For seniors planning vacations, family visits, or road trips, transportation is one of the biggest decisions. While many automatically think of flying or using their personal car, more seniors are turning to car rentals as a flexible, stress-free way to travel. In fact, a recent survey by Auto Rental News shows that the number of rental car customers over the age of 60 continues to rise as more seniors turn to car rentals for their travel needs.
For today’s active seniors, renting a car removes many of the headaches of travel while offering comfort, freedom, and convenience.
Why Car Rentals Are the Smart Choice for Senior Travelers
Many older adults own vehicles that work well for daily errands but may not be ideal for long-distance trips. Road trips add wear and tear, risk unexpected breakdowns, and may lack the comfort and safety features seniors want today.
“I love my little SUV for around town, but I don’t want to drive it 1,000 miles and risk something going wrong,” says Bill, 72, from Raleigh, North Carolina. “When I rent, I get a newer car that’s fully serviced and ready for the road.”
According to J.D. Power, the average rental car is less than one year old, meaning most rentals offer modern safety technology, updated navigation systems, and better fuel efficiency compared to many older vehicles.
Renting gives seniors access to cars that better fit their needs: larger seats, easier entry and exit, better visibility, and advanced driver-assistance features like lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These features can make long drives safer and far less tiring.
“I rented a car with adaptive cruise control for a trip last year, and it made highway driving so much less tiring,” says Karen, 68, from Phoenix, Arizona. “I felt much more confident behind the wheel.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that features like blind spot monitoring can reduce lane-change accidents by up to 14%, giving seniors extra peace of mind when driving unfamiliar routes.
No Maintenance, No Repairs, Less Worry
One of the biggest advantages of renting is not having to worry about the car’s condition. Maintenance, oil changes, tire checks, and repairs are handled by the rental company. If something goes wrong on the road, most rental agencies offer 24/7 roadside assistance or can easily swap out your vehicle.
“When we drove through the mountains on our last trip, it was nice knowing that if anything went wrong, help was just a phone call away,” says Joan, 70, from Denver, Colorado.
Test Driving Before Buying
Renting also allows seniors to test out vehicles they may be considering buying. Rather than a short test drive at a dealership, renting offers real-world experience for multiple days on the road.
“I’m thinking about downsizing to a smaller SUV. Renting one for a weeklong road trip really helped me see how it felt for long drives,” says Richard, 69, from Sarasota, Florida.
Flexible Car Options for Any Type of Trip
Whether traveling solo, visiting grandkids, or going on a multigenerational vacation, rental companies offer a wide selection. Seniors can pick smaller sedans for quick trips, mid-size SUVs for family visits, or minivans for group travel. Many companies also offer one-way rentals, allowing seniors to fly into one city and drive to another without returning to the starting point.
The Financial Advantages
While rental costs can vary, many seniors find that renting for trips can be cheaper than the long-term costs of maintaining, repairing, and insuring their personal vehicle.
AAA reports that owning and maintaining a midsize vehicle now averages over $12,000 per year. For seniors who only take occasional long trips, renting may be a more affordable option than upgrading or heavily using their personal car.
Many credit cards and insurance providers also offer rental coverage, further reducing out-of-pocket costs.
A Growing Trend for the 60+ Traveler
As more seniors embrace active, flexible lifestyles in retirement, car rentals are becoming part of that freedom. According to the U.S. Travel Association, adults over 60 now account for more than 37% of leisure road trips nationwide.
“We used to fly everywhere, but now we enjoy the road,” says Susan, 67, from Charleston, South Carolina. “With a rental, we pick the perfect car for each trip and leave the maintenance to someone else.”
For today’s senior travelers, renting a car offers comfort, safety, flexibility, and freedom — all without the stress of maintaining your own vehicle. Whether exploring new destinations or visiting family, car rentals let seniors travel on their terms with confidence and ease.
Written by the ZestYears Team
Sources:
Auto Rental News Industry Report
J.D. Power Rental Car Data
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
AAA 2024 Vehicle Ownership Cost Report
U.S. Travel Association Travel Statistics
