An elderly man in Jamaica has been discriminated against and refused car hire insurance due to his age.

He said in a letter: “I was told that I couldn’t insure the car due to my age - 69 this year. I had to take full responsibility for damage and loss. That came as a shock!
 
“I was informed that other rental companies had a similar policy and there was no choice but to sign the company's waiver.

“When I checked with Avis later, I learned I had been misinformed. That company does not discriminate against persons like me.

“The experience was very embarrassing. Shouldn't a country that promotes itself overseas as a destination for business and leisure have sensible policies to cater to visitors like me?”

In the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper’s editorial pages the man was informed that the rental company, tourism organisation, marketing and licensing entities were all to blame for this cock up.

Third party liability insurance for vehicles on public roads in Jamaica is required by law. It is mandatory to protect other road users according to Jamaica's Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third-Party Risks) Act. However, not all car insurance companies in Jamaica write coverage for car-rental operators as it is not profitable. The 65 age limitation at Hertz in Jamaica is imposed by insurers but is flexible and should be changed upon request. These problems may occur in Jamaica and it is up to the Jamaican government to rectify them.
Rhino car hire is able to rent cheap cars to customers whether they are young or old and all cars come with full insurance.

Rhino has rental offices at Norman Manley International Airport and other locations throughout Jamaica.