Certain situations may result in an instance where you may keep a rental car longer than intended. But what are the consequences of keeping a rental car longer than the agreed upon terms? Learn about rental car contracts and the potential consequences.
6 minutes
05.18.2023
What happens if you love a rental car so much that eventually you never return the car? The consequences of that choice are negative. According to Hertz, 0.014% of their vehicles are stolen each year. Depending on your state, laws would classify this offense as a felony. It could also be considered auto theft or embezzlement.
Regardless, continue reading to learn about rental car contracts and the potential consequences of not returning the vehicle. Be aware that the following is not legal advice, and the best action to take is to consult with a lawyer.
A rental car contract, also known as a car rental agreement, is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions between a rental car company and a customer who wishes to rent a vehicle. It serves as a contract between both parties and typically includes the following:
With this knowledge of the rental contract, the following are the most common contract violations that could occur in legal action. It is important that you confirm these with a lawyer based on your own state’s laws.
With this knowledge of the rental contract, the following are the most common contract violations that could occur in legal action. It is important that you confirm these with a lawyer based on your own state’s laws.
So what happens if you ultimately do not choose to return your rental car? The following consequences may occur.
Rental car companies typically charge late fees for each day or hour that the vehicle is overdue. These fees can vary depending on the rental company and the terms stated in the rental agreement.
If you fail to return the rental car on time, you may be charged additional fees beyond the initial rental period. These charges can accumulate and result in a significantly higher cost than originally agreed upon.
If you had any special discounts, promotions, or rates associated with the original rental period, not returning the car on time may result in losing those benefits.
Failure to comply with the terms of the rental agreement can lead to additional penalties or contract violation fees. These fees may be outlined in the contract and can be imposed for violations such as exceeding mileage limits, unauthorized driver use, or breach of other rental terms.
If you don't return the rental car as agreed, the rental company may initiate the process of locating and recovering the vehicle. This could involve hiring a recovery service or working with law enforcement authorities, and the costs associated with this process may be passed on to you.
If you fail to return the rental car and do not respond to communication attempts from the rental company, they may pursue collections or legal action to recover the vehicle or the financial losses incurred. This can result in additional fees, damage to your credit score, or even a civil lawsuit.
It's important to note that the consequences can escalate depending on the severity of the situation and the rental company's policies. If you're unable to return a rental car on time, it's crucial to communicate with the rental company as soon as possible to discuss possible solutions and minimize any potential negative consequences.
Not returning a rental car typically does not result in immediate imprisonment. However, if the rental car company believes that you have unlawfully kept their vehicle, they may choose to involve law enforcement authorities. The specific legal consequences can vary depending on state laws, the value of the vehicle, and the circumstances surrounding the situation.
If you are facing difficulties in returning a rental car or foresee challenges in meeting the agreed-upon return date, it is crucial to communicate promptly with the rental company. By informing them about the situation and working together to find a solution, you can often avoid legal complications.
If you are facing difficulties in returning a rental car or foresee challenges in meeting the agreed-upon return date, it is crucial to communicate promptly with the rental company. However, in the first place, if you know you will need a vehicle for a long period of time but do not want to make the long-term commitment of purchasing a vehicle, consider a FINN car subscription.
With FINN you can have access to a car on a longer agreed upon time frame of 6-12 months, as well as benefiting from roadside assistance and insurance coverage. Explore the many vehicles you could subscribe to with FINN today.
If you are facing difficulties in returning a rental car or foresee challenges in meeting the agreed-upon return date, it is crucial to communicate promptly with the rental company. However, in the first place, if you know you will need a vehicle for a long period of time but do not want to make the long-term commitment of purchasing a vehicle, consider a FINN car subscription.
With FINN you can have access to a car on a longer agreed upon time frame of 6-12 months, as well as benefiting from roadside assistance and insurance coverage. Explore the many vehicles you could subscribe to with FINN today.