to take care of turning in a certificate or making a change, you will probably have to show your license. Stay away from the desk unless you want to pay the underage fee.

A short update. I called Hertz and talked to the underage desk rep. Basicaly, without the CDP# there is nothing they can DO! Period.

The AAA membership doesn't work anymore.
She didn't know about the American Bar Association and clearly stated that If I give her the CDP# she can check what kind of agreement the company providing the number has with Hertz.

Chriss, I'm a member of Fastlane with Dollar, QuickSilver with Alamo and FastBreak with Budget.
I think the only company that this can work with is Dollar. But I think I gave them my birthdate when signing up the agreement http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Ehhh ...



[This message has been edited by Damian (edited 06-09-2000).]

I'm under 25 too, and a Hertz Gold renting from Hertz weekly. I use a corporate contract. I know of some people under 21 who work for my company and Hertz won't go that far, so the company has to pay for car service every day for that person. Sheesh!

Ok, another update. The American Bar Association membership CDP# will WORK!

I called Hertz and verified it. Thanks BoSoxFan45 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif The only question I have is: do I need to pay that $115 fee ? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Any other ideas ?

Maybe u should try Avis....They are the only one I have heard of that,under contracts, let under 21's rent. I am 19 and been renting since I was 18 and am preferred and have had no problem in 50 US, san juan, South America,Mexico, nor the Carribean. See if Avis can help u out but the others are really strict.... DO U have the AT &T Student Advantage card? Dollar waives the fee with that card.

I have a Student Advantage card, but the Dollar rates with it are same as I was renting regular rate plus underage fee. Sometimes renting with regular rate + underage fee is cheaper then with the SA card http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks anyway http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I'll give an Avis a call too.

I have heard that Enterprise rents to people under 25, although I don't know if there is a fee.

Good luck.

DD

DgyDaddy. Yes, you are correct. Enterprise rents to people under 25 just outside the airport and the rates at those locations are .. you guessed it same as I would pay the regular fee plus underage fee http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif
They also rent to people 21-24 with the fee which varies from airport to the airport ( $5-$20 )

I'm thinking about getting the ABA membership. It will almost pay off after my first rental in Chicago and I'll be free for the next 365 days http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif As you know I would do everything to avoid paying the $115 fee, and I'll 'til someone else comes up with other idea http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thank you guys..

[This message has been edited by Damian (edited 06-09-2000).]

Damian,

I think you're going to have to spring for the ABA membership. When I was in law school is was under 25, and you have to be an ABA member to use it. They make you show your ABA I.D. when you pick up the car. There are some GREAT BIG http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif hotel discounts with the ABA membership, too, at some fanatasic hotels, including most Ritz Carton's (for example- 1 BR Suite in RC Boston on the Public Garden -$305- regularly $785 or so), so it might be worth checking into.

Hope this helps....

[This message has been edited by BoSoxFan45 (edited 06-09-2000).]

If your company has an account with the rental company, or you have a corporate credit card, or something like that, you can rent without the fee. Some sort of corporate-related loophole.

Car rental age restrictions are so silly. I'd love to see a lawsuit for age discrimination. You can vote at 18 and drink at 21, but you can't rent a car until you're 25? Please.

How screwy are the car rental companies? When I got married, I was 22. On our honeymoon, we went to Canada, where I was able to rent a car with no problem. Had we been 100 miles farther south, in the good ol' USA, no problem. So you mean you won't rent me a car in my country, but if I go to a foreign country where the driving rules are different, then you will? Yes, the rental companies are even worse than the airlines.

motnot, I agree with you a 100%.

Here is another update but this time you will never believe what happened.

I called both ABA, Hertz reservations and #1 Club Gold to verify that the ABA CD# will waive the underage fee and both of them said IT WILL. I already faxed the agreement to Hertz and was on the phone with the lady from underage desk at Hertz who said again IT WILL. About 15 minutes ago the lady named Gloria called and said she can not get my approved with the CD# because ABA changed the agreement with them and no longer provide the benefit of waving the underage fee. ???!!! There is nothing wrong with my driving record nor my credit cards I listed in the agreement so .... I have no idea what coused that I can not be approved.

Well, I called the ABA and talked to very nice lady who took my phone #'s and said that she'll check that with Hertz and get back to me ASAP. She said she's not heard anything about changing the agreement within the last 2 or 3 hours http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif ( that was the time frame in which I was told by Hertz that the CDP# would work )

What's up with that ? Sounds like Eastern Europe thing http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Ohh boy !


[This message has been edited by Damian (edited 06-09-2000).]

As for the age discrimination issue, motnot, I think you have to go right back to the insurers.

Insurance companies charge more for liability insurance for drivers aged 16 - 24. The rental car companies pass this on in the form of "underage fees."

Best argument for no-fault systems. But then again, in the U.S. "civil litigation is better than the lottery" system, any serious proposal for no-fault would run headlong into an active lobby of ambulance chasers.

3 cheers for Canada, eh?

Then move there (you claim to live in NYC). I guess you'd rather have an organized lobby of monied interests dictate public policy than dedicated professionals protecting the rights of those with less power. God forbid there be any incentive to protect the public.

Way to take an uneccesary cheap and ignorant shot at a bunch of noble people who could just as easily gone and worked for $300 an hour plus defending large entities. No, you'd rather have those large entities like INSURANCE COMPANIES run roughshod over everyone's rights without anyone opposing their interests ever. Look at the absbestos manufacturers- they convinced Congess to make almost impossible for people dying of cance to assert a claim. And you think society is better off if a company who MURDERS people and tries to cover it up gets off scot free, rather than some lawyers make a living defending the rights of the injured.

I for one am proud of what I do, and if you don't like it, go move somewhere else that you think has a better quality of life than here. Trial lawyers and the interest groups they comprise perform a tremendous public service. Because of people like those you cowardly call derisive names, manufacturers think twice before marketing a product they know is defective, industries are less like to conspire to fix prices, corporations are less likely to defraud stockholders, and the America is a better place to live than anywhere else in the world!

God forbid people be held liable for things they do wrong. That way people and companies are unable to trample the rights of others with no regard. Imagine what the world would come to!

Have a good weekend.


[This message has been edited by BoSoxFan45 (edited 06-12-2000).]

Ok, I just got the ABA membership and made a reservation with Hertz saving a little bit below $100 on my next car rental in Chicago http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thank you BoSoxFan45 and all others for help and great info.

BTW, a diffrent lady from Hertz called me and said that will look up and see what she can do to get me approved for the #1 Club Gold membership and let me know early next week.

Everything turned out great http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Thank you all! You guys are THE BEST.

BoSox:

Your opinions/arguments related to the issues are appreciated.

However, why you peppered them with the personal attacks and the ad hominem, I'm not sure. Nonetheless, these are certainly irrelevant to any case you are making in this forum--as any good lawyer would realize. Moreover, AC*SE is an established flyertalker to whom your defamatory comments don't apply.

Most flyertalkers will affirm strongly that this board is singular in its high level of civility. Please abide. And if you think I'm kidding in the least about the high level of civility sought/maintainted by the members of this forum, you will likely find no one here who will support such rhetoric.

BoSoxFan, I think your response is a bit uncalled for. AC*SE's post was not directed at you personally, yet you respnonded with such an attack.

AC*SE probably didn't mean to imply that all lawyers are ambulance chasers or that everyone views litigation as a jackpot waiting to happen, but certainly there is that element, and it tarnishes the whole system. On the other hand, I am part of THE MEDIA, and we're all scum. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

(An example of abuse of the legal system: Recently in Phoenix, a woman sued a couple doctors for about $120K, the cost to raise a child, saying they didn't diagnose her pregnancy in time for her to get an abortion. In fact, they did, and the jury ruled for the defendants. It was a repulsive case made even moreso by the fact that it had no merit. Why else would her attorneys take it?)

As usual, the truth is somewhere in between what you and AC*SE wrote. Interest groups certainly can play a vital part in our public life; they also sometimes fight common-sense proposals that would benefit the country as a whole because it may be bad for their interest (the NRA and AARP come to mind).

Next time, be nice.

Jefflewis2 - If AC*SE is an "established flyertalker" then pray tell why did he make the comment "ambulance chasers" in a discussion about drivers under 25 years of age and the fee that is charged to them. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif beyond belief

[This message has been edited by magic111 (edited 06-09-2000).]

I'll presume to speak for JeffLewis2 with a "Huh?"

It also bears noting that I am a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

I am proud of my profession, notwithstanding the abuses that my learned friends have brought it to in some jurisdictions.

Getting OMNI for a moment: When subrogation turns civil litigation into nothing more than an arbitration mechanism between insurers it only serves to allow those very insurers to shut out the private litigant, and by derivation to raise insurance and medical costs across the board.

Ever wonder why medical devices, procedures and drugs are better than 35% cheaper north of the border?

majic:

Perhaps we need a definition of "established." An "established flyertalker," for example, would be one who has been around here for some time, given the number of posts. It could also comprise other aspects, but this is not germane.

Pray tell, what does, or does not, being established, have to do with his comment. This is the connection you are attempting to make, and one that I did not. Just because he's been around for over 500 posts doesn't mean that he can't make such. Being established doesn't mean that one doesn't make such pejorative comments--though most around here don't. I don't concur with his characterization, either. Yet his comment is not tantamount to calling someone a "jerk," "coward" or "idiot" as was done above.

Majic, it was that sort of verbiage that I was addressing. Even if you think that I somehow imply that an established flyertalker wouldn't make such a comment, or that one shouldn't, and ACSE does, it follows that there is no contradiction, but that neither of the two should make disparaging remarks. And, of course, you wouldn't be affirming the fallacy that somehow Bosox has a right to respond in such a manner just because ACSE did?

Okayy - It just makes a lot more sense to me that when you are making some derogatory implication of others on the board (and there is a wide variety of others) and its not really "real or all encompassing" some acknowledgement of such would be greatly appreciated by "others." http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif
Otherwise tell them both to take it off the boards.
btw - just curious is there no underage fee for car rentals in canada and other countries or is this just a usa phenomenen. thank you in advance


[This message has been edited by magic111 (edited 06-10-2000).]

I rented from Enterprise when I was under 25. No problems and the rates were about the same as the majors.

Okay- I took my "name-calling" away. I should not have been so personal in my post.

Sorry to be uncivil, but I felt that the first post was vastly more uncivil than what I posted. that doesn't make the "name-calling" right, but I stand by my argument 100% and firmly believe the statement made by AS*CE to be rude, ignorant, and out of place.

And what was defamatory about what I wrote?

I didn't start this. It's just I am a Plaintiff's class action lawyer, and constantly have to fend off derogatory remarks from people who think they are being clever, like a parroting Rush Limbaugh fan.

Yes, there are a very few plaintiffs' lawyers who file frivolous cases and use police scanners to chase ambulances. And there are a very doctors who molest their patients. And a very small percentage of black people are murders. And a percentage of white men are rapists. These are anecdotes and BY NO MEANS apply to the whole- Logic 101.
The perjorartive should NEVER be used to classify the global group, which AS*CE did. That, with all due respect, is profoundly ignorant, and the act of someone with whom I would not like to be associated intellectually or socially. And reasoning from such anecdotes is the more socially acceptable intellectual cousin of sexism, racism, and other "-isms" which are socially and intellectually deplorable.

The lobbying group to which AS*CE referred are comprised mostly of ethical lawyers who make their jurisdictions safer places.

Sorry. I'm new to flyertalk and thus far had found it to be a great place. That's why I was shocked to see the attack come out of the blue on this board.

Lest we forget, I'm the one who came up with the helpful suggestion here. ASCE added NOTHING, just a perjorative comment from left field.

Use perjorative terms to classify my sub-set of my profession, and I won't sit idly by.

I don't see how anyone here can see what he said as being civil. Think of how you would have reacted.

And just because AS*CE hass posted over 500 times in the past 3 months doesn't make the cheap shot he took correct, appropriate, or immune from criticism. That's like saying you shouldn't criticize an old man if he makes a racist comment because he's due some level of respect that a younger person doesn't have.

I will defend what I do, and I am suprised I have to defend my defense. I didn't start the incivility, but I'm sorry if I continued it.

And to Canadians, I didn't mean at all to make a shot against your country.

The bottom line is, people who just whip out anecdotes to turn public opion agaisnt plaintiffs' lawyers as a whole are, in my opinion, dangerous. I will defend what I consider to be the intellectually stronger position.


[This message has been edited by BoSoxFan45 (edited 06-12-2000).]

[This message has been edited by BoSoxFan45 (edited 06-12-2000).]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Damian:
Everything turned out great http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Thank you all! You guys are THE BEST.


Within all this other discussion - I wanted to mention that ANYTIME you are on a corporate account, they waive the under age fees. At least that is the experience I had when I rented from Alamo and Enterprise a few years back. I'm glad you figured out another way as well. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

BoSoxFan,

At what point did I, "use a perjorative to classify the global group"? Au contraire, if you read my post more carefully you may note that I am in no way tarring all solicitors with the same brush.

I wrote that any proposal to do away with the tort liability system for motor vehicle accidents in US jurisdictions would run headlong into agressive lobbying. In my view, those who would lobby hardest--nay even, scream the loudest--are those who profit most from the existing system.

Nowhere do I suggest that every personal injury lawyer would take up the same position, nor that all of those who would oppose a no-fault proposal are necessarily the more ethically-challenged of our learned friends.

As it is obvious that you have taken offence, I offer my unqualified apologies.

I should also qualify my earlier statement somewhat, taking note that full or partial no-fault insurance systems are in place some 21 US jurisdictions. Equally, not all Canadian jurisdictions have done so.

One possibility is to use a university's corporate discount if you're an employee. National has a deal with my university that anyone on the payroll-- if you show a pay stub-- is eligible for the rates with no onderage fee. I have an old pay stub from when I did temporary work in November, and I used it this past weekend for a $22/day rate, INCLUDING LDW and no underage fee. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Viajero Joven, thanks for the tip. I'm not and haven't been an employee at the university in any way and I don't plan to http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Anyway, like I said everything turned out great except one thing.

I just got a call from the lady from Hertz and was told that there is no way I can receive the #1 Club Gold membership before the age of 25, but I'll get the #1 Club membership instead http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Even though the CDP# I'll be using gives me the minimum rental age of 21 I'm not able to be a gold member for the next 4 years. What are the benefits of that club ( #1 Club ) and do you think I should keep "fighting" for Gold ? It's so close.

Any thoughts ?
Thanks

[This message has been edited by Damian (edited 06-13-2000).]

Damian,
Given you paid for the membership, you should get the #1 gold for free. I got it from them when I was under 25, and you should call the ABA and have them fight for you if you want. It's not like you got comped, in whcih case you should be happy with it. But you paid for this, and you should get every benefit advertised.

I don't know how tied you are to Hertz, but.......

I''ve been Emerald Club with National since I was 21-- there's like a $5 underage fee on top of the Emerald Club rates, but if you're looking for larger cars, that might end up a good deal for you. I got Emerald Club free because of my CO elite status-- and they keep renewing it for free, although I only use it maybe 3-4 times a year but I maintain elite.

Thanks BoSoxFan45, I'll see what I am gonna get in the mail in few weeks or maybe call Hertz directly and check on my application status.

As of National and Emerald Club, I called them and they say there is NO WAY they can rent it to people under 25 EVEN with the underage fee. Basicaly there is no such a thing like "UNDERAGE FEE". In addition I don't think it makes any diffrence If you got your membership through the Airline based on your status, because I got mine from TWA and ..... DON'T HELP. The rules are rules, that's what it looks like right now. We'll see in a couple of days, maybe weeks.

Thanks guys for your help and effort.

Wow. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

For mine, I was sent an application, and I just filled it out with my real birthdate (age 21), faxed it in, and they sent my card. When I get to the check-out booth, the agent says something about a $5/day underage fee, and I don't disagree. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif Try it and see what happens. Good luck.

Two words of warning here.

1) My wife was under 25, and the only way we could rent a car that both of us could drive was for her to rent it, and I would be the additional driver. We had to pay an under aged fee and have a credit card in her name. This worked OK until we turned up at a Budget rental desk in a minor airport. They refused to rent us a car because of my wife’s age, saying that they did’nt rent to under 25s, even though the reservation was made by phone and had additional info regarding the age int he comments on the reservation. I said ‘ yes you do, and it even says you do in the Budget policy document on the internet’. The manager countered by say that they were a franchise, and could make up there own rules !
2) Watch out on the insurance front. I’m not sure if it’s the same in the US, but if you’re unfortunate and have an accident, you might find your insurance invalid even though they took your money at the time of rental if you aren’t infact entitled to the insurance. I think this is called underwritten at the time of claim. ‘Normal’ car insurance is underwritten at the time of policy issue, and is valid unless you break the insurance rules.

"The Thrifty Collegiate Program extends special rates and benefits to faculty, staff, enrolled students and alumni of colleges and universities within the United States. Participating colleges receive a special identification number that will insure that your college travelers receive the attention they deserve.... Benefits include: ... No Underage Surcharge* (must meet all requirements)"
http://www.thrifty.com/business-collegiate.asp

Flying Dutchman - THANKS !!!

Man, this is goooooooood, and my Universtity participates too http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I'm kinda $100 short on that ABA membership - oh well.