What to Do When Your Granddaughter Refuses to Return a Rental Car

As a grandparent, the unexpected can happen, especially when you're sharing duties with your beloved granddaughter. If you've rented a car with her as the driver, and she refuses to return it, you may find yourself in a tricky situation. Here’s what you need to know.

Legal Rights and Responsibilities

Assuming your name is the only one on the rental agreement, you have every right to demand the return of the car. While a friendly approach might be beneficial, prepare for the possibility of legal action.

Legally, she is over 21 and has the capacity to drive, which means she can be charged with theft if she continues to retain the car without permission. It’s crucial to act accordingly and avoid any illegal activities such as unauthorized repossession.

Economic Implications

If she damages the car, you will be responsible for any incidents. To handle this effectively, immediately contact the police and provide your side of the story. Depending on her willingness, she might return the car voluntarily. If not, it is vital to take legal steps to secure the car’s return.

Insurance and Financial Concerns

Is YOUR car insurance used to cover her driving? If so, this reflects a significant liability. To manage this, contact your insurance company first to cancel the coverage and liaise with your credit card company to cancel the charges. These steps can prevent further financial risks and protect your insurance policy.

Why She Didn't Rent the Car Himself

There are several reasons your granddaughter was unable to rent the car herself. Her credit record or income might not permit it, or she was intentionally limiting her expenses. Her behavior likely stems from a combination of factors, including a sense of entitlement due to your support.

Now that she has the car, it is best to call the police. This not only addresses the immediate issue but also sends a clear message that her actions are unacceptable. Additionally, if the car has a tracking device, call the company to locate and disable the car to prevent her from going further with this ill-advised decision.

Steps to Take

Call the police to report the situation. Your local authorities might be able to scare her into returning the car. Have a towing company intervene. Since your name is on the rental agreement, you have the legal right to have the car towed. Contact a midnight towing service or a car repo company to pick up the car and either tow it to a nearby business parking lot or the rental car lot.

Remember, the court system is best avoided in family matters, but if the situation escalates, it might be necessary to involve legal authorities to resolve the issue effectively.

Through this experience, it’s hoped that both you and your granddaughter will learn valuable lessons about responsibility and the importance of following through with agreements. Properly handling these situations can help maintain healthy family relationships and prevent similar issues in the future.