The government is proposing to force rental companies to treat all rental applicants the same, regardless of their age.

This could mean young inexperienced drivers would be allowed to rent high-powered cars that currently have age restrictions on them.

The BVRLA is calling for the sector to be given an exemption from elements of the proposed Equality Bill, which will ban businesses from treating customers differently according to their age.

“The government wants to create a fairer society, but at what cost?” said BVRLA chief executive, John Lewis.

“One in every three road accidents in the UK involves young drivers, and the Government needs to recognise the consequences of forcing rental firms to rent any vehicle to all drivers over the age of 18.”

The bill is expected to become law before next year’s general election and would be implemented in 2012.

The BVRLA estimates the bill could cost the rental industry over £71 million a year in extra insurance and repair costs.

The BVRLA believes the industry has a strong case to earn an exemption.

Data obtained from BVRLA members and the Association of British Insurers shows that:

  • Vehicles rented to customers under the age of 25 are 67% more likely to be damaged or involved in an accident
  • The cost of repairing a rental vehicles is, on average, 55% higher when the hirer is under 25
  • One-in-three road accidents involves young drivers

“If our industry is forced to rent or lease to drivers under the age of 25 without being able to manage the risk through, price, procedure or product restriction, the safety of Britain’s roads is going to get worse,” said Lewis.

“As it stands this bill could result in unsustainable operating costs for many of our members and higher rental charges for consumers.”