What is the liability of renting a car for someone else?
Asked by: Jackeline Pfannerstill | Last update: May 1, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (35 votes)
What happens if someone else drives your rental car and gets in an accident?
When someone is driving a rental car, the rental company assumes that their name is on the contract. If an unauthorized driver is in control of the vehicle, all insurance plans or coverage options offered by the rental company are null and void. The unauthorized driver's insurance will be used to pay for all damages.
Can you rent a car on behalf of someone else?
The primary renter must present a credit or debit card with their name on it to pick up the vehicle, so you can't pay for someone else to rent a car. Similarly, if you book online, the credit card or debit card provided needs to have the name of the primary renter on it.
Can I rent a car for someone and not be there?
Yes, you can rent a car and list someone else as a driver without intending to drive the vehicle yourself. Most car rental companies allow you to add additional drivers to the rental agreement, but there are a few important points to consider:
Will someone else's insurance cover a rental car?
If your car was damaged due to another driver's negligence, typically, the other driver's insurance company should cover your rental car costs for a reasonable repair time. This is grounded in the principle that the at-fault party bears the cost of the consequences of their actions.
Can I Rent A Car for Someone Else? | AutoRentals
Is it illegal for someone else to drive your rental car?
In California, additional driver fees do not apply to a parent, sibling or child of the renter. Some additional drivers are always exempt from extra fees, as long as they meet the basic requirements for an Avis renter: they must have a valid license and be at least 25 years old.
Who is responsible for insurance on a rental car?
You don't need a personal auto policy to rent a car. If you don't have a personal policy, you'll be required to buy liability coverage through the rental car company. You will also have the option to add additional coverages, including collision and tire damage.
What are the risks of renting a car for someone else?
One of the risks of renting a car for someone else is that if they get into an accident while driving the rental car, you may still be responsible for the expenses, depending on your collision insurance. One way to safeguard yourself is to pay for a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).
Can you get in trouble for renting a car for someone?
As long as your additional driver meets the age requirements for renting a car and has all the documentation needed to operate a vehicle where the car will be driven, you're all set. You will want to check with your rental agency for their discretion on age requirements.
Does my insurance cover an additional driver on a rental car?
Key Points on Rental Car Insurance Coverage
In many cases, it will extend to other drivers, so long as those drivers are listed on your auto insurance policy. Your liability coverage should apply, but aspects like collision damage might only cover the primary renter.
Can you rent a car if someone else pays for it?
In order to pay for a rental car on behalf of someone else, a rental car direct billing agreement must be established. Once the account is created, a car can be booked and the cost charged to a department Travel Card so the traveler is not billed themselves.
Do police know who is driving a rental car?
Despite what the Armchair Lawyer said the answer is NO. When we run a License Plate the only thing it will show us is the Registered Owner/Rental Car Company and their contact information we have no way of knowing who is driving th…
Can someone else drive my loaner car?
Who is authorized to drive the Loaner Vehicle? Only you, and any immediate family member living within the same household, specifically listed on your insurance policy, and is over the age of 25. Any additional driver covered under your insurance policy will need to supply a valid drivers license.
What happens if you don't add a driver to your insurance?
A driver who lives in your household and isn't listed on your auto policy may be denied coverage if they borrow your vehicle and are involved in an accident. Family members who live in your household and drive your vehicle, including a teenager or your significant other, should be listed as drivers on your policy.
Do rental cars have cameras?
The most common camera found in rental cars is the rear view camera, which is meant to help drivers when backing up their vehicles. Located at the back of the car, they allow us to see what has been behind, to avoid collisions and easy parking in small places.
What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in California?
If your friend or any family members get into an accident while behind the wheel of your vehicle, liability will also take into account whether or not they had driver's permission. California's laws on insurance coverage mean that the car insurance will follow the vehicle, no matter who is driving it.
Why can't I rent a car for someone else?
Technically, you can't rent a car in your name if someone else will pick it up and drive. Rental companies require the reservation holder to pick it up, as their name is on the legal agreement. Understandably, cars are expensive, and they need to know who's behind the wheel.
Should I let someone rent a car under my name?
It's certainly against the rental company's policies and potentially would be a breach of contract. At the end of the day you would be bound by whatever contract you sign; likely making you liable for any damage to the vehicle.
What prevents someone from renting a car?
Another common reason for denied rental cars is the failure to provide valid identification, such as an ID or passport, and required documentation like a credit card or driving license. In locations where an international permit is mandatory, not having one can result in rental denial.
Can I rent my car to other people?
Yes, it's possible to rent out your personal car through a peer-to-peer car rental service like Turo or Getaround.
What are the risks of letting someone else drive your car?
Accidents involving someone else driving your car can affect your insurance rates and claims, especially if you have had other recent accidents or a car crash. Insurance companies may opt to raise your rate, revoke your safe-driver discount, or even cancel your coverage depending on the circumstances.
Do I need extra insurance when renting a car?
Rental car insurance is typically offered by the rental car company but is not required. And depending on your personal insurance and coverage offered by your credit card company, you may not need extra coverage offered by the rental car company.
Can someone on my insurance drive my rental car?
As long as they aren't in an accident while driving the car, nothing happens. But if there is an accident and they are driving, the insurance could deny coverage and you would have to pay it all out of your pocket and it would be you paying not them as you are listed, not them.
Does insurance cover rental cars when the car is in shop?
3. Your vehicle must be in the shop due to a covered loss. Rental reimbursement coverage can be used while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident or another covered loss, not for routine maintenance or leisure. So, if your car is at the body shop after an accident, a rental car is covered up to your limit.
What happens if an unauthorized driver wrecks a rental car?
If an unauthorized person drives the rental car and causes an accident, then you may be responsible for paying for any damage to the vehicle yourself rather than your insurance company or the rental car company (even if you bought a waiver).