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Original poster

How should cost of hire car be divided?

55 replies

WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 14:29

Asking this because my Dsis seemed a bit put out when I suggested that cost should be split.

We are going to stay with our DParents in their home aboad in the summer.

My DS and I will be arriving 2 days before my Dsis and her DH and 2 DC.

My DParents have a car that seats 5. I drive, my Dsis doesn't and her DH is having lessons (4 months worth now so likely to have a licence by then). Not sure if that is relevant but hey.

When we are all there together, there will be 8 of us in total, including DParents. My Dsis was fussing about there not being enough car seats. I said that it was okay, we could get a hire car, and she was positive about it and grateful for the suggestion until I said we would split the cost.

I will be there for 5 says during their stay, then leave my DS there with his grandparents for a couple of weeks.

She did say her DH will probably not dribs abroad as he would be a new driver and therefore not confident, I think she was suggesting that as such, they shouldn't pay. But in the same breath was also saying they didn't want to be tied to the house, and be able to explore a bit.

I want out next communication about this to be a fair one. What do you think?

So for absolute clarity, if he we get a hire car, there is a likelihood her DH won't drive it himself, but she will expect to be driven around in it by me, my DF or DM.

OP posts:
Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 14:31

Bloody typos...

OP posts:
GCAcademic · 26/01/2019 14:32

If the car is being hired for the purposes of driving both families around then, of course, the cost should be split. It matters not who the actual driver will be. You don’t drive a train or bus, but you’re expected to pay if you want to be transported on one.

BaronessBomburst · 26/01/2019 14:34

Don't you have to hold a driving license for two years before you can hire a car?

Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 14:36

@baroness I have no idea actually. I assume it will be dependent on the rules in the country and the hire people.

OP posts:
Littleraindrop15 · 26/01/2019 14:36

I would say split everything 50/50.. For the 5day car hire.

Or you could also split it per participants it would be unfair if you paid more as its not really beneficial for you.

So either divide petrol and hire by 8 and bill accordingly or divide by two x

Gizlotsmum · 26/01/2019 14:37

Well you could give her 3 options she helps with the cost of the hire car ( and fuel)
She pays the difference in cost of hiring the bigger car ( and fuel)
She sorts her own transport out whilst out there.

ReflectentMonatomism · 26/01/2019 14:38

If their argument is that only the driver should pay and the passengers should go for free, then they are cheeky fuckers.

Youngandfree · 26/01/2019 14:41

You can’t hire a car until you have held your license for two years

namechangedtoday15 · 26/01/2019 14:41

Are you planning on lots of trips out? Otherwise you dont need a car. If it's just a 10min trip to the beach, take turns to go in car with your DP whilst others walk, or your DF/DM does a couple of trips. If you're all planning on doing day trips then yes, hire a car and split the cost. But if you book well in advance it shouldn't be that expensive and I wouldn't want to fall out with her over it as it will make for an atmosphere whilst you're on holiday.

Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 14:43

I was thinking that we should go halves, on all of it (car hire and fuel) her and I.

OP posts:
Holidayshopping · 26/01/2019 14:43

How do they normally get around? Surely they understand that transport (bus, taxi etc) cost money?

Where is it you are staying-is it v rural and far are you from things? I would be tempted to go by buses and trains if they are refusing to pay.

You could clarify it by saying-‘Ok, sis-you say that you want to get around and see stuff, but you don’t want to share the cost of a hire car? Why is that? Do you think it’s fair that I pay but you don’t?’

I can’t imagine how she would reply without listening to herself sound bloody awful and cheeky !!?

Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 14:44

Well, in my OP I did say it was unlikely her DH would drive so it would be me, DM or DF. It shouldn't affect this though, either way.

OP posts:
Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 14:46

Where they live is very hot, and quite a walk from anywhere, do really for the comfort of small children, we do need a car. Even to get to beach.

OP posts:
Holidayshopping · 26/01/2019 14:46

How long is she staying there?

They should probably pay more as there are four of them and only two of you PLUS you would have the stress of driving abroad.

To be honest, if she’s going to be stroppy about it, I’d say I didn’t want to drive abroad and was more than happy to get public transport if me and DS want to go travelling.

Berthatydfil · 26/01/2019 14:49

He may not able to drive depending on his age or how long he has held his licence or it may be end up to very expensive for additional insurances. You should check in advance.

it’s cfery for her to assume that they will get driven round at either your or your parents expense.
I suppose you could get away without an extra car for the whole holiday as it’s only a problem if you all want to go to the same place or your parents need their car at the same time. However you could plan out a few days out and restrict the car hire to just those days and manage with your parents car or taxis the rest of the time.

When looking into it you could price up something very small so it’s made clear it’s just for you and there’s no room for freeloading passengers/ non drivers.
‘You reply ok we will hire the car for a few days for ourselves and I guess there’s always a taxi or buses.

Holidayshopping · 26/01/2019 14:49

She is a CF if she expects you to chauffeur her family around for your whole holiday and pay for the privilege!

Holidayshopping · 26/01/2019 14:50

‘You reply ok we will hire the car for a few days for ourselves

What would she say if you said that, OP?

stayathomer · 26/01/2019 14:52

Are you saying they won't be driving after you've left? If so I see what she's thinking as you're there two days before it but ... I don't know, that's a tough one

stayathomer · 26/01/2019 14:54

Oh but sorry to clarify she definitely needs to pay a decent percentage, I can just see why she's thinking not exactly half but it's a bit awkward to work out

Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 14:56

I am not sure what will happen after I go, but there will still be more of them than car seats so another vehicle would be needed. I take my DS every year for the summer, so she booked knowing that either my DS or both of us would be there.

OP posts:
mysteryfairy · 26/01/2019 14:57

Just hire a fiesta sized car if your parents have a decent sized car for airport luggage. Assuming this is in Europe or the USA the cost is likely to be less than £100 and hardly worth a drama. Then ask her to put fuel in it as her share.

Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 14:58

I couldn't say 'I will just get us a car then', I just couldn't. I am trying to be reasonable.

OP posts:
theworldistoosmall · 26/01/2019 14:58

Of course she should pay. But I don't think half the car rental. Very easy to work out. Divide the cost by day and she pays half for the days they are there.

Holidayshopping · 26/01/2019 14:59

I couldn't say 'I will just get us a car then', I just couldn't. I am trying to be reasonable

What is your plan then?

SauvignonBlanche · 26/01/2019 14:59

But if your DPs’ car seats 5 and you BIL won’t be driving then your DSis avd her family will not fit in it so could only explore if you get a car.