Rental Car Wreck.. Who Pays?
I rented a car last week and and my boyfriend let his 20 year old cousin drive the rental car. I was the only driver listed on the contract and I didn't know that my boyfriend let his cousin drive the car until after he brought it back and we found out that he was in a fender bender and that there is some damage to the rental car. Is my boyfriend responsible for the damage to the rental car, because he let someone drive it.. or will the car rental company try and charge his cousin, who was actually in the car and driving it at the time it was damaged?
Unfortunately, neither one of them will be held responsible for the damage to the rental car. It will be you (as the renter and only registered authorized driver) that is charged for the damages.
When you look at your car rental contract, you will see that by signing it, you agree to be fully responsible for any damage done to the rental car, regardless of who is driving it. It will be up to you to pay for the damages to the rental and then it's your choice if you wish to attempt get your money back, either from your boyfriend or his cousin.
If you wish to do so, your boyfriend should get in contact with his own auto insurance company and you should also make sure to get copies of any accident report forms that may have been filed with the police or with the owner of the other car that was involved in the fender bender.
Hope this helps!
Related Topics:
What if you have an Accident in a Rental Car?
Know your Car Rental Contract
Category Article additional drivers, Car Rental Policies
