Rental Passenger Vehicle Transactions - Hiring - Civil Law - CA

Section § 1939.01

This law defines various terms related to car rental businesses in California. A 'rental company' is any business renting passenger vehicles, while a 'renter' is someone who rents such a vehicle for less than 30 days. Specific fees like 'customer facility charges', 'airport concession fees', and 'vehicle license recovery fees' are outlined, explaining how charges are calculated and collected. The law also defines terms associated with rental agreements, including who qualifies as an 'authorized driver', what constitutes a 'damage waiver', and details on 'membership programs' that allow renters to bypass normal rental procedures. Additionally, it explains 'electronic surveillance technology' and how it may be used by rental companies.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) “Rental company” means a person or entity in the business of renting passenger vehicles to the public.

(b) “Renter” means any person in a manner obligated under a contract for the lease or hire of a passenger vehicle from a rental company for a period of less than 30 days.

(c) “Additional mandatory charges” means any separately stated charges that the rental company requires the renter to pay to hire or lease the vehicle for the period of time to which the rental rate applies, which are imposed by a governmental entity and specifically relate to the operation of a rental vehicle business, including, but not limited to, a customer facility charge, airport concession fee, tourism commission assessment, vehicle license recovery fee, or other government-imposed taxes or fees.

(d) “Airport concession fee” means a charge collected by a rental company from a renter that is the renter’s proportionate share of the amount paid by the rental company to the owner or operator of an airport for the right or privilege of conducting a vehicle rental business on the airport’s premises.

(e) “Authorized driver” means all of the following:

(1) The renter.

(2) The renter’s spouse, if that person is a licensed driver and satisfies the rental company’s minimum age requirement.

(3) The renter’s employer or coworker, if the employer or coworker is engaged in business activity with the renter, is a licensed driver, and satisfies the rental company’s minimum age requirement.

(4) A person expressly listed by the rental company on that renter’s contract as an authorized driver.

(f) “Customer facility charge” means any fee, including an alternative fee, required by an airport to be collected by a rental company from a renter pursuant to Section 50474.21 of the Government Code.

(g) “Damage waiver” means a rental company’s agreement not to hold a renter liable for all or any portion of any damage or loss related to the rented vehicle, any loss of use of the rented vehicle, or any storage, impound, towing, or administrative charges.

(h) “Electronic surveillance technology” means a technological method or system used to observe, monitor, or collect information, including telematics, Global Positioning System (GPS), wireless technology, or location-based technologies. “Electronic surveillance technology” does not include event data recorders (EDR), sensing and diagnostic modules (SDM), or other systems that are used either:

(1) For the purpose of identifying, diagnosing, or monitoring functions related to the potential need to repair, service, or perform maintenance on the rental vehicle.

(2) As part of the vehicle’s airbag sensing and diagnostic system in order to capture safety systems-related data for retrieval after a crash has occurred or in the event that the collision sensors are activated to prepare the decisionmaking computer to make the determination to deploy or not to deploy the airbag.

(i) “Estimated time for replacement” means the number of hours of labor, or fraction thereof, needed to replace damaged vehicle parts as set forth in collision damage estimating guides generally used in the vehicle repair business and commonly known as “crash books.”

(j) “Estimated time for repair” means a good faith estimate of the reasonable number of hours of labor, or fraction thereof, needed to repair damaged vehicle parts.

(k) “Membership program” means a service offered by a rental company that permits customers to bypass the rental counter and go directly to the vehicle previously reserved or select an alternate vehicle. A membership program shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) The renter initiates enrollment by completing an application on which the renter can specify a preference for type of vehicle and acceptance or declination of optional services.

(2) The rental company fully discloses, prior to the enrollee’s first rental as a participant in the program, all terms and conditions of the rental agreement as well as all required disclosures.

(3) The renter may terminate enrollment at any time.

(4) The rental company fully explains to the renter that designated preferences, as well as acceptance or declination of optional services, may be changed by the renter at any time for the next and future rentals.

(5) An employee is available at the lot where the renter takes possession of the vehicle, to receive any change in the rental agreement from the renter.

(l) “Passenger vehicle” or “vehicle” means a “passenger vehicle” as defined in Section 465 of the Vehicle Code.

(m) “Personal vehicle sharing program” means a person or entity that for monetary compensation facilitates sharing or renting passenger vehicles to the public, including via a peer-to-peer internet website, application, or other platform that connects a vehicle owner with a vehicle driver to facilitate sharing or renting a vehicle for consideration, and includes a personal vehicle sharing program as defined in Section 11580.24 of the Insurance Code.

(n) “Quote” means an estimated cost of rental provided by a rental company or a third party to a potential customer that is based on information provided by the potential customer and used to generate an estimated cost of rental, including, but not limited to, potential dates of rental, locations, or classes of vehicle.

(o) “Tourism commission assessment” means the charge collected by a rental company from a renter that has been established by the California Travel and Tourism Commission pursuant to Section 13995.65 of the Government Code.

(p) “Vehicle license fee” means the tax imposed pursuant to the Vehicle License Fee Law (Part 5 (commencing with Section 10701) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code).

(q) “Vehicle registration fee” means any fee imposed pursuant to any provision of Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 9101) of Division 3 of the Vehicle Code or any other law that imposes a fee upon the registration of vehicles in this state.

(r) “Vehicle license recovery fee” means a charge that seeks to recover the amount of any vehicle license fee and vehicle registration fee paid by a rental company for the particular class of vehicle being rented. If imposed, the vehicle license recovery fee shall be separately stated as a single charge in the quote and rental contract.

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Section § 1939.03

This law explains what a renter is financially responsible for if they damage a rental car. Renters can be charged for the car's market value if damaged or stolen, but theft charges only apply if the renter didn't take reasonable care, like securing keys. If vandalism happens after theft, renters aren't liable if they're not to blame for the theft. Renters could also be charged up to $500 for vandalism unrelated to theft, along with fees for towing and storage, and some administrative costs.

Except as limited by Section 1939.05, a rental company and a renter may agree that the renter will be responsible for no more than all of the following:

(a) Physical or mechanical damage to the rented vehicle up to its fair market value, as determined in the customary market for the sale of that vehicle, resulting from collision regardless of the cause of the damage.

(b) Loss due to theft of the rented vehicle up to its fair market value, as determined in the customary market for the sale of that vehicle, provided that the rental company establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the renter or the authorized driver failed to exercise ordinary care while in possession of the vehicle. In addition, the renter shall be presumed to have no liability for any loss due to theft if (1) an authorized driver has possession of the ignition key furnished by the rental company or an authorized driver establishes that the ignition key furnished by the rental company was not in the vehicle at the time of the theft, and (2) an authorized driver files an official report of the theft with the police or other law enforcement agency within 24 hours of learning of the theft and reasonably cooperates with the rental company and the police or other law enforcement agency in providing information concerning the theft. The presumption set forth in this subdivision is a presumption affecting the burden of proof which the rental company may rebut by establishing that an authorized driver committed, or aided and abetted the commission of, the theft.

(c) Physical damage to the rented vehicle up to its fair market value, as determined in the customary market for the sale of that vehicle, resulting from vandalism occurring after, or in connection with, the theft of the rented vehicle. However, the renter shall have no liability for any damage due to vandalism if the renter would have no liability for theft pursuant to subdivision (b).

(d) Physical damage to the rented vehicle up to a total of five hundred dollars ($500) resulting from vandalism unrelated to the theft of the rented vehicle.

(e) Actual charges for towing, storage, and impound fees paid by the rental company if the renter is liable for damage or loss.

(f) An administrative charge, which shall include the cost of appraisal and all other costs and expenses incident to the damage, loss, repair, or replacement of the rented vehicle.

rental vehicle damage fair market value collision damage ...

Section § 1939.05

This law sets limits on how much a renter can owe a rental car company for vehicle damages. The renter’s liability is capped at the cost of parts and labor for repairs or replacement, plus towing and storage fees. Discounts that the rental company gets must reduce these costs for the renter. The time for repairs is converted into standard eight-hour days to align with rental rates. The company can also charge an administrative fee, but it varies based on repair costs and isn't charged for minimal damages. If you're the authorized driver, you will only be liable for damages up to the renter’s liability cap.

(a) The total amount of the renter’s liability to the rental company resulting from damage to the rented vehicle shall not exceed the sum of the following:

(1) The estimated cost of parts which the rental company would have to pay to replace damaged vehicle parts.

(2) The estimated cost of labor to replace damaged vehicle parts, which shall not exceed the product of (A) the rate for labor usually paid by the rental company to replace vehicle parts of the type that were damaged and (B) the estimated time for replacement.

(3) The estimated cost of labor to repair damaged vehicle parts, which shall not exceed the lesser of the following:

(A) The product of the rate for labor usually paid by the rental company to repair vehicle parts of the type that were damaged and the estimated time for repair.

(B) The sum of the estimated labor and parts costs determined under paragraphs (1) and (2) to replace the same vehicle parts.

(4) Actual charges for towing, storage, and impound fees paid by the rental company.

(b) For purposes of subdivision (a), all discounts and price reductions or adjustments that are or will be received by the rental company shall be subtracted from the estimate to the extent not already incorporated in the estimate, or otherwise promptly credited or refunded to the renter.

(c) For the purpose of converting the estimated time for repair into the same units of time in which the rental rate is expressed, a day shall be deemed to consist of eight hours.

(d) The administrative charge described in subdivision (f) of Section 1939.03 shall not exceed (1) fifty dollars ($50) if the total estimated cost for parts and labor is more than one hundred dollars ($100) up to and including five hundred dollars ($500), (2) one hundred dollars ($100) if the total estimated cost for parts and labor exceeds five hundred dollars ($500) up to and including one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500), or (3) one hundred fifty dollars ($150) if the total estimated cost for parts and labor exceeds one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500). An administrative charge shall not be imposed if the total estimated cost of parts and labor is one hundred dollars ($100) or less.

(e) The total amount of an authorized driver’s liability to the rental company, if any, for damage occurring during the authorized driver’s operation of the rented vehicle shall not exceed the amount of the renter’s liability under this section.

(f) A rental company shall not recover from an authorized driver an amount exceeding the renter’s liability under this section.

renter's liability damage costs parts replacement ...

Section § 1939.07

This law section outlines how rental companies in California should handle claims against renters for damages to rental vehicles. It states that claims must reflect the actual loss and should not exceed repair costs unless the vehicle is a total loss. In that case, the claim should not exceed the value typical insurance companies use. If a renter's insurance covers the loss, the rental company must work with the insurance and cannot insist on dealing with the renter alone. Renters are still responsible for any damages not covered by their insurance. Rental companies also cannot claim damages from an authorized driver if they have already recovered the costs from someone else. Finally, this law only applies to the renter's liability to the rental company, not to anyone else's liability.

(a) A claim against a renter resulting from damage or loss, excluding loss of use, to a rental vehicle shall be reasonably and rationally related to the actual loss incurred. A rental company shall mitigate damages where possible and shall not assert or collect a claim for physical damage which exceeds the actual costs of the repairs performed or the estimated cost of repairs, if the rental company chooses not to repair the vehicle, including all discounts and price reductions. However, if the vehicle is a total loss vehicle, the claim shall not exceed the total loss vehicle value established in accordance with procedures that are customarily used by insurance companies when paying claims on total loss vehicles, less the proceeds from salvaging the vehicle, if those proceeds are retained by the rental company.

(b) If insurance coverage exists under the renter’s applicable personal or business insurance policy and the coverage is confirmed during regular business hours, the renter may require that the rental company submit any claims to the renter’s applicable personal or business insurance carrier. The rental company shall not make any written or oral representations that it will not present claims or negotiate with the renter’s insurance carrier. For purposes of this subdivision, confirmation of coverage includes telephone confirmation from insurance company representatives during regular business hours. Upon request of the renter and after confirmation of coverage, the amount of claim shall be resolved between the insurance carrier and the rental company. The renter shall remain responsible for payment to the rental company for any loss sustained that the renter’s applicable personal or business insurance policy does not cover.

(c) A rental company shall not recover from an authorized driver for an item described in Section 1939.03 to the extent the rental company obtains recovery from another person.

(d) This chapter applies only to the maximum liability of an authorized driver to the rental company resulting from damage to the rented vehicle and not to the liability of another person.

rental vehicle damage claims mitigate damages total loss vehicle ...

Section § 1939.09

This section outlines how damage waivers work in car rental agreements. Generally, if you purchase a damage waiver, you're not responsible for damage to the rental car. However, exceptions exist—such as damage caused by reckless driving, driving under the influence, or using the car for illegal activities. Rental companies must clearly explain the terms and costs of these waivers, including that they might duplicate your existing insurance coverage. They are required to provide both oral and written disclosures about this potential duplicate coverage. Companies can charge for damage waivers, but there are limits on how much they can charge, which are subject to annual adjustments based on inflation.

(a)

(1) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a damage waiver shall provide or, if not expressly stated in writing, shall be deemed to provide that the renter has no liability for damage, loss, loss of use, or a cost or expense incident thereto.

(2) Except as provided in subdivision (b), every limitation, exception, or exclusion to a damage waiver is void and unenforceable.

(b) A rental company may provide in the rental contract that a damage waiver does not apply under any of the following circumstances:

(1) Damage or loss results from an authorized driver’s (A) intentional, willful, wanton, or reckless conduct, (B) operation of the vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol in violation of Section 23152 of the Vehicle Code, (C) towing or pushing anything, or (D) operation of the vehicle on an unpaved road if the damage or loss is a direct result of the road or driving conditions.

(2) Damage or loss occurs while the vehicle is (A) used for commercial hire, (B) used in connection with conduct that could be properly charged as a felony, (C) involved in a speed test or contest or in driver training activity, (D) operated by a person other than an authorized driver, or (E) operated outside the United States.

(3) An authorized driver who has (A) provided fraudulent information to the rental company, or (B) provided false information and the rental company would not have rented the vehicle if it had instead received true information.

(c)

(1) A rental company that offers or provides a damage waiver for any consideration in addition to the rental rate shall clearly and conspicuously disclose the following information in the rental contract or holder in which the contract is placed and, also, in signs posted at the location where the renter signs the rental contract, and, for renters who are enrolled in the rental company’s membership program, in a sign that shall be posted in a location clearly visible to those renters as they enter the location where their reserved rental vehicles are parked or near the exit of the bus or other conveyance that transports the enrollee to a reserved vehicle: (A) the nature of the renter’s liability, such as liability for all collision damage regardless of cause, (B) the extent of the renter’s liability, such as liability for damage or loss up to a specified amount, (C) the renter’s personal insurance policy or the credit card used to pay for the vehicle rental transaction may provide coverage for all or a portion of the renter’s potential liability, (D) the renter should consult with their insurer to determine the scope of insurance coverage, including the amount of the deductible, if any, for which the renter is obligated, (E) the renter may purchase an optional damage waiver to cover all liability, subject to whatever exceptions the rental company expressly lists that are permitted under subdivision (b), and (F) the range of charges for the damage waiver.

(2) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1), a rental company that offers or provides a damage waiver shall orally disclose to all renters, except those who are participants in the rental company’s membership program, that the damage waiver may be duplicative of coverage that the customer maintains under their own policy of motor vehicle insurance. The renter shall acknowledge receipt of the oral disclosure near that part of the contract where the renter indicates, by the renter’s own initials, their acceptance or declination of the damage waiver. Adjacent to that same part, the contract also shall state that the damage waiver is optional. Further, the contract for these renters shall include a clear and conspicuous written disclosure that the damage waiver may be duplicative of coverage that the customer maintains under their own policy of motor vehicle insurance.

(3)

(A) The following is an example, for purposes of illustration and not limitation, of a notice fulfilling the requirements of paragraph (1) for a rental company that imposes liability on the renter for collision damage to the full value of the vehicle:

“NOTICE ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND OPTIONAL DAMAGE WAIVER

You are responsible for all collision damage to the rented vehicle even if someone else caused it or the cause is unknown. You are responsible for the cost of repair up to the value of the vehicle, and towing, storage, and impound fees.

Your own insurance, or the issuer of the credit card you use to pay for the vehicle rental transaction, may cover all or part of your financial responsibility for the rented vehicle. You should check with your insurance company, or credit card issuer, to find out about your coverage and the amount of the deductible, if any, for which you may be liable.

Further, if you use a credit card that provides coverage for your potential liability, you should check with the issuer to determine if you must first exhaust the coverage limits of your own insurance before the credit card coverage applies.

The rental company will not hold you responsible if you buy a damage waiver. But a damage waiver will not protect you if (list exceptions).”

(B) When the notice in subparagraph (A) is printed in the rental contract or holder in which the contract is placed, the following shall be printed immediately following the notice:

“The cost of an optional damage waiver is $____ for every (day or week).”

(C) When the notice in subparagraph (A) appears on a sign, the following shall appear immediately adjacent to the notice:

“The cost of an optional damage waiver is $____ to $____ for every (day or week), depending upon the vehicle rented.”

(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a rental company may sell a damage waiver for each full or partial 24-hour rental day for the damage waiver, subject to the following rate limitations:

(1) For rental vehicles that the rental company designates as an “economy car,” “compact car,” “intermediate car,” “standard car,” “full-size car,” or another term having similar meaning to the five smallest body-size categories of vehicles established by the Association of Car Rental Industry Systems Standards for North America when offered for rental, the rate shall not exceed twenty-five dollars ($25).

(2) Starting January 1, 2023, and each January thereafter, the rate cap shall be increased based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) over the previous year as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

damage waiver car rental renter liability ...

Section § 1939.13

This law makes it illegal for rental car companies in California to force customers to buy extra insurance or services they don't want. The rental company cannot use unfair or deceptive tactics, like refusing to give you the car you reserved or blocking money on your credit card, to pressure you into buying these optional extras.

(a) A rental company shall not require the purchase of a damage waiver, optional insurance, or another optional good or service.

(b) A rental company shall not engage in any unfair, deceptive, or coercive conduct to induce a renter to purchase the damage waiver, optional insurance, or another optional good or service, including conduct such as, but not limited to, refusing to honor the renter’s reservation, limiting the availability of vehicles, requiring a deposit, or debiting or blocking the renter’s credit card account for a sum equivalent to a deposit if the renter declines to purchase the damage waiver, optional insurance, or another optional good or service.

rental car company damage waiver optional insurance ...

Section § 1939.15

This law prohibits rental companies from charging your credit card for damages or losses to a rented car unless you specifically give them permission after the damage occurs. Additionally, rental companies are not allowed to use unfair or tricky methods to make you pay for such damages.

(a) In the absence of express permission granted by the renter subsequent to damage to, or loss of, the rented vehicle, a rental company shall not seek to recover any portion of a claim arising out of damage to, or loss of, the vehicle by processing a credit card charge or causing a debit or block to be placed on the renter’s credit card account.

(b) A rental company shall not engage in any unfair, deceptive, or coercive tactics in attempting to recover or in recovering on any claim arising out of damage to, or loss of, the rented vehicle.

rental car damage credit card charges renter permission ...

Section § 1939.17

Rental companies in California can charge customers a special fee when they rent a vehicle. This fee is called a customer facility charge or an alternative customer facility charge, and it is allowed under specific government regulations.

A customer facility charge or alternative customer facility charge may be collected by a rental company pursuant to Section 50474.3 of the Government Code.

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Section § 1939.19

This law describes what rental car companies in California must do when quoting prices to ensure transparency and avoid unexpected costs for renters. It specifies that rental companies can list separate fees for the rental rate, mandatory charges, and mileage, but can't add unexpected fees. When giving a quote, companies must provide a clear estimate including all mandatory charges and not exceed this estimate unless the renter changes the booking. Renters can be charged for optional services like insurance or accessories if they choose them. Charges can be applied for additional drivers unless they are immediate family or colleagues. If unauthorized drivers use the car, a higher fee may apply. Advertisements must specify any extra charges for fuel, mileage, and other conditions. Renters should not be charged for the time a rental car is delivered or picked up from a non-standard location.

(a) When providing a quote, or imposing charges for a rental, the rental company may separately state the rental rate, additional mandatory charges, if any, and a mileage charge, if any, that a renter must pay to hire or lease the vehicle for the period of time to which the rental rate applies. A rental company shall not charge in addition to the rental rate, additional mandatory charges, or a mileage charge, as those may be applicable, any other fee that is required to be paid by the renter as a condition of hiring or leasing the vehicle.

(b) If additional mandatory charges are imposed, the rental company shall do each of the following:

(1) At the time the quote is given, provide the person receiving the quote with a good faith estimate of the rental rate and all additional mandatory charges, as well as the total charges for the entire rental. The total charges, if provided on an internet website page, shall be displayed in a typeface at least as large as any rental rate disclosed on that page and shall be provided on a page that the person receiving the quote may reach by following a link directly from the page on which the rental rate is first provided. The good faith estimate may exclude mileage charges and charges for optional items that cannot be determined prior to completing the reservation based upon the information provided by the person.

(2) At the time and place the rental commences, clearly and conspicuously disclose in the rental contract, or that portion of the contract that is provided to the renter, the total of the rental rate and additional mandatory charges, for the entire rental, exclusive of charges that cannot be determined at the time the rental commences. Charges imposed pursuant to this paragraph shall be no more than the amount of the quote provided in a confirmed reservation, unless the person changes the terms of the rental contract subsequent to making the reservation.

(3) Provide each person, other than those persons within the rental company, offering quotes to actual or prospective customers access to information about additional mandatory charges, as well as access to information about when those charges apply. Any person providing quotes to actual or prospective customers for the hire or lease of a vehicle from a rental company shall provide the quotes in the manner described in paragraph (1).

(c) In addition to the rental rate, taxes, additional mandatory charges, if any, and mileage charges, if any, a rental company may charge for an item or service provided in connection with a particular rental transaction if the renter could have avoided incurring the charge by choosing not to obtain or utilize the optional item or service. Items and services for which the rental company may impose an additional charge include, but are not limited to, optional insurance and accessories requested by the renter, service charges incident to the renter’s optional return of the vehicle to a location other than the location where the vehicle was hired or leased, and charges for refueling the vehicle at the conclusion of the rental transaction in the event the renter did not return the vehicle with as much fuel as was in the fuel tank at the beginning of the rental. A rental company also may impose an additional charge based on reasonable age criteria established by the rental company.

(d) A rental company may charge a fee for an authorized driver, in addition to the rental charge for an individual renter, unless the authorized driver is either of the following:

(1) The renter’s spouse, as described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 1939.01, the renter’s child or person for whom the renter is a legal guardian, the renter’s sibling, or the renter’s parent or grandparent.

(2) The renter’s employer or coworker, as described in paragraph (3) of subdivision (e) of Section 1939.01.

(e) In the event that a rental company learns that an additional driver who was not previously authorized in the rental agreement has driven the rental car, the rental company may charge up to twice the authorized driver fee.

(f) If a rental company states a rental rate in print advertisement or in a quotation, the rental company shall disclose clearly in that advertisement or quotation the terms of mileage conditions relating to the advertised or quoted rental rate, including, but not limited to, to the extent applicable, the amount of mileage and gas charges, the number of miles for which no charges will be imposed, and a description of geographic driving limitations within the United States and Canada.

(g) All rate advertisements shall include a disclaimer, which shall be prominently displayed, providing that additional mandatory charges may be imposed, including, but not limited to, airport fees, tourism fees, vehicle license recovery fees, or other government imposed taxes or fees, and indicating that this information, including an estimate of the total rental cost, is displayed on the rental company’s internet website. All rate advertisements shall also include a statement that additional charges may apply if an optional good or service, such as a damage waiver, is purchased.

(h) If any person or entity other than a rental company, including a passenger carrier or a seller of travel services, advertises a rental rate for a vehicle rental that includes additional mandatory charges, that person or entity shall clearly disclose the existence and amount of the charges. If a rental company provides the person or entity with rental rate and additional mandatory charges information, the rental car company is not responsible for the failure of that person or entity to comply with this subdivision.

(i) If a rental company delivers a vehicle to a renter at a location other than the location where the rental company normally carries on its business, the rental company shall not charge the renter an amount for the rental for the period before the delivery of the vehicle. If a rental company picks up a rented vehicle from a renter at a location other than the location where the rental company normally carries on its business, the rental company shall not charge the renter an amount for the rental for the period after the renter notifies the rental company to pick up the vehicle.

(j) Except as otherwise permitted pursuant to the customer facility charge, a rental company shall not separately charge, in addition to the rental rate, a fee for transporting the renter to a location where the rented vehicle will be delivered to the renter.

rental company charges mandatory fees rental rate estimates ...

Section § 1939.20

This law says that if a rental company tells you about extra charges following certain rules, they're not breaking the law by leaving those charges out of the advertised rental car price. However, it goes into effect starting July 1, 2024.

(a) A rental company is not in violation of paragraph (29) of subdivision (a) of Section 1770 for excluding from the advertised, displayed, or offered price of a rental vehicle charges that are disclosed to the consumer in compliance with subdivisions (a), (b), and (g) of Section 1939.19.

(b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024.

rental company advertised price extra charges ...

Section § 1939.21

This section outlines rules for rental companies when providing car rentals to business customers under special agreements called 'business programs.' These programs involve special rates and terms that differ from those offered to the public. The law defines key terms like 'additional charges,' 'business renter,' and 'qualified business rental.' Rental companies can separately list extra charges for these rentals as long as they provide a total cost estimate excluding charges that are unknown at booking time. Renters have the right to sue for violations, and prevailing parties can recover attorney fees. The terms of this section cannot be waived, meaning no one can set them aside.

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) “Additional charges” means charges other than a per period base rental rate established by the business program.

(2) “Business program” means either of the following:

(A) A contract between a rental company and a business program sponsor that has established the per period base rental rate, and any other material terms relating to additional charges, on which the rental company will rent passenger vehicles to persons authorized by the sponsor.

(B) A plan, program, or other arrangement established by a rental company at the request of, or with the consent of, a business program sponsor under which the rental company offers to rent passenger vehicles to persons authorized by the sponsor at per period base rental rates, and any other material terms relating to additional charges, that are not the same as those generally offered by the rental company to the public.

(3) “Business program sponsor” means a legal entity, other than a natural person, that is a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership.

(4) “Business renter” means, for any business program sponsor, a person who is authorized by the sponsor, through the use of an identifying number or program name or code, to enter into a rental contract under the sponsor’s business program. In no case shall the term “business renter” include a person renting as any of the following:

(A) A nonemployee member of a not-for-profit organization.

(B) The purchaser of a voucher or other prepaid rental arrangement from a person, including a tour operator, engaged in the business of reselling those vouchers or prepaid rental arrangements to the general public.

(C) An individual whose vehicle rental is eligible for reimbursement in whole or in part as a result of the person being insured or provided coverage under a policy of insurance issued by an insurance company.

(D) An individual whose vehicle rental is eligible for reimbursement in whole or in part as a result of the person purchasing passenger vehicle repair services from a person licensed to perform such services.

(5) “Qualified business rental” under a business program established for a business program sponsor by a rental company means the rental of a passenger vehicle under the business program if either:(A) in the 12-month period ending on the date of the rental or in the calendar year immediately preceding the year in which the rental occurs, the rentals under all business programs established by the rental company for the business program sponsor and its affiliates produced gross rental revenues in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or (B) the rental company in good faith estimates that rentals under all the business programs established by the rental company for the business program sponsor and its affiliates will produce gross rental revenues in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) in the 12-month period commencing with the date of the rental or in the calendar year in which the rental occurs. The rental company has the burden of establishing by objectively verifiable evidence that the rental was a qualified business rental.

(6) “Quote” means telephonic, in-person, and computer-transmitted quotations.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in Section 1939.19 or 1939.23, a rental company may, in connection with the qualified business rental of a passenger vehicle to a business renter of a business program sponsor under the sponsor’s business program, do both of the following:

(1) Separately quote additional charges for the rental if, at the time the quote is provided, the person receiving the quote is also provided a good faith estimate of the total of all the charges for the entire rental. The estimate may exclude mileage charges and charges for optional items and services that cannot be determined prior to completing the reservation based upon the information provided by the renter.

(2) Separately impose additional charges for the rental, if the rental contract, or another document provided to the business renter at the time and place the rental commences, clearly and conspicuously discloses the total of all the charges for the entire rental, exclusive of charges that cannot be determined at the time the rental commences.

(c) A renter may bring an action against a rental company for the recovery of damages and appropriate equitable relief for a violation of this section. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

(d) Any waiver of any of the provisions of this section shall be void and unenforceable as contrary to public policy.

(e) This section shall not be interpreted to mean that a rental company is not required to comply with the requirements of subdivisions (c) to (h), inclusive, of Section 1939.19.

business programs additional charges qualified business rental ...

Section § 1939.22

This law states that a rental company can only send messages to a renter via electronic means if the renter has agreed to it in their rental or lease agreement. Additionally, renters cannot be denied a rental agreement if they decide they don't want to get communications electronically. The term 'electronically' doesn't include messages sent to a cell phone.

A rental company shall send communications to a renter electronically if the renter agrees to that communication in the rental or lease agreement. A rental company shall not deny a rental or lease agreement if the renter chooses not to receive communications electronically. For purposes of this section, “electronically” does not include a cellular telephone.

rental company renter consent electronic communications ...

Section § 1939.23

This law outlines when a rental company in California can use electronic surveillance on a rental vehicle. Generally, they can't track the renter using this technology except in specific cases: if the car is reported stolen, missing, or abandoned, or if the car is a part of an AMBER Alert. The company can also use the technology if requested by law enforcement with proper legal documents. The law allows certain technologies for navigational assistance, unlocking, or roadside help, as long as they're not used to track the renter. Companies must keep records of any surveillance technology used in specific cases, but can't use these tools to penalize renters with fines or fees.

(a) A rental company shall not use, access, or obtain any information relating to the renter’s use of the rental vehicle that was obtained using electronic surveillance technology, except in the following circumstances:

(1)

(A) When the equipment is used by the rental company only for the purpose of locating a stolen, abandoned, or missing rental vehicle after one of the following:

(i) The renter or law enforcement has informed the rental company that the vehicle is missing or has been stolen or abandoned.

(ii) If the rental vehicle has not been returned following 24 hours after the contracted return date or by 24 hours following the end of an extension of that return date, the rental company may activate electronic surveillance technology. The rental company shall provide notice of activation of the electronic surveillance technology 24 hours before activation, by telephone and electronically pursuant to Section 1939.22, unless the renter has not provided a telephone number or the renter has not agreed to electronic communication pursuant to Section 1939.22. The rental or lease agreement shall advise the renter that electronic surveillance technology may be activated if the rental vehicle has not been returned within 24 hours after the contracted return date or extension of the return date. The renter shall acknowledge this advisement in the rental or lease agreement by initials. The advisement shall also be made orally to the renter at the time of executing the rental or lease agreement if the transaction is completed in person or by telephone. The advisements are not required to be made to members of the rental company’s membership program executing a rental or lease agreement. However, a renter shall be given those advisements upon enrolling in the rental company’s membership program.

(iii) Notwithstanding clause (ii), if the rental vehicle has not been returned following one week after the contracted return date or by one week following the end of an extension of that return date.

(iv) The rental company discovers the rental vehicle has been stolen or abandoned, and, if stolen, the rental company shall report the vehicle stolen to law enforcement by filing a stolen vehicle report, unless law enforcement has already informed the rental company that the vehicle is missing or has been stolen or abandoned.

(v) The rental vehicle is the subject of an AMBER Alert issued pursuant to Section 8594 of the Government Code. If the rental company uses the equipment in connection with this provision relating to an AMBER Alert, the rental company shall notify law enforcement that one of the rental company’s vehicles is the subject of an AMBER Alert upon becoming aware of the situation, unless law enforcement has already informed the rental company that the vehicle was the subject of an AMBER Alert.

(B) If electronic surveillance technology is activated pursuant to subparagraph (A), a rental company shall maintain a record, in either electronic or written form, of information relevant to the activation of that technology. That information shall include the rental agreement, including the return date, and the date and time the electronic surveillance technology was activated. The record shall also include, if relevant, a record of written or other communication with the renter, including communications regarding extensions of the rental, police reports, or other written communication with law enforcement officials. The record shall be maintained for a period of at least 12 months from the time the record is created and shall be made available upon the renter’s request. The rental company shall maintain and furnish explanatory codes necessary to read the record. A rental company shall not be required to maintain a record if electronic surveillance technology is activated to recover a rental vehicle that is stolen or missing at a time other than during a rental period.

(2) In response to a specific request from law enforcement pursuant to a subpoena or search warrant.

(b) Subdivision (a) does not prohibit a rental company from equipping rental vehicles with any of the following:

(1) GPS-based technology that provides navigation assistance to the occupants of the rental vehicle, if the rental company does not use, access, or obtain information relating to the renter’s use of the rental vehicle that was obtained using that technology, except for the purposes of discovering or repairing a defect in the technology and the information may then be used only for that purpose.

(2) Electronic surveillance technology that allows for the remote locking or unlocking of the vehicle at the request of the renter, if the rental company does not use, access, or obtain information relating to the renter’s use of the rental vehicle that was obtained using that technology, except as necessary to lock or unlock the vehicle.

(3) Electronic surveillance technology that allows the company to provide roadside assistance, such as towing, flat tire, or fuel services, at the request of the renter, if the rental company does not use, access, or obtain information relating to the renter’s use of the rental vehicle that was obtained using that technology except as necessary to provide the requested roadside assistance.

(c) Subdivision (a) does not prohibit a rental company from obtaining, accessing, or using information from electronic surveillance technology for the sole purpose of determining the date and time the vehicle departs from and is returned to the rental company, and the total mileage driven and the vehicle fuel level of the returned vehicle. The information obtained or accessed from this electronic surveillance technology shall only be used for the purpose described in this subdivision.

(d) A rental company shall not use electronic surveillance technology to track a renter in order to impose fines or surcharges relating to the renter’s use of the rental vehicle.

electronic surveillance rental vehicle tracking missing vehicle ...

Section § 1939.25

If a rental company breaks the rules in this part of the law, a renter can sue them to get compensation and other fair remedies, except for certain sections. The winner of the lawsuit can also have their legal fees and costs paid for by the other side.

A renter may bring an action against a rental company for the recovery of damages and appropriate equitable relief for a violation of this chapter, except for Sections 1939.21, 1939.35, and 1939.37. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

renter rights rental company violations lawsuit for damages ...

Section § 1939.27

If a rental company wants to sue a renter for a stolen vehicle, they must file the lawsuit in the county where the renter lives. If the renter doesn't live in the state, the lawsuit should be filed where the renter resides.

A rental company that brings an action against a renter for loss due to theft of the vehicle shall bring the action in the county in which the renter resides or, if the renter is not a resident of this state, in the jurisdiction in which the renter resides.

rental company renter theft of vehicle ...

Section § 1939.29

This law says that you can't cancel out or ignore most rules in this chapter because doing so would go against what's good for the public. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule that are allowed.

A waiver of any of the provisions of this chapter, except for Sections 1939.21, 1939.35, and 1939.37, shall be void and unenforceable as contrary to public policy.

waiver provisions public policy ...

Section § 1939.31

This law section outlines that rental companies can fulfill their disclosure obligations to members of their rental program if they provide certain information before the first rental. The renter must receive written terms and conditions, including mandated disclosures and contact details for updates. At the start of each rental, renters must get a notice about any optional damage waiver choices they previously made or declined and their right to change these choices. However, rental companies still need to make necessary disclosures in other forms, like contracts or advertisements.

(a) A rental company’s disclosure requirements shall be satisfied for renters who are enrolled in the rental company’s membership program if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) Prior to the enrollee’s first rental as a participant in the program, the renter receives, in writing, the following:

(A) All of the disclosures required by paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 1939.09, including the terms and conditions of the rental agreement then in effect.

(B) An internet website address, as well as a contact number or address, where the enrollee can learn of changes to the rental agreement or to the laws of this state governing rental agreements since the effective date of the rental company’s most recent restatement of the rental agreement and distribution of that restatement to its members.

(2) At the commencement of each rental period, the renter is provided, on the rental record or the folder in which it is inserted, with a printed notice stating that the renter had either previously selected or declined an optional damage waiver and that the renter has the right to change preferences.

(b) This section does not relieve the rental company from the disclosures required to be made within the text of a contract or holder in which the contract is placed; in or on an advertisement containing a rental rate; or in a telephonic, in-person, or computer-transmitted quotation or reservation.

rental company disclosure membership program optional damage waiver ...

Section § 1939.33

If a rental car company in California rents a car to a non-U.S. resident and includes liability insurance, they must accept legal documents, like a lawsuit, on behalf of the renter for accidents in the state. They must then send these documents to the renter within 30 days. Anyone suing has to agree to only claim damages up to the insurance limits. Serving the documents to the rental company counts as proper legal service, and the company is not taking on any extra duties apart from accepting the documents.

(a) When a rental company enters into a rental agreement in the state for the rental of a vehicle to any renter who is not a resident of this country and, as part of, or associated with, the rental agreement, the renter purchases liability insurance, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 1758.85 of the Insurance Code, from the rental company in its capacity as a rental vehicle agent for an authorized insurer, the rental company shall be authorized to accept, and, if served as set forth in this section, shall accept, service of a summons and complaint and any other required documents against the foreign renter for any accident or collision resulting from the operation of the rental vehicle within the state during the rental period. If the rental company has a registered agent for service of process on file with the Secretary of State, process shall be served on the rental company’s registered agent, either by first-class mail, return receipt requested, or by personal service.

(b) Within 30 days of acceptance of service of process, the rental company shall provide a copy of the summons and complaint and any other required documents served in accordance with this section to the foreign renter by first-class mail, return receipt requested.

(c) Any plaintiff, or his or her representative, who elects to serve the foreign renter by delivering a copy of the summons and complaint and any other required documents to the rental company pursuant to subdivision (a) shall agree to limit his or her recovery against the foreign renter and the rental company to the limits of the protection extended by the liability insurance.

(d) Notwithstanding the requirements of Sections 17450 to 17456, inclusive, of the Vehicle Code, service of process in compliance with subdivision (a) shall be deemed a valid and effective service.

(e) Notwithstanding any other law, the requirement that the rental company accept service of process pursuant to subdivision (a) shall not create any duty, obligation, or agency relationship other than that provided in subdivision (a).

rental car agreement foreign renter liability insurance ...

Section § 1939.35

If you're renting a 15-passenger van, the rental company must give you a safety advisory from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about preventing rollover crashes. You need to sign to confirm you've received it. If the van is rented for business, you also have to make sure only properly licensed employees drive it. A 15-passenger van includes any van originally made for 15 people, unless it has dual rear wheels and weighs over 11,500 pounds.

(a)

(1) A rental company shall provide a renter of a 15-passenger van with a copy of the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s consumer advisory for 15-passenger vans titled “Reducing the Risk of Rollover Crashes” or, if that advisory is updated, a copy of the updated advisory. The renter shall acknowledge receipt of that copy by signing an acknowledgment of receipt on the rental agreement or on an attached form.

(2) If the rental of that 15-passenger van is for a business purpose or use, the rental company shall also provide on the document described in paragraph (1) that only an employee with the proper licensing may drive that vehicle. The renter shall acknowledge the receipt thereof in the same manner as described in paragraph (1).

(b)

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), for purposes of this section, a “15-passenger van” means any van manufactured to accommodate 15 passengers, including the driver, regardless of whether that van has been altered to accommodate fewer than 15 passengers.

(2) For purposes of this section, a “15-passenger van” does not mean a 15-passenger van with dual rear wheels that has a gross weight rating equal to, or greater than, 11,500 pounds.

15-passenger van rental company safety advisory ...

Section § 1939.37

This law says that rental companies don't have to follow certain rules about checking driver's licenses if they let members access cars without a key, like by using a code or key card, especially if it's at remote locations or outside normal business hours.

A rental company is not subject to the requirements of Section 14608 of the Vehicle Code if the rental is subject to the terms of a membership agreement that allows the renter to gain physical access to a vehicle without a key through use of a code, key card, or by other means that allow the vehicle to be accessed at a remote location, or at a business location of the rental company outside of that location’s regular hours of operation.

rental company membership agreement physical access ...

Section § 1939.38

This law allows commercial airports in California to control access to the airport and require certain businesses and individuals involved in vehicle renting or sharing to collect a customer facility charge. Companies must get permission from the airport before renting or sharing vehicles there, which includes meeting specific terms and conditions. This doesn’t affect existing rules or agreements made by the state or local governments regarding airport access. These regulations will take effect on July 1, 2024.

(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a commercial airport facility may regulate access to an airport and require any person or entity described in subdivision (m) of Section 1939.01 to collect a customer facility charge pursuant to Section 50474.21 of the Government Code.

(b)

(1) Before facilitating the sharing or renting of vehicles, any program, person, or entity described in subdivision (m) of Section 1939.01 shall obtain a permit or other written authorization from the airport operator that sets forth the terms, standards, regulations, procedures, fees, and access requirements for the activity.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), “facilitating the sharing or renting of vehicles” includes listing, publishing, or advertising vehicles or motor vehicles parked on airport property or at airport facilities.

(1) Regulate access to an airport it owns or operates.

(2) Enter into written agreements.

(3) Set access fees or permit requirements.

(4) Regulate existing airport access permits granted by an airport to personal vehicle sharing programs.

(d) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024.

commercial airport facility customer facility charge vehicle renting ...

Section § 1939.39

Starting July 1, 2024, if you want to list your personal vehicle on a sharing program for rental, you must have a certification proving tax compliance. If you bought the car in California, you need to show that either the sales taxes were paid, you opted to pay taxes from renting income, or you're exempt from those taxes. If the car was bought outside California, a certification must show whether or not any taxes were paid on it. This ensures tax responsibilities are clear and accounted for before the car can be shared for rental purposes.

On and after July 1, 2024, a personal vehicle sharing program shall not allow a vehicle to be placed on a digital network or software application of the personal vehicle sharing program for the purpose of making the vehicle available for rental through the personal vehicle sharing program unless the certification described in subdivision (a) or (b), as applicable, is fulfilled:

(a) If the request is to list a motor vehicle that was purchased in California, and that motor vehicle would first be made available for sharing on or after July 1, 2024, certification that one of the following occurred:

(1) All sales and use taxes were paid on the purchase price of the motor vehicle.

(2) The purchaser elected to have sales and use taxes collected on receipts from renting the motor vehicle in lieu of paying applicable taxes on the purchase price of the motor vehicle.

(3) The purchase of the motor vehicle was not subject to taxation due to an exemption available under law.

(b) If the request is to list a motor vehicle that was not purchased in California, and that motor vehicle would first be made available for sharing on or after July 1, 2024, certification that one of the following occurred:

(1) Applicable taxes were paid on the purchase price of the vehicle.

(2) Applicable taxes were not paid on the purchase price of the vehicle.

personal vehicle sharing digital network tax compliance ...

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