Renting a car for someone else

Sometimes situations arise when you need to rent a car for someone else. For example, to facilitate travel for a spouse or friend visiting another city, or to provide transportation for colleagues on a business trip. Renting a car for someone else is possible, but only if you adhere to the specific rules of the rental company.

Can you rent a car for another person?

In short, yes. But before signing the contract, it’s important to understand that rental companies consider booking, payment and driving the car as separate roles. This means you can’t just sign a rental agreement and hand over the keys to someone else for use. One way to reserve a car for another person is to name a backup driver in the contract. Only then does that person have the legal right to drive the car. Driving without a backup driver is considered a violation of the contract. Please note that an additional fee will be charged for each additional driver.

Who can pick up the car?

Only the person named in the rental agreement as the primary and secondary driver may pick up the car. Upon pick-up, you must present a valid driver’s licence and, most often, a credit card in your name. Picking up a car for someone else is not permitted, even if they have paid the rental fee. Failure to comply with this rule is considered a breach of contract and may result in the car being denied.

Can someone else return the car?

The same rules apply when returning a car as when picking it up. Therefore, another person can return the car if they’re listed as an additional driver. Please inquire with the rental company in advance about any details regarding the use of the car by others. Remember that returning the car to an unauthorised person may result in violation of the rules or additional fees, just as leaving the car in a location not specified in the contract.

Can you pay for someone else’s rental car?

Yes, you can pay for another person’s car reservation, for example, by paying online on the company’s website. However, the primary driver who signs the contract is required to make a deposit with their credit card upon pick-up. Some companies may require written permission or additional confirmation if the payer and driver aren’t the same person.

Can you drive a rental car booked under someone else’s name?

Driving the car is permitted only if the person is listed as the primary or additional driver in the rental agreement. Otherwise, use of the car is considered illegal, which may result in the contract being voided and full liability for any damage. Rental companies strictly check documents upon car delivery. Allowing someone else to drive the car is considered a violation. To avoid problems, always include all potential drivers in the contract in advance.

How to book a rental car for someone else

Understanding the booking process can help reduce anxiety and enjoy your trip. To book a car for someone else:

1. Choose a rental company that allows third-party rentals.
2. When booking, provide the details of the person who will actually be the driver.
3. Add yourself or others as additional drivers, if necessary.
4. Determine the payment method and ensure the company accepts payment from the other person’s card.
5. Make sure the primary driver has a valid driver’s licence and a credit card to pay the deposit upon pick-up.

Risks and responsibility

The renter should be aware that they may bear some liability, including penalties for late returns, damage to the car or unpaid services. It’s crucial to clarify the company’s terms and conditions in advance and understand all the risks to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

If the car is used by persons not included in the contract, the insurance may be voided. In this case, all damages and fines must be paid for by the renter. Toll charges or traffic violations may also be automatically debited from the card of the person who paid the booking deposit.

Conclusion

Renting a car for someone else is possible, but only under strict compliance with the rental company’s terms and conditions. All drivers must be included in the rental agreement, and the primary driver, who pays for the service, must be present at pick-up. Carefully read the rental company’s terms and conditions regarding payment, driver requirements and additional fees. This will help avoid car denials, insurance cancellations and unexpected financial expenses.