Rental Agency Ruled Liable In Crash

Hartford Courant ^ | August 5, 2003 | LYNNE TUOHY

[Koblenz]

Connecticut car rental agencies may be held liable for injuries and damage caused by drivers they lease to, even if a driver misrepresents on the contract that he or she has a valid driver's license, the state Supreme Court ruled Monday.

The court acknowledged the burden its ruling would place on car rental agencies to verify the status of drivers, but said that was insufficient reason to nullify the intent of lawmakers in passing a law that holds agencies liable for driver misconduct.

Officials with the state Department of Motor Vehicles said there is no way rental car agencies can immediately verify the status of a driver's license; such reports are available for a fee but typically take weeks to process.

[Koblenz]

So much for personal responsibility! And I guess renting a car in CT just became more expensive.

[dead]

The car rental companies should close their Connecticut offices this afternoon.

A few thousand stranded people will wake up the state legislature in the morning.

[frogandtoad]

Maybe not just more expensive, but no longer possible. Will this ruling prompt car rental agencies to just close up, and leave Connecticut.

[Lunatic Fringe]

The car rental companies should close their Connecticut offices this afternoon.
A few thousand stranded people will wake up the state legislature in the morning. This is a really good idea! Americans have become political whimps when standing up to the government! It's time to take back the government, and give the power back to the people!

[Lazamataz]

Well, OTOH, I had to rent a car for about a week (repairs on my present vehicle) and LET me TELLYA! I got a car with a very nice interior and exterior WHO'S LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT ON THE EXPRESSWAY and WHO'S BRAKES GROUND AND FAILED, both on the same day.

Luckily, I'm a good enough driver to have dealt with both emergencies, but I returned the car that day with a few choice words about their vehicle maintenance upkeep.

I'll give 'em credit though, they gave me 15 days free rental of the most luxurious car in their fleet, usable at my convenience. Not too bad. I'm placated.

[RogueIsland]

So I guess car rental agencies now need an InstaCheck system like gun dealers?

[marlon]

This is another example of the corruption and power of the trial lawyers in this country. In the state of NY they have held that car leasing companies can also be held liable. The end result is that Ford GM, etc are no longer offer a leasing option in NY. Can't blame them. Nor would I blame the car rental agencies in CT if at minimum they made it madatory to take their (ripoff) insurance or pulled out of the state altogether. Yes lawyers aint they wonderful.