People who do not rent cars frequently from car rental companies are not always aware of how their driving history will affect their ability to rent a car, or whether it will matter at all. When renting a car, it is a good idea to check with the car rental company to find out about any specific disclosures or rules they may have about your ability to rent a car and your driving record. Some car rental companies will check with the Department of Motor Vehicles to request a copy of your driving record. In order for them to do this, you must generally submit a written permission form so that they have access to this information.
Each car rental company has its own regulations and requirements that must be met before a person can rent a car. Some car rental companies check a person’s driving record the first time they rent a car. After the first time, if the car is returned in good condition and there are no collisions or benders for which the car renter was responsible, the driving record is generally not rechecked by the same company, unless a significant period of time has spent before the next time the person rented a car from the company.
If you have a less than stable and perfect driving history, you may be charged a higher fee for renting a car. Some car rental companies specialize in renting cars to drivers who have already suffered accidents and speeding tickets. Infringements involving alcohol and driving are not always overlooked by car rental companies; and depending on the offense and how long ago it occurred, this can prevent you from renting a car, even if you have a valid driver’s license.
You may also face the possibility of not having the rental car insurance option and being required to pay for the rental car insurance if your driving record is unstable. Fines for speeding, alcohol and driving, collisions, fines for reckless driving and fender benders put a negative stain on your driving record. While these fines and violations may not necessarily prevent you from renting a car, it can make it more expensive.
Taking driving lessons will help to put positive marks on your driving history and this can make all future car rentals and car insurance prices more affordable for you. Researching several different car rental companies and comparing prices for high-risk drivers can help you find the best deals. You may simply need to make a larger deposit than someone who has a good driving record. These deposits are refundable if there are no accidents during the rental of the vehicle and if the vehicle is returned under the same conditions in which it was rented.