How Long Can You Keep a Rental Car Before It’s Reported Stolen?
Understand how rental car return timelines work, what happens if you’re late, and how companies handle overdue vehicles.
Keeping a rental car past its due date can escalate beyond late fees, potentially leading to the vehicle being reported stolen and involving law enforcement. Renters should understand the terms of their agreement and the procedures rental companies follow when a vehicle is not returned on time.
Rental Agreement Terms
Renting a vehicle involves signing a legally binding contract that outlines the responsibilities of both the rental company and the renter. This agreement specifies the exact date, time, and location for the vehicle’s return, establishing the authorized rental period.1Avis Rent a Car. Rental Terms and Conditions It typically requires the car to be returned in its original condition, allowing for normal wear. The contract also details who is permitted to drive the vehicle and restricts certain uses, such as off-road driving or taking the car outside designated geographical areas without permission. Violating these terms, including failing to return the car as scheduled, constitutes a breach of the agreement. Understanding these conditions, particularly the return requirements, is crucial.
Timeline for Reporting a Vehicle as Stolen
Rental companies generally do not report a car stolen immediately after the return deadline. They typically first attempt to contact the renter using the provided phone number or email address to arrange the vehicle’s return. If these attempts fail, the company may escalate its actions based on internal policies and state laws. Some laws require the company to send a formal written demand for the vehicle’s return, often via certified mail, specifying a deadline. Failure to return the vehicle after this demand can lead to more serious consequences. The timeframe for reporting a vehicle as stolen varies, often depending on state statutes that might specify a waiting period, such as 72 hours or several days, after the due date or formal demand. Prolonged failure to return the car or respond to communications increases the likelihood that the company will file a stolen vehicle report with police, causing the car to be listed in national crime databases.
Extension Options
If renters need to keep a vehicle longer than planned, most rental companies offer procedures for extending the rental period. Contacting the rental company before the original return deadline is the recommended approach. This usually involves calling the rental branch or using the company’s customer service line, website, or mobile app. The company will evaluate the extension request based on vehicle availability and other factors; approval is not guaranteed. If granted, the terms, including the rental rate for the extended period, may differ from the original agreement, potentially costing more per day. Updated payment information or authorization for additional charges on the credit or debit card on file will likely be required to cover the cost of the extension. Once approved and payment is arranged, the rental agreement is updated with the new return date, ensuring continued authorized use. Some companies may limit the total rental duration under one contract, requiring a new agreement for very long extensions.
Possible Criminal Accusations
Failure to return a rental car on time can lead to criminal charges. After following internal procedures and any legally required notification steps, if the vehicle is not returned, the rental company may report it as stolen. This shifts the matter from a contract dispute to a potential criminal case. Charges can include theft of property, embezzlement, or unlawful conversion of a vehicle, depending on the jurisdiction. A key element in such cases is proving criminal intent – that the renter intended to wrongfully deprive the company of its property. While unforeseen delays might not automatically imply intent, many laws establish a presumption of intent if the vehicle is kept significantly beyond the due date, particularly after a formal demand for return. For instance, failing to return a car within a specific period (like 72 hours or 10 days) after the deadline or demand might be considered sufficient evidence of intent to commit theft unless proven otherwise. The severity of the charge often depends on the vehicle’s value, frequently resulting in felony-level accusations like grand theft auto due to the typical cost of cars.
Effects on Insurance
Keeping a rental car beyond the agreed-upon return date without authorization can void insurance coverage. Personal auto insurance policies that normally extend to rental cars may not apply once the contract period expires, as operating the vehicle without authorization could be considered non-permissive use. This can nullify comprehensive and collision coverage. Similarly, Collision Damage Waivers (CDW) or Loss Damage Waivers (LDW) purchased from the rental company are usually invalidated if the rental agreement terms are breached, such as by keeping the car past the return time without an extension.2Budget Car Rental. Rental Terms and Conditions If damage occurs during this unauthorized period, the renter could be responsible for the full cost of repairs or the vehicle’s value, plus loss-of-use fees. Insurance benefits offered through credit cards are also contingent on adhering to the rental agreement and may be voided if the car is kept without authorization.3Chase. Credit Card Rental Car Insurance Benefits Explained This loss of potential coverage across personal policies, rental company waivers, and credit card benefits exposes the renter to significant financial liability.