A Conviction for DUI-DWI-OWI-OUI Can Block Renting Cars for Several Years

Major rental car companies are wise to convictions for driving under the influence (driving while impaired).  In July of 2006, I rented a vehicle from one major rental car company and found the language set forth below in the electronic confirmation of my Internet booking.  The language set forth below addresses reckless driving and other common seriously dangerous driving behaviors as well as for repeatedly violating minor traffic laws.  Plus, the first sentence would disqualify you from renting if you had an administrative license revocation (ALR) or administrative license suspension (ALS) resulting from an implied consent action that was part of your drunk driving arrest.

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DMV Checks

At the time of rental, the renter or authorized driver may be subject to an electronic DMV check from the issuing state of the driver's license, or may be asked to sign a declaration attesting to specific criteria:

• The renter/authorized driver has a valid license that is not currently suspended, expired, revoked, canceled or surrendered.
   

• The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months had 1 or more convictions for reckless driving.
   

• The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 48 months had 1 or more convictions for driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), or driving while alcohol impaired (DWAI).
   

• The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months failed to report or leave the scene of an accident.
   

• The renter/authorized driver has never been in possession of a stolen vehicle or used a vehicle in a crime.
   

• The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 24 months had 3 or more convictions for moving violations (including seat belt violations).
   

• The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months had 3 or more accidents
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Under other provisions of the rental agreement, making a false factual assertion could entirely VOID any agreements of the company to pay off on accident claims for collisions.  The company also reserves the right to make a legal claim against you in such an event, in addition to refusing to pay out the insurance that you procured “under false pretenses”.

Such disclaimers and “reservation of rights” provisions in rental car company contracts can pose a major problem for any person facing a D.U.I. / D.W.I. charge.  These disqualifications for use of a rental car could cause an excellent job to be lost.  Hence, fighting your DUI-DWI-OWI-OUI case may be even more important so that no long term loss of rental car privileges occurs.

William C. Head

©2002