Here’s a little-known secret: every car rental company keeps a “Do Not Rent” list—a blacklist of customers who’ve earned themselves a spot in the “no-go” zone. These are the individuals who have crossed the line, broken the rules, or simply failed to pay up. If you end up on this list, it’s not just a temporary inconvenience—it could mean you’re locked out of renting from several major companies. But how does one land on such an exclusive list? It usually boils down to being flagged as a liability, whether for breaking the rules or failing to settle your bills.
You might think that if you’re banned from one rental agency, you can just hop over to another, right? Well, think again. The car rental industry is more interconnected than you think, and being blacklisted by one company often means you’re blacklisted by its affiliates. For example, if Budget kicks you to the curb, don’t expect to find refuge at Avis or Payless—because they all share a parent company. Here’s how the rental giants line up:
- AvisBudget Group (Avis, Budget, Payless)
- Enterprise Holdings (Enterprise, Alamo, National)
- Hertz Global Holdings (Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty)
So, how do you avoid ending up on that dreaded “Do Not Rent” list? Let’s explore the essential do’s and don’ts that’ll keep you on the road to smooth rentals—and away from the blacklist.
Play By the Rules
The simplest way to avoid trouble is by following the rules of your rental agreement. If your contract allows for unlimited mileage, driving 1,200 miles over the weekend won’t get you in hot water. As long as you stick to the terms, you won’t be flagged. The DNR list is reserved for those who flout the rules, not those who follow them.
Don’t Push Your Luck
Just because a contract promises unlimited miles doesn’t mean you can take full advantage of it. Some companies, like Hertz, draw the line at 3,500 miles within a 30-day period. If you consistently push the limits, you could be flagged for abusing the system. So, enjoy the perks, but don’t overdo it.
Pay Your Dues
A major reason people land on the DNR list is simple: they don’t pay their bills. If you rack up unpaid charges and the company sends your account to collections, you’re headed straight to blacklist territory. Always settle any outstanding balances promptly, or you might find yourself locked out of future rentals.
Think Before You Dispute
Sometimes, customers dispute charges, thinking they’ve been unfairly billed—but be cautious! Disputing charges that are clearly spelled out in your contract (like refueling fees or cleaning charges for smoking) will get you noticed for the wrong reasons. If you think a fee is unreasonable, try working it out with the company, but avoid entering into a dispute unless absolutely necessary.
Handle Parking and Tolls Promptly
Even after you return the car, you might get a bill for unpaid tolls or parking tickets. These charges can appear months later, especially from international locations. If you’re notified of an outstanding ticket or toll, pay it promptly to avoid potential DNR consequences.
Keep Your Cool
Acting aggressively toward rental staff, whether through threats or bullying, is an express ticket to the DNR list. If things get out of hand and the cops need to be called, you can be certain you’ll be banned. Treat staff with respect, and you’ll avoid this fate.
Don’t Fake It
Using a fake ID to rent a car might seem like a harmless trick, but rental companies take this seriously. If they catch you using false identification, they’ll likely flag you as a security risk and ban you from renting in the future. The same goes for falsifying any other rental details—dishonesty will catch up with you.
Don’t Let Unauthorized Drivers Take Over
Handing the keys to someone who isn’t authorized to drive your rental car is a risky move. If an accident or damage occurs while an unapproved driver is behind the wheel, you could be held liable, and this could result in a DNR spot. Always check the fine print about who’s covered before lending out your rental.
Don’t Use Your Rental for Misdeeds
Renting a car for criminal activity will almost certainly land you on the DNR list. Whether it’s using the car in a crime or being involved in illegal activities, rental agencies won’t take kindly to this behavior. Plus, the authorities are likely to get involved, and that’s a surefire way to stay off the roads for good.
Don’t Drink and Drive
This one’s a no-brainer—drinking and driving is a surefire way to land yourself on every car rental company’s global Do Not Rent list. If you’re caught behind the wheel under the influence, not only could you face legal consequences, but your rental privileges will be revoked for life.
Stick to the Rental Area
Before heading to another country or even crossing state lines, check your agreement to make sure you’re allowed to take the car outside the specified area. Many contracts restrict driving to certain zones, and venturing outside these areas could land you on the blacklist.
Stay on Paved Roads
If you’re planning to go off-road or drive on unpaved paths, think again. Most rental agreements prohibit this kind of driving, and breaking this rule could result in damage to the vehicle—and a spot on the DNR list. Always stay on the paved paths unless your contract says otherwise.
While it’s rare, you might end up on the Do Not Rent list without even realizing it. For example, if you move and forget to leave a forwarding address, the company might interpret your lack of communication as refusal to pay, and you’ll be blacklisted. Or if your credit card expires and a payment fails, your future rentals could be temporarily blocked.
The key to avoiding the DNR list is simple: use common sense, follow the rules, and always pay your bills. If you do that, your chances of staying on the open road—and off the blacklist—are practically guaranteed.