1. Legal consequences: In many countries and jurisdictions, it is against the law to allow someone under the age of 18 (in some cases 21) to drive a rental vehicle, even if they are accompanied by an adult. If an underage driver is involved in an accident, you, as the rental car owner, may be held responsible and face serious fines and penalties.
2. Insurance restrictions: In case of an accident involving an underage driver, your rental car insurance may not provide any coverage, leaving you liable for the damages. Be aware of the terms and conditions of the insurance policy provided by the rental company. Many policies explicitly exclude coverage for drivers under a certain age.
3. Additional charges: Rental car companies may have their own policies and procedures for underage driving, which may result in additional charges. For example, they might charge a "young driver fee" or a higher security deposit.
4. Potential safety issues: Underage drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents due to limited experience and immature judgment behind the wheel. By allowing an underage driver to operate your rental car, you increase the risk of being involved in a crash and experiencing injuries, property damage, or legal consequences.
It's important to adhere to the rental car terms and conditions and ensure that only authorized and qualified individuals operate the vehicle to protect yourself, the underage driver, and others on the road.
