What Happens to My Rental Car if I Am Unable to Drive It?

1. Locate the Vehicle and Rental Documents

Write down the rental company, agreement number, vehicle make and model, license plate, parking location, fuel level and where the keys are being held.

If the vehicle is in a hotel garage, police lot, hospital parking area or roadside location, record the exact level, stall, entrance or nearby landmark.

2. Contact the Rental Company Immediately

Explain that the named renter is temporarily or indefinitely unable to drive. Ask whether the vehicle should remain where it is, be collected, be returned by an authorized driver or be handled through roadside assistance.

Request a confirmation number, the employee’s name and written instructions by email or text when available.

3. Check Who Is Authorized to Drive

Review the agreement for additional authorized drivers. A companion who is not listed may not be covered by the contract or insurance arrangements.

Do not drive merely because you possess the keys. Ask the rental company whether it can add or approve a driver and what identification or payment information is required.

4. If the Vehicle May Be Towed

If the car is parked illegally, blocking access, in a time-limited garage or at a location where removal is likely, tell the rental company immediately.

Photograph the parking location and signs. If it has already been towed, obtain the towing company, storage location, tow reference number and fees.

5. If Police Have the Keys or Vehicle

Ask for the agency name, report or case number, officer contact information and any property or impound receipt. Do not interfere with police instructions.

Tell the rental company that the vehicle or keys may be in official custody and provide only confirmed information.

6. If the Driver Is in a Hospital

A companion can contact the rental company, but the company may require permission from the renter or proof of authority before changing the agreement.

Keep hospital admission information private and share only what is necessary to arrange the vehicle’s safe return.

7. Ask About Early, Late or Alternate Returns

Returning early, late or to a different location can change the final price. Ask about additional-day charges, early-return fees, towing, collection, fuel, parking and one-way charges before agreeing to an option.

Keep screenshots or emails showing the company’s approved arrangement.

8. Remove Personal Property Carefully

Before the vehicle is collected or returned, remove passports, phones, medication, luggage, documents and other personal belongings when you are authorized and able to do so.

Photograph the vehicle interior and any property left behind. Do not remove police evidence or property belonging to someone else.

9. Photograph the Vehicle Before It Leaves Your Control

Take wide photographs and closer images of the exterior, interior, fuel gauge, odometer and any visible damage. Preserve the original files.

If another authorized person returns the vehicle, ask them to obtain a return receipt and photograph the drop-off location.

10. Keep All Charges and Communications

Save the agreement, return receipt, towing invoice, parking charges, emails, text messages, call notes and credit-card records.

If a charge is disputed, first ask the rental company for an itemized explanation and preserve its response.

Official Consumer Resource

The Federal Trade Commission advises travelers to review rental terms carefully and contact the company about early returns and possible fees.