Unauthorized person driving our rental car

[Liz]

What would be the risks or consequences if they were involved in an accident (their fault or not)?

We'll have a rental car at WDW because we visit family before checking into our resort. In the past we don't use it once we arrive at WDW and basically just have it as a way back to the airport. Our friends are also arriving at WDW and would like to visit Sea World for a day. It seems pointless to have them rent a car when ours will be just sitting there but don't know if its too risky in case something happened.

Thoughts?

 

[CarolMN]

AFAIK, you would be 100% liable for anything that happened. Personally, I would not do it.

Why not investigate the cost of adding one of your friends as an additional authorized driver - that might be less than the cost for them to rent a car for the day. If that doesn't work, you could either play chauffuer for the day (go with them) or they could rent their own car for the day. That would probably run about $50.

Best wishes -

 

[CarolA]

You have violated the rental agreement. Therefore all bets are off. As Carol said you would be 100% liable and the car rental place would not have to work with any insurance you have.

Also, if you are releying upon your home or credit card for coverage I doubt they would cover you. Your insurance goes with you or YOUR car, not another car.

 

[Liz]

Enough said! Bad idea!! I thought it was but wanted to check!! Thanks!!

 

[pumpkinboy]

...Why not investigate the cost of adding one of your friends as an additional authorized driver - that might be less than the cost for them to rent a car for the day. If that doesn't work, you could either play chauffuer for the day (go with them) or they could rent their own car for the day. That would probably run about $50...

CarolMN has the right idea here. For a little bit more $$ just get your friend listed as an authorized driver on the rental contract, and you will be covered: 2 families, 1 car, no problem. We are doing that in April; my parents are coming with us, but leaving 2 days earlier. So we are going to split the car with them on the way from MCO, then send them back in the rental car and just get the Mears wheelchair van for our return (DS is wheelchair bound, so Mears essentially sends a chauffeur for us ). So I am simply gonna get my Mom listed as an authorized driver, so she can return the car (and have a ride to the airport).

Get everyone signed up and on the contract, and drive away. Good luck!

 

[CarolA]

The problem is the second driver has to be added when you rent the car which it doesn't sound like would work here. PLus in most cases if the driver isn't related there is an additional fee.

 

[Liz]

Our friends are coming in almost a week after we are so I don't think it would be convenient to try and get them added as an authorized additional driver. They'll just have to rent a car or use the Lynx bus for their Sea World day.

Appreciate the suggestion though!

 

[Rpsemont]

If it's an Alamo or National rental, you might be able to add them for a day at the Dolphin or Care care Center at WDW. Don't know if they will do this, but you may want to look into it.

 

[Brian Noble]

You might even be able to have them added when they arrive by visiting the rental desk in their arrival airport, provided they have the right info to link to your rental record. Call ahead and find out.

 

[G00fyDad]

Most rental car companies only charge an extra 7 dollars a day for extra drivers. That is a WHOLE lot cheaper than $15k -$35k, loss of rental by company, and any other charges they can slap you with. I had a freind do this once and he still regrets it to this day. Somewhere around $38k for the whole thing.

 

[Sammie]

Drive them over. It really is not a long trip from WDW to Sea World then they can taxi back or take the shuttle.

 

[minkydog]

Most rental car companies only charge an extra 7 dollars a day for extra drivers. That is a WHOLE lot cheaper than $15k -$35k, loss of rental by company, and any other charges they can slap you with. I had a freind do this once and he still regrets it to this day. Somewhere around $38k for the whole thing.

$38,000! That's a whole lotta trips to Disney World!