Renting a car can be a fantastic way to enhance your travel experience, whether for leisure or business. However, it’s crucial to return the vehicle on time to avoid complications. So, what happens if you keep a rental car longer than agreed? How long can you keep a rental car before it’s reported stolen?
If you’ve wondered these questions but have not had any luck with the answers, we have you covered. Let’s dive into the timelines, potential consequences, and legal details to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
What Happens When You Keep a Rental Car Past the Due Date?
Rental agreements are contracts, and they clearly define the rules for how long you can use the vehicle. If you keep the car beyond the return date without extending the rental, you’re breaching the agreement. However, companies don’t report the car as stolen right away. Here’s what typically happens:
- Initial Grace Period (1-3 Days Late): Most rental companies will first try to contact you to remind you about the overdue return.
- Repeated Attempts (Up to 7 Days): If they can’t reach you, they may charge your card for additional days or contact your emergency numbers.
- Reporting the Car Stolen (7-10 Days): If you fail to respond or return the car, they may file a police report.
Each rental company has its own timeline, but keeping a rental car too long without communication can escalate the situation. Therefore, we recommend keeping the rental company owner in the loop when facing such a situation.
But the question is, when do thing start getting more serious? When should you worry about accusations and legal actions?
How Long Before a Rental Car is Reported Stolen?
The timeframe varies between companies, but most follow a standard process. The critical factor is communication. If you don’t respond to their outreach efforts, rental companies may interpret it as intent to withhold the vehicle permanently.
Generally, after seven to ten days, the rental car is reported stolen if:
- There’s no contact from the renter.
- The rental agreement hasn’t been extended.
- Payment methods on file are declined.
Even though reporting a rental car as stolen is serious, it doesn’t always imply you’ll face criminal charges. Often, it’s a method for the company to recover their property.
However, if you feel like your particular situation doesn’t fit any of these reasons, it’s best to seek legal advice from a reputable law firm. They can help you understand the legal consequences of such actions and even defend you if you are right.
Can a Late Rental Be Considered Theft?
Car rentals can get messy, even accusing the renters of theft. Therefore, it’s necessary to know the primary difference of renting statuses. The difference between an overdue rental and theft lies in intent.
Overdue Rental:
If you forget or unintentionally fail to return the car, it’s typically a civil issue. You’ll face late fees or additional charges but won’t necessarily be accused of theft.
Theft of the Car:
If there’s evidence of intent to keep the vehicle permanently—such as falsifying identification or disappearing—it’s classified as theft.
Pro Tip: Always communicate with the rental company if you foresee a delay. A simple phone call can prevent complications.
Legal Consequences of Not Returning a Rental Car
IF you still fail to clear out the rental car status with the vehicle owner, you could have to face different outcomes. These vary on specific situations but can be categorized. Failing to return a rental car on time can result in serious penalties, including:
- Late Fees and Extra Charges: Rental companies charge for each additional day. Rates for overdue rentals are often much higher than the original agreement.
- Legal Action: If the rental car is reported stolen, you could face legal claims. Depending on the circumstances, this might involve civil suits or criminal charges.
- Impact on Credit or Future Rentals: Failure to resolve the situation can hurt your credit score or make it harder to rent cars in the future.
How to Avoid Issues with Rental Car Returns
The best way to avoid unnecessary complications is to know the best way to steer through car rentals legally. If you want to ensure you don’t face unnecessary stress or penalties, follow these tips:
- Understand the Agreement: Review the rental terms, including the return date, grace period, and any extension policies.
- Communicate Early: If you anticipate a delay, inform the rental company immediately. Most will allow extensions for an additional fee.
- Check Your Payment Methods: Ensure your card on file has sufficient funds to avoid complications if the rental period is extended.
- Keep Contact Information Handy: Provide accurate details so the company can reach you in case of any issues.
What Should You Do If a Rental Car is Reported Stolen?
If you find yourself in a situation where the rental car is reported, you need to know your options. here’s how to handle it:
- Contact the Rental Company Immediately: Clarify the situation, return the car promptly, and address any overdue fees.
- Consult an Attorney if Necessary: If the situation escalates to legal action, an attorney can help you handle the process.
Final Thoughts: Communication is Key
So, how long can you keep a rental car before they report it stolen? Typically, you have about a week to resolve any delays before the company takes drastic action. The key is communication—keeping the rental company informed can help avoid legal troubles or misunderstandings.
Renting a car is a responsibility, but with a little planning and timely communication, you can make the process smooth and stress-free.
BLG Wins For your Rental Car Lawsuits
If you’re facing legal issues related to a rental car, our experienced team at Bourassa Law Group are here for you. We encourage you to be familiar with your rental agreement and return the car on time to avoid any misunderstandings. However, if you still need help, we’re more than happy to help you with your case and ensure you don’t face legal action for something you didn’t do.
1-800-870-8910