Can You Rent a Car for Someone in Uganda
Do you have thoughts of renting a car during your Uganda safari, then handing over the keys to someone else to drive away? It’s undeniable that you would wish and be willing to do such a favor for an employee, family member or close friend but do you know it also has potential risks? While it seems easy as simply walking to the Uganda car rental company with your credit card, rent a car then hand over the key to someone else, it’s actually not straightforward.
On a technical perspective, it is literally impossible to rent a car for someone else because you won’t pay for renting it with your credit card and instead have someone else to sign the contract then go with the car. It is a known fact that cars are expensive in Uganda and it is also common knowledge that like any other contract, the Car Rental contract is legal. Most Companies will require your identification and have your signature as a way of strengthening the legal agreement. In so doing, you clearly understand who is responsible for whatever happens to the car.
However, not all hope is lost because you can actually add the additional driver to the Car rental contract. One thing you should always keep in mind is that if another person (not the one that rented and signed agreement) gets involved in an accident, you will be in for big trouble. First, whatever insurance or damage waiver will be voided automatically. This then means that you are financially responsible for the damage costs and sometimes even more. The other driver (unfortunately) can deny using the Rental car because he/she didn’t sign the contract (but rather you), hence leaving you in the mess.
Not renting Car for someone else during a Uganda road trip not only protects the Car rental Company but also you. If renting a car with a credit card that didn’t match with your identity was easy, then it would have also been very easy to identify theft.
The following are the ways you can rent a car for someone else;
Include the other person on the Car Rental contract as the “additional driver”
If the other person is a close and trusted friend or trusted family member, then it would be difficult for you. Both of you will be required to be at the booking office to sign some documents and even present valid Identification. The other party will be added as an additional driver, as long as he/she meets the necessary criteria like being of age and possessing a valid driver’s license. You will be the primary driver and the other person additional driver, but you will still be legally responsible for anything that happens to the Rental Car. However, some companies charge additional fee for adding another driver on the Rental agreement.
Call directly and explain to the Car Rental Company
While renting a car for someone is never accepted, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to call the Car Rental Company to explain your situation, so that they can find a way to deal with it. Companies are different and the only way to know is asking. Properly read and comprehend their policies before you take a big decision.
Book online and in advance
Car Rental bookings that are done online are a bi flexible and make it possible to rent car for someone else. Simply use your card when making the booking online, so long as you can include the other driver’s name as well as other relevant information during the booking process. When it comes to picking the Car, the card will obviously be required as deposit and should have identification of the primary driver, thus it is important to be present.
