If you’ve previously been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), you may be wondering whether you can rent a car. Here’s the lowdown on renting a car with a DWI or DUI on your record.
The quick answer is that it depends on a few factors, including the rental company and the time that has passed since the charge.
Will You Pass the Car Rental Driver Record Check?
Nothing requires a rental car company to run a driver record check, but there are two competing schools of thought. On one hand, some companies use driver record checks as a proactive measure to block the riskiest drivers. Other companies don’t bother running driver checks so long as a driver presents a valid license, which generally absolves the rental car company from responsibility.
Rental Companies Have Differing Policies
Certain car companies are stricter than others when it comes to renting vehicles to drivers with prior DWI or DUI charges.
The way rental companies handle previous driving charges — whether they be DUI or driving convictions in general — comes down to their policies on driver record checks. These differ by car rental company, and some companies have clearer policies than others when explaining the circumstances under which they check for previous DWI or DUI charges.
The Avis Budget Group, which includes the Avis, Budget, and Payless brands, is known for having some of the most strict and transparent policies around past DUI charges and reckless driving convictions.
Meanwhile, Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty indicate that they may perform driver record checks on drivers. However, they do not provide as much information publicly about how they run them.
Enterprise, National, and Alamo do not appear to have specific policies for checking renters’ driving history but will turn away anyone with a license showing they need to use an ignition interlock device (IID) after a DUI or DWI charge. This is generally the case for other rental companies across the board.
Avis, Budget, and Payless
- To rent a car from Avis, Budget, or Payless, drivers cannot have any DUI or DWI charges on their record within the last 48 months and cannot have a suspended license.
- Those with prior DUI or DWI charges can rent from these brands after 48 months have passed since receiving the conviction, but they cannot have any other current issues that would disqualify them from renting.
- These other disqualifying events include, among other things, any reckless driving charges in the last 36 months, more than three moving violations, and more than three accidents in 36 months.
- Avis, Budget, and Payless check an electronic database for DWI or DUI convictions and require renters to sign an agreement saying their driving record meets company standards.
Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty
Hertz Global Holdings brands (Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty) subject renters to driving checks, but do not give as many details as Avis, Budget, and Payless about how they perform these checks.
- Thrifty and Dollar’s policies state, “The authorized driver and any additional authorized drivers may be subject to a driver record check.”
- Hertz’s policy mentions driving record checks for physically impaired renters but does not mention a history of impairment due to alcohol or drugs.
- These companies’ policies do not appear to directly address DWI or DUI convictions, but they could come up in a driver record check.
Alamo, Enterprise, and National
- Alamo, Enterprise, and National do not appear to have specific policies for driver checks at this time but do restrict any drivers who are subject to using an ignition interlock device (IID) after a DUI or DWI charge.
- These companies do not accept “any license which, on its face, restricts the licensee to the use and operation of a vehicle equipped with a form of a breathalyzer apparatus is not accepted.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is needed to rent a car in Europe?
Many websites will help you to find the best European rental car deals. You should also consider booking online via the Internet.
Before you rent a vehicle, it is important to have all the necessary information.
- Your full name, including any middle or additional names (if applicable).
- The address where you are staying
- Date, time & location of pickup
- Make & model of vehicle rented
- Policy number and insurance company
- Special requests for equipment
- Details of the rental agreement, such as duration, rate, deposit and balance due after the trip, excess charges or limits of liability, and cancellation penalties, are included.
- Payment method(s) (credit card, debit card, cash, or personal cheque)
After you have all the information you need, you can make a booking with any of the listed companies.
Can I rent an Italian car and drop it off in France?
It may not be possible to rent a car from an Italian company and drive it across Europe. Europcar is a rental service that offers cars for rent all across Europe. For more information about renting cars or dropping them off in Italy, contact Europcar directly.
What age do you need to be to rent an automobile in Europe?
To drive legally in most European countries, one must be 21 years of age. While you cannot rent a car if your age is below 18, it may still be legal to do so from an adult (usually over 25). The age limit for renting cars, however, varies from country to country. In some places, you may even be able to rent a car without being older than 15.
Chase Sapphire car rental insurance available in Ireland
Yes, your vehicle can be insured for an additional EUR15 daily. You have access to a range of optional additionals including breakdown assistance, theft, and personal accident.
How can I document damage done to my car before it is rented?
You should have all documentation available, including photos of any damage. When inspecting your vehicle, you should ask the agent for information if you are not sure of the damage. You may need to pay extra for an inspection if there is any damage.
What is the difference between a national and international rental car?
Domestic cars are cheaper but have fewer features than international ones.
International cars are more costly but offer better comfort and safety equipment, such as seat belts and anti-lock brakes.
Based on the amount of mileage you intend to travel daily, you should choose the car that best suits your needs.
If you’re traveling for more than 100 miles, you might consider renting a local (domestic) car as they are typically cheaper.
If you plan to drive around large cities and go off-road often, you might consider an international model.
Which is the best place to rent a vehicle?
The most common places to rent cars are airports, rental agencies, hotels, etc.
The most common way to find an airport location near you is by using online travel sites such as Expedia or Priceline.
You may also want to consider local rental companies if they have locations close to where you live. These are usually cheaper and easier than booking on an airline website.
Consider public transportation if you are renting a car for less than two weeks. You could take advantage of city-wide bus passes, which allow unlimited rides within a certain area.
Renting a convertible is possible if you travel with children. They offer greater protection for children, which is why some people prefer them.
Statistics
- Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
- The perks vary from partner to partner, but you can expect discounts of up to 35 percent on some rentals and the ability to earn anywhere from 50 bonus American AAdvantage miles per day or 500 per rental. (afar.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
- For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day’s trip cost. (insider.com)
External Links
jdpower.com
enterprise.com
sixt.com
autoslash.com
How To
How can I ensure that my rental car is not charged for any pre-existing damage?
If you take a rental car for a few days, what happens when the vehicle is returned to the rental agency? Is it possible to be charged for damage to your rental vehicle if there is a scratch? This is a common problem, especially for people who rent vehicles from different companies. Even if customers do not cause damage to the rented car, some agencies charge customers for it. Avoid these charges by asking whether you will be charged for scratches or dents on the vehicle. These are the steps you can take to ensure that no payments will be made for damage done before renting a car.
- Ask for a copy of the agreement;
- Make sure to read the description carefully.
- Read the fine print carefully;
- Ask for a complimentary cleaning;
- Take care of the car’s condition.
- You should not leave anything in your car.
- You should always bring cash when renting a vehicle.
- Keep receipts of all payments;
- Don’t allow anyone to touch your car without you allowing it.
- Never accept a gift from the company;
- Use only a reputable rental agency;
- Keep the contract with you.
- The car must be returned in good condition.
- Please provide your contact information to the agent.
- Avoid using the same company as often as possible;
- Notify the seller of any important details such as model, mileage, engine size, color, and so on. ;
- Take photos of the damage
- Wash the car by yourself
- A third party should inspect your car.
- Do not agree to pay additional fees
