Who is responsible if an unauthorised driver drives a hire car and has accident?

If an unauthorised driver drives a hire car and has an accident, the rental company will hold the renter responsible for any damages, regardless of who was driving the car at the time of the accident. This is because the renter is the one who signed the rental agreement and is therefore legally responsible for the car, even if they are not the one driving it.

In addition, the renter may also be responsible for any injuries or damages caused by the unauthorised driver, even if they were not present in the car at the time of the accident. It is important to note that rental car companies generally do not allow unauthorised drivers to operate their vehicles, and doing so may void the rental agreement and any insurance coverage associated with it.

To avoid any liabilities, it is essential to only allow authorised drivers to operate a rental car and to ensure that they are aware of the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. Always carefully read and understand the rental agreement before signing it, and make sure that you are comfortable with all the terms and conditions before taking possession of the rental car.