Can I Rent a Car with a DUI on My Record?

 Posted on December 07, 2017 in DUI/OWI

Whether you are traveling for work or pleasure, or your car is in the shop for maintenance or repairs, you may need to rent a car in order to get around. However, if your driving record contains a DUI, you may have a difficult time renting one. Read on to learn more about what you can expect if you have a DUI and would like to rent a car.

How Car Rental Companies Feel About DUIs

The majority of car rental companies check driving records prior to renting out their vehicles in an effort to minimize losses and avoid lawsuits. Some of the most popular ones like Dollar, Thrifty, and Avis will not rent a car to any customer who has been convicted of a DUI within 48 months.

Car rental companies also avoid renting cars to customers who have had three or more traffic convictions in the last 24 months. Reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, a DUI, and driving with a suspended license can all result in the denial of a rental car. In addition, since rental companies do not come with ignition interlock devices, if you are only permitted to drive with one, you will not be able to drive a rental.

You should keep in mind that even if a car rental company does not check your driving record at first, they may check it after you have signed the rental contract. If you make a car rental company employee suspicious, they may check your driving record as well.

It is important to note that even if a car rental company does not check your record, you should make them aware of your DUI. This way, if you get into an accident with your rental car, you will not risk being responsible for all of the costs.

Alternatives to Car Rental Companies

If you are in need of a rental car and have a DUI, you will have to look for alternatives to car rental companies in order to get around while you are traveling or your car is getting worked on. Although options like Uber, taxi services, and public transportation are more costly and not as convenient as renting a vehicle, they will get you from point A to point B.

Contact Our Waukesha County DUI Attorneys Today

While you may have a chance of renting a car with a DUI, it is a good idea to contact our Delafield DUI attorneys at 262-303-4916. We may be able to get your DUI charges reduced or the case dismissed altogether so that you can rent a car with no issues and enjoy other freedoms in life. 

Source:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/04/travel/04prac.html