Last Updated on December 26, 2022 by Laura
Photo credit: ShutterstockAs technology has progressed, so has the debate over Americans’ privacy. From cell phone data to financial information, our society is constantly balancing how much information should be available to third parties. Is your rental car company tracking you? These days, you can assume it has the ability to track your location.
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While many people are wary of being tracked, rental car companies must protect their assets should a car go missing. The reality is that many rental cars do have trackers in them. The truth is, most companies install GPS devices that can pinpoint the location of their cars.
A brief history of rental car trackers
The truth is that rental car companies have been tracking their fleets for many years. Back in 2004, the Los Angeles Times ran a story that provided some backstory on the legality and widespread existence of trackers nearly two decades ago.
“A flurry of lawsuits two years ago accused a Budget Rent a Car licensee in Tucson of using such a system to covertly track renters who took cars out of state and to fine them thousands of dollars,” according to the article. “Earlier, another rental company in New Haven, Conn., allegedly tracked renters who drove faster than 79 mph and fined them.”
Why rental car companies might use trackers
The primary reason is to track down cars that are late to be returned or never returned at all. In a nutshell, it’s a way for rental car companies to secure their property. In some cases, trackers might alert companies when crossing state lines or international borders. Some rental companies may assess penalties when the vehicle’s GPS system reports that the renter violated the terms of the rental contract.
How do you know if your rental car has a tracker?
Due to privacy laws, car rental companies should disclose if there is a tracker in their car. They likely won’t tell you verbally, but it is likely mentioned in your contract. Read through the contract carefully if you want details on any tracking devices.
You should also note that privacy laws vary from state to state. In California, for example, it is illegal for rental companies to track a customer’s location until the vehicle has been missing at least five days past its return date.
Why might a rental car not have a tracker?
Not all rental cars will have trackers in them. Strict privacy laws, company policy, or exorbitant costs might prevent trackers from being installed. With a large fleet of cars, the costs add up quickly.
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For larger rental companies, trackers are simply an unnecessary cost since they can track you, if necessary, using the personal information they collect in your rental agreement. Credit card details, addresses, and a driver’s license make it fairly easy to find customers if the car goes missing.
If this is an issue that concerns you, read the fine print of your car rental contract or speak with a customer service representative directly to find out if your specific rental car company installs trackers in its cars and for what purposes.
Related:
- Is Your Rental Car Spying on You?
- This New Privacy App Wipes Your Personal Data from Your Rental Car’s Memory
- What to Do If You Lock Your Keys in a Rental Car
The post Is Your Rental Car Company Tracking You? appeared first on AutoSlash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to rent a car abroad?
To find an affordable rental car in Europe, you must check several websites such as Alamo, Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, or Avis. Also, you should consider booking online.
Before you rent a vehicle, it is important to have all necessary information.
- Your full name including any middle names (if any)
- The address where you're staying
- Date, time, and location of pickup
- Make & model of vehicle rented
- Policy number and insurance company
- Additional equipment or special requests?
- Specific details of rental agreements (e.g. duration, rate and deposit; balance due at the end of the trip; excess charges, limits on liability, cancellation penalties, etc.
- Payment methods (credit card or debit card, cash, personal cheque, or cash)
Once you have collected all of the above information, you can book your vehicle with one of the companies listed above.
Which place is the easiest to rent a car?
Most people rent cars at airports, rental agencies, or hotels.
Online travel websites such as Priceline or Expedia are the best ways to locate airports near you.
If you are looking for rental options near your location, local companies might be worth looking into. These can be cheaper and more convenient than booking directly through an airline website.
If renting a car for less than two weeks, you might consider taking public transportation instead. You can take advantage of city-wide bus pass, which allows unlimited rides within a particular area.
Renting a convertible might be possible for parents who are traveling with young children. Some people prefer them because they provide more protection for their kids.
Can my car policy cover me for renting cars in foreign countries
As part of their policy coverage, insurance companies are increasing covering rentals in countries other than the United States. You may be able to get insurance coverage for damage or loss caused by renting a car in Europe from Hertz. Mexico is no different. Some policies include additional protections like waivers for liability or collision damages. Ask your agent about these types.
Can you rent a vehicle in Portugal and pick it up in Spain?
You can, and it's possible. This is known as "car hire". You can find many companies online that offer this service.
You just need to check if the Spanish and Portuguese authorities license them.
Contact them on their websites for the best way to get this information. You should be able to contact them directly on their websites.
Do European rental cars have automatic transmissions
Yes. Renting vehicles without automatic transmissions is not allowed by rental agencies because they are costly to replace if they are damaged while being driven around. It would be expensive to replace all those parts every time you cause damage to the vehicle's bodywork.
Renting a car abroad requires that you have an automatic transmission.
Statistics
- Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
- For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day's trip cost. (insider.com)
- I'd say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
- If you're a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
External Links
kayak.com
enterprise.com
sixt.com
autoslash.com
How To
10 Tips for Renting a Car Cheapestly
Renting an automobile is one of your most economical ways to get around town. You can find many companies offering services online and offline. There are many companies that offer different services, so it is important to know which type they offer before you rent a vehicle. You can choose private cars, vans, minivans, SUVs, luxury cars, etc. Some companies offer discounted rates for people who travel together. It is a good idea to read online reviews before you choose a company to rent a car. To save money, book at least a month before your rental car is due. Booking at the last minute will save you money. It's always good to compare prices among multiple companies.
Also, don't forget to check if the company requires an insurance policy.
If you decide to drive yourself, ensure you have enough gas because most companies charge higher rates per gallon. You might find yourself stuck in traffic jams if you drive outside major cities. If this happens, public transportation might be an option. If you have lots of luggage, you might find it easier to use a shuttle or taxi. If you do decide to take a cab, make sure to find a reputable company. Ask for references and read customer reviews.
When renting a car, you will usually be limited in mileage. Make sure you read the contract thoroughly and check whether you can exceed this limit. Know how much each mile will cost.
Most companies permit you to use the GPS navigation system at no cost, but you may need to pay additional for satellite radio.
Remember that your vehicle may not be available for return until certain hours. You should not leave valuables inside your vehicle.
Bring your driver’s license, passport, credit card, and proof that you have insurance. Complete the paperwork accurately. A few minutes later, you will receive a confirmation email with details about the pickup date and time. After picking up the car, drive safely and follow the instructions.
You should ensure your car rental is safe once you reach your destination. Many companies require that you drop the keys off at the office. Keep the receipt handy just in case you lose something while driving. Once you're done, return back to the office. Then, you can finally enjoy your vacation!
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