Getting caught stunt driving is scary enough, but things get even more complicated when it happens in a rental car. As Ontario lawyers specializing in stunt driving cases, we’ve seen countless clients face this situation. Let’s break down what you’re dealing with and how to handle it.
The Immediate Aftermath
Picture this: you’re driving your rental car and suddenly pulled over for stunt driving. You could be going 50 km/h over the limit or racing another vehicle. Whatever the reason, here’s what happens right away:
- Police take your license on the spot – you can’t drive for 30 days
- Your rental car gets towed to an impound lot for 14 days
- You’re standing on the side of the road, probably wondering, “What now?”
Your Rental Company Is Not Going to Be Happy
Let’s be honest – rental companies hate getting these calls. When you signed that rental agreement (which you probably didn’t read carefully), you agreed not to use the car for illegal activities. Stunt driving counts as unlawful.
The rental company will likely:
- Cancel your rental agreement immediately
- Charge your credit card for additional fees
- Add you to their “do not rent” list
- Demand payment for the entire impound period
The Money Pit: Understanding Your Costs
This is where things get expensive – really expensive. Here’s what you’re looking at:
Immediate Costs
- Towing fees (usually $200-400)
- Daily impound fees (around \$60-100 per day for 14 days)
- Continued rental charges during impoundment
- Administrative fees from the rental company
Legal Costs
- Potential fines between $2,000 and $10,000
- Legal representation fees
- Court costs
Insurance Complications: The Bad News
Will your insurance cover this? Think again. Most personal and rental insurance policies have a clause that excludes coverage for illegal activities. This means:
- Your personal car insurance policy probably won’t help
- The rental car insurance you purchased likely won’t cover it
- You’re personally responsible for all costs and damages
Getting the Car Out of Impound: A Step-by-Step Guide
After 14 days, someone needs to get the car out. Here’s how it typically works:
- The rental company must provide ownership documents
- You’ll need to pay all impound and towing fees
- The rental company might send their representative
- You’ll likely be billed for all related expenses
Protecting Your Future: What to Do Right Away
If you’re caught stunt driving in a rental car, take these steps immediately:
- Call a law firm that specializes in stunt driving cases
- Document everything – take photos of the car, keep all paperwork
- Contact your insurance company (even if they won’t cover it)
- Keep all receipts and correspondence with the rental company
Long-Term Impact: What to Expect
This won’t just affect you today – a stunt driving charge can follow you for years:
- Insurance rates could double or triple
- You might have trouble renting cars in the future
- Your driver’s license could face additional restrictions
- Employment opportunities might be affected, especially if driving is part of your job
How We Can Help
As lawyers specializing in stunt driving cases, we understand the unique challenges of rental car situations. We can:
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges
- Help minimize financial impact
- Protect your driving privileges
Prevention Tips for Future Rental Car Use
To avoid finding yourself in this situation again:
- Always know the speed limit
- Remember that 50 km/h over means automatic stunt driving charges
- Read rental agreements carefully
- Consider extra insurance coverage (though it won’t help with stunt driving)
The Bottom Line
Getting charged with stunt driving in a rental car is serious business. It’s more complicated and usually more expensive than similar charges in your vehicle. While we’re here to help if you’re already in this situation, the best approach is to avoid it by driving carefully and following traffic laws.
Remember, if you’re facing stunt driving charges in a rental car, don’t try to handle it alone. The combination of charges, rental company issues, and insurance complications requires experienced legal help to navigate successfully.
Need help with a stunt driving charge in a rental car? Contact our office for a consultation. We’ve handled hundreds of these cases and know how to protect your rights while minimizing the impact on your future.
What happens if I’m caught stunt driving in a rental car?
If you’re caught stunt driving in a rental car, police will suspend your license for 30 days and impound the car for 14 days. The rental company may cancel your agreement, charge additional fees, and add you to a 'do not rent' list.
Will insurance cover stunt driving in a rental car?
Most personal and rental insurance policies exclude coverage for illegal activities, including stunt driving. You’ll likely be personally responsible for all costs.
