Car Rental Question

Lsmuggler on 30/12/2017 - 10:24

My friend is getting married in 3 months and I would like to hire a Mercedes SUV to transport him to his wedding and back.

Thrifty is owned by NRMA, so my father gets a 15% discount for being an NRMA member. In the T&C, it states that an additional driver is free, but does not say if that additional driver can be under 25 years of age. My father also does not have a credit card.
I have two questions:

Can I use my father's membership no. and book the car under my name?
If I do make the booking under my father's name, will they waive the additional driver fee (as per their deal) for a 24 year old driver and can that 24 year old use his credit card?

https://www.thrifty.com.au/specials/nrma-member-discount

Automotive

Comments

  • IceCreamBandit on 30/12/2017 - 10:29

    You should be able to use the membership number to get the discount, but since the driver(s) needs to present their drivers licence at the time of collection, Thrifty will know you're under 25 and the age surcharge will be applied.

    That's the way I understand it from their FAQ anyway

    If you're willing to be dodgy and risk it, get your father to pick it up and just hand you the keys once it's done. I really wouldn't recommend it as things will be very complicated and expensive if something goes wrong.

    • smuggler on 30/12/2017 - 10:40

      If you're willing to be dodgy and risk it, get your father to pick it up and just hand you the keys once it's done.

      Nah, I won't be doing that. I want to be registered as an under 25 year old driver.

  • mskeggs on 30/12/2017 - 10:30

    If I tell you “yes” and you go ahead with your plan but when you arrive at Thrifty they say “no” and it upsets things, will you be cranky?
    Best to ask Thrifty if they will rent a car to your father, explain he will pay using your credit card, and that you would like an under 25yro additional driver. They will probably say yes, but with monstrous age excess if you get in a crash.

    • smuggler on 30/12/2017 - 10:39

      They will probably say yes, but with monstrous age excess if you get in a crash.

      Age excess can be reduced by paying that age excess reduction fee ($28), right? I was under the impression it applied to all drivers, regardless of age.

  • retiredfeline on 30/12/2017 - 10:50

    I think it's your dad that has to book and quote his membership number. I'm sure they don't care about the mode of payment as long as it's with the owner's consent. But I think as the driver you'll be up for extra charges for being under 25. You should ask Thrifty, they have the final say no matter what we write here.

    Couldn't your friend wait until you're 25 to get married? :)

  • kolorijo on 30/12/2017 - 11:14

    Don't forget to tripcover it.

    • smuggler on 30/12/2017 - 11:16

      SO there's no point in paying for the excess reduction fee from thrifty if I use tripcover?

      • wouldntyaliketoknow on 30/12/2017 - 11:26

        If you don't got the cash to cough up the excess up front and claim back later, and can survive with that money in limbo, then sure.

  • Ocker on 30/12/2017 - 11:49

    Simple phone call to Thrifty should get you the correct answer?

    That aside Thrifty is not owned by NRMA, rather they are owned by The Hertz Corporation.

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