DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. The term influence here means all those things that are unlawful or illegal when driving. Such as consuming alcohol when driving. Most of the time, people who consume drugs and then drive are arrested for DUI. This activity is forbidden due to multiple reasons. One of the primary reasons includes putting your and the lives of others at risk.
Additionally, there are other side-backs of having caught in the act of DUI. For example, if you want to rent a car, then it might be an issue for some rental companies. However, many people are not aware of this. Therefore, today we will discuss more if you can rent a car while having a DUI.
Hertz
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Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
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Can I rent a car with DUI on record?
Most of the time, you cannot rent a car if you have a DUI on your record. However, some companies do not have any sort of policy. They are open to renting off their cars to anyone they like.
Companies that do not allow you to rent a car for having a DUI have several reasons. They have the right to cancel or reject a person who is under a DUI. Hence, if a car rental company does not allow you to rent, then it is not their fault. Instead, you should know the risks of having a DUI.
What are the risks of having a DUI?
Usually, most of the time people do not know the drawbacks of having a DUI. Therefore, they do not seem to care until they want to rent a car. Yes, renting a car with DUI or driving unethically can cost you a lot. You might want to rent a car of your choice to spend a vacation but you cannot just because of a DUI.
Moreover, this does not only affect your renting capabilities. But also affects your overall personality or image in front of everyone. This is not a good sign for you to carry a DUI. As authorities give this to those who go against the law. Henceforth, before going careless and becoming a wreck driver do keep in mind for being charged for a DUI.
How may a car rental company view your DUI record?
A car rental company will check your driving record. And it is something that most companies see. They do not let you go without getting your details verified. After all, they are making an enormous investment.
They will surely not want to lend a car to someone who does not know how to drive. Moreover, if you are arrested for DUI, you can also fall into this category.
Big and well-known companies all around the world tend to cancel the offer of such individuals. However, time also matters when a car rental company is checking your history.
Do car rental companies care about the duration of a DUI?
Some of the car rental companies do care, and some do not. Several car rentals companies might reject your car renting offer even. It does not matter to them how long you were charged with a DUI. They will cancel or reject you as an inappropriate individual to rent their car regardless of DUI duration.
Yet there are some of the car rental companies that only check that the DUI should be not recent. Like Avis, a recognized car rental company that only checks if DUI is a few years ago.
It is if you have a DUI issue those dates back to 4 to 5 years. Then the chances of you renting a car by Avis are much higher. Therefore, it depends upon the car rental companies that you are renting a car from.
How does having an IID device change the need for you to rent a car?
The majority of car rental companies do not have the IID that stands for an ignition interlock device. However, if the authorities instruct you to get an IID, it can be a bad sign.
As the car rental companies do not support the need for this device. Hence, car rental companies will not allow you to rent a car. Hence, make sure to keep these points in your mind.
What are the alternatives if rejected for renting a car due to a DUI?
There are some downfalls in everyone’s life. However, not being able to rent a car for important work can be frustrating. But life does not end here. There are still many options that you can go for if such a problem occurs. Some of the ways or alternative things you can do are as follows.
· Communicate with the car rental company
Communication is the best way to make sure someone understands you to the fullest. While some people might be afraid of their reputation may not choose this way. But it is okay to accept that mistakes might happen to everyone.
It is why the best and foremost way to understand your message is to talk. You can ask the car rental company to buy you some time for agreeing. You might need to ensure them that the reasons behind having a DUI were different. They happened when you were in a bad shape or more.
It is vital to talk with patients and let them believe you at their own pace. You can even pay in advance for letting them know how much you need to rent the car.
Even then if they reject then it is your luck.
· Use public transportation
If you get rejected for lending the car then public transport can be a way for you. There are no rules or regulations for using a public bus or taxi even if you have a DUI. Hence, this option is the easiest way to get a ride home or somewhere else.
· Ask for practice or observation time
This might seem uncommon but you can also request the car rental companies to observe your behavior. They can keep you in check of how you drive and how careful you are. If they are satisfied with your ways then you can rent the car. However, if not then they have the right to reject you to rent out the car.
Do rental companies have the right to cancel your request upon DUI?
Yes, every rental company has the right to reject your request for renting their car. It might seem rude or even disrespectful but honestly, you brought it upon yourself. Regardless of the reasons or consequences that made you have a DUI.
Having a DUI means damaging your driving record for a good amount of time. Hence, try not to fight or argue with the car rental companies when they reject your request for lending the car.
Moreover, there is nothing wrong with rejecting such individuals. As they are the ones who are the investors. They are simply trying to save themselves from major damages to their property.
Moreover, there are a lot of cases where police have blamed the car rental companies. As to why they lend the car to the ones with DUI. Therefore, car rental companies do have every right to reject such cases.
Can I drive a rental car if they do not check the requirement for IID?
Yes, you can but that does not mean you should. The majority of times, car rental companies might forget to check such points. While they check your driving record and history, they can miss out on checking on this part.
- That is where you are required to drive with an IID Device. This device is basically to check whether you are driving with alcohol or drugs in your system or not. This is usually given by the high court as a precautionary measure to avoid any liver damage.
- However, the car rental companies might forget to check this requirement as it takes a lot of time. But you must be responsible enough to not drive a car, especially the one on rent. As it can be very dangerous for you and the ones around you.
Also, if you have been ordered to drive with an IID device by the court then it is a necessary thing. If you are caught driving without an IID Device, there can be serious consequences. For example, you can lose your driving license, which can cause you not to rent cars.
In some serious cases you can go to prison for a year or two as well. Hence, if you are ordered for such measures try to be a responsible citizen and person. As it can cost your life and the life of those who are around you as well.
Is DUI the only thing that can be the cause of getting rejected to rent a car?
In some cases, yes, DUI can be the only reason car rental companies can reject you to rent a car. But in the majority of the car rental companies’ rules might be different. Like, if you have a poor driving background then you can be rejected as well. Or if you have gotten tickets for overdriving or overspeeding.
Then it can lower the chances for you to lend the specific car. Therefore, if you do not have a DUI issue but do have a bad driving record. Well in that case then do not keep your expectations high as you can be rejected as well.
Does it matter if a car rental company does not check your driving record?
Yes, it does matter even if a car rental company does not ask any questions or check for your record. As mentioned earlier, you must be responsible to avoid using a vehicle. Several car rentals companies do not need a procedure.
They might not have the policy to do a proper check on the applicants driving history. However, this is one of the faults of the car rental company as well. But the main role and duty is the person who wants to rent a car.
With that said, if you cannot drive or do not have a driving license, make sure you do not rent a car. It is because renting a car without a driving license is against the law. Hence, to go through such major fines you can simply use public transport. It is the best option for you and the ones around you as well.
What are the best ways or solutions to solve a DUI issue?
If you have got a DUI, there are not many ways through which you can resolve the problem. But you can hire an attorney for this work. But make sure you contact a lawyer that has the expertise in the respective work. A lot of times, several attorneys have helped people who have been charged with DUI.
Hiring a lawyer can be beneficial in many ways as they can ensure the car rental companies. A lawyer can take your guarantee for the way you would drive in the future. All this can help, you rent a car.
Lawyers or attorneys for this work can cost and charge you more than the car rent itself. However, hiring a professional attorney can help you solve your problem.
Does your insurance get enhanced if you get a DUI?
Yes, the insurance for those who have been issued with DUI is increased. It is because the ones with DUI might have an unpredictable driving record. They might cause extra damage and result in some serious cases. Therefore, they do have increased or double insurance.
Conclusion
If you have a DUI issue or if you are looking for a friend. Then do not miss out on reading the mentioned details. As it explains everything you need to know about renting a car if you have a DUI.