What is the Financial Responsibility of an Additional Driver of a Car Rental?Anonymous asks: Re: Financial Responsibility of an Additional Driver
Hi! Thanks for this website. I was listed as an additional driver, and got into an accident. I was driving and it was my fault. Yet my insurance company says that it will not cover it, because I was the additional driver, not the person who made and paid for the rental. Is that fair? How can I substantiate / demonstrate that I have responsibility (and thus my car insurance has responsibility)? Thanks! My Response: I tried calling a few car rental companies to ask about the financial responsibility of an additional driver, but all were reluctant to give me any information without me having a specific contract number for reference. There is not much information on the different websites about specific responsibilities of an additional driver. Bascially, when someone rents a car, they assume full finacial responsibility for the vehicle, regardless of who is actually driving the car.
I dug up an old contract that I had from a Budget Rental that my husband took a few years ago, and found this clause in the contract. (in this contract, you, refers to the renter) Paragraph 11 Section 1 Loss Damage waiver, Damage and Loss of Property 11.1 Subject to this clause 11, You are liable: A. for the loss of, and all damage to, the Vehicle; and B. for all damage to the property of any person: i. which is caused or contributed to by You or an Authorized Driver; or ii. which arises from the use of the Vehicle by You or an Authorized Driver. Remember that references to the "Vehicle" include all of its parts, components, accessories and contents (see the definition of "Vehicle" in clause 2). I would get together with the renter and go over the rental contract and the additional driver form that you signed, with a fine tooth comb and look for information about the renters responsiblity, especially with regards to damage and additional drivers, and if there is any information listed specifically about the financial responsibility of an additional driver. The renter may also want to contact the rental car company and request specific information from them about the financial responsibility of an additional driver. Basically, if the renter signed something that stated that they would take full financial responsibility for the vehcile, your insurance company is under no obligation to cover it.
I'm sure this isn't the answer you were hoping for, but I hope it helps, regardless.
Have a Car Rental Question? ...
Ask Here! See what others are asking about Car Rental Policies:
Is there a way to avoid a car rental underage fee?
Can I allow my 18 year old to drive my rental car? Can I drive across the Canadian Border in Rental Car? Is an International License needed here? Is it possible to get a rental car if I'm under 21 years old? What is the minimum age to rent in Hawaii? Can a Canadian Citizen (but US resident) take a rental across the border? Can I use a rental car for my drivers test? Is there any leeway for under 25 fees when I rent a car? Why do car rental companies charge for a second driver? I was charged an early return fee; can I dispute this charge? For car rental, what's the hold on a credit card? Are there any countries with maximum age restrictions to rent a car? Can I rent a car using a prepaid visa debit card? Are there any insurance issues if I drive into Canada with the rental car? How can I find out the cash rental qualifications to rent a car with cash? Looking at renting a car in Austin to travel into Mexcio... Is this allowed? Do any car rental companies not charge an additional driver fee for spouse?
Return to Car Rental FAQ's
New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.Copyright 2008-2012 Best-Car-Rental-Tips.com
All Rights Reserved & Contents Protected Do Not Copy without Permission  |