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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:
Bernadetteloves · 26/01/2019 15:00

I think half of car hire and petrol each and you should graciously not charge them for your driving and if she still thinks she is getting a raw deal I would maybe suggests she pays for your inconvenience as well seeing as you will be the only one who can't have a drink.

Redglitter · 26/01/2019 15:01

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

But that would presumably suit her cos then her family could go in the parents car which wont cost anything

Sexnotgender · 26/01/2019 15:02

Even without you or your DS there are too many of them for your parents car if they all go out.

What were they planning to do?

Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 15:04

Yes, so normally when I take my DS out, there are just 4 of us, so enough car seats in DParents car.

Dsis booked for her, her DH and their 2 DC knowing that there would be this issue again. How could she not? Last time they went, they had a third DC with them so they hired a car to accommodate them and our DParents and our DF just drove.

OP posts:
Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 15:05

That is why I think going halves is best.

OP posts:
GunpowderGelatine · 26/01/2019 15:07

I wouldn't charge a family member who won't be able to even drive for a hire car if I was going to be getting a hire car anyway!

Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 15:07

I wouldn't get a hire car normally. That is what I am saying.

OP posts:
Kezzie200 · 26/01/2019 15:09

Yes, of course share the cost. Driving is hardly a benefit.

TBDO · 26/01/2019 15:10

Ahhh- based on your last post, is she thinking she had to hire a car to transport her family round last time and therefore it’s now your turn to hire a car?

Did you offer to go halves when she went over to your parents last time?

Aprilshowersarecomingsoon · 26/01/2019 15:10

Add on chauffeur charges also. She is a cf expecting you to pay to drive her about as you didn't need to hire without her lot going.

Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 15:12

I wasn't there last time, it was just them and our DParents.

OP posts:
Holidayshopping · 26/01/2019 15:12

Last time they went, they had a third DC with them so they hired a car to accommodate them and our DParents and our DF just drove.

Do you think your parents paid for that?

Why has she booked to go the same time as you? If she didn’t, you wouldn’t need to hire a car anyway! Have you said that?

GetOffTheTableMabel · 26/01/2019 15:13

Could you perhaps say “we’re happy to do the driving during the 5 days that we overlap. What do you think would be a fair way to split the cost of the hire car.”
This will mean she has to consider the situation from your point of view. She can hardly reply saying that she thinks the whole cost is your responsibility. If she does, I’d probably just suck it up and hire a small car that I returned to the airport when I left. If she doesn’t want to come to a joint arrangement with you then she doesn’t have to but she can hardy expect you to be involved in her family’s transportation after you leave.

cheminotte · 26/01/2019 15:13

I agree sharing the hire cost is fair as you wouldn’t even need a second car if her family weren’t there,

Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 15:15

@Holiday I know she paid. My DPs are pretty tight and she complained about the cost Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 15:15

That's a good suggestion @Getoff

OP posts:
LIZS · 26/01/2019 15:17

So effectively you will be chauffeuring them around, presumably collecting them at airport, but it is not large enough for you all to go out. Will you return the car when you leave, if so how will they get back to the airport or go out? Unlikely her dh would drive, passed or not, and so the car would be assigned to you.

Holidayshopping · 26/01/2019 15:18

My DPs are pretty tight and she complained about the cost grin

Grin She sounds like a complete whingebag!

What do you think would be a fair way to split the cost of the hire car.”

I think this is perfect. I wouldn’t actually say that you are happy to do all the driving and hire a car because actually, you are not. Leave that bit out and just ask what she thinks is fair.

Original poster
WaroftheWorlds · 26/01/2019 15:18

No, my DParents would take their car and I would just hire another car. So we would use two cars.

OP posts:
cheminotte · 26/01/2019 15:19

Presumably one of your DPs can drive your Dsis and family back to airport.

Holidayshopping · 26/01/2019 15:27

So, last time she went to stay with your parents, she had to pay for the hire car but didn’t much like it as it was expensive. This time, she has booked to go when you are there and is trying to get you to pay for it instead!

It sounds rather deliberate to me.

Drum2018 · 26/01/2019 15:39

Ask for half the money for the car hire before you go and factor in cost of booster seats if applicable. If she doesn't agree to sharing the cost tell her you are now hiring a 2 seater car for yourself and Ds and let her work out which family member she'll be leaving behind on her day trips. She's been very unreasonable if she expects to be chauffeured around for free while you have to pay. Given they booked the same dates knowing you'd be there, you could argue that they should be the ones paying the full cost of car hire as yourself and Ds would have fitted in your parents car.

TimeIhadaNameChange · 26/01/2019 16:09

Agree with PP, it sounds deliberate.

Have you pointed out to her that if she wasn't going a second car would't be needed, whereas you going makes no difference? Then ask her why you should pay for something she needs. On that basis she should pay the full cost (minus the days she isn't there).

oopslateagain · 26/01/2019 16:40

You won't need a car for the two days you're there before her. I'd say something along the lines of "So, I know your DH won't be able to drive a rental car. Obviously I won't need a rental when it's just me and DS, but have you decided if you'd like me to rent a car for when you all arrive? Of course, I'm happy to drive it for you." That puts the whole thing squarely in her lap.

Then, if she says yes to hiring the car, say "OK, I'll go and hire one just before you arrive. How do you want to sort out payment?"

That implies that you expect HER to pay for the whole thing. You can then graciously agree to pay half - and obviously the car will be returned when you leave, because it's in your name.

FevertreeLight · 26/01/2019 17:30

Just put the children in the parents car and adults get a taxi.

Simple, cheaper and safer.

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