Bill Overview
Title: Rental Car Consumer Protection Act
Description: This bill establishes protections for consumers reserving rental cars. Specifically, if a rental car company allows consumers to reserve a vehicle in advance, it must make the vehicle available to the consumer at the reserved location within one-half hour of the reserved time. Rental car companies also must adopt certain reservation procedures and notify consumers of their rights under the bill. The bill authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to enforce these requirements.
Sponsors: Rep. Porter, Katie [D-CA-45]
Target Audience
Population: People who use rental car services globally
Estimated Size: 30000000
- The global rental car market size was valued at approximately $92 billion in 2019 and expected to grow continually. Hence, a substantial number of individuals use rental car services globally.
- People who travel frequently for business or leisure often use rental car services.
- This bill impacts all current and potential future rental car users as it establishes protections that are meant to improve consumer experiences.
- The bill primarily affects individuals who reserve vehicles in advance, which is a common practice for securing necessary travel arrangements.
Reasoning
- The policy will primarily influence those who are frequent users of rental car services in the US, especially those who rely on reservations for travel plans.
- Given the US has a structured rental car market, the policy might affect a wide range of consumers from business travelers to leisure tourists.
- The policy is likely to have a medium to high impact on frequent travelers who rely heavily on timely access to rental vehicles.
- Cost considerations will likely affect the speed of policy rollout and enforcement, possibly prioritizing areas or companies with higher volumes of complaints.
- Consumers who do not reserve in advance, or who use alternative transportation services, may see little to no change in their well-being.
Simulated Interviews
Business Executive (New York, NY)
Age: 43 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I usually end up waiting a lot for my reserved cars, throwing off my tight schedule.
- This policy could potentially save me time and stress, as delays are financially costly for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Tech Consultant (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's frustrating when my rental isn't ready on time, especially when I'm rushing for meetings.
- This could make my travel experience less stressful and more reliable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Event Planner (Austin, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having the car ready is crucial for my job; delays can disrupt entire schedules.
- The policy could prevent logistical nightmares and help me deliver better services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Tourist Agency Owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My clients often feel let down by the unavailability of pre-booked rentals.
- This policy may lead to fewer client complaints and better business for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Graphic Designer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't rent enough for it to be a major issue.
- I suppose it could be convenient.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Freelance Writer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This isn't really a big part of my life.
- It's good for those who rely on car rentals more.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Denver, CO)
Age: 61 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Once a year travel doesn't make this policy a big deal for me.
- I can see how it benefits frequent travelers though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Marketing Manager (Boston, MA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy holds rental companies accountable.
- Consistent availability can reduce my travel-related anxiety significantly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Professional Gambler (Las Vegas, NV)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Timely pickup is crucial given tight schedules at events.
- This might lower stress and ensure better planning on my end.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Theme Park Manager (Orlando, FL)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A delay can disrupt multiple meetings or visits.
- Ensuring availability as promised will improve my productivity and reduce stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $12000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $10000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $18000000)
Year 5: $11000000 (Low: $3500000, High: $19000000)
Year 10: $12000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill's implementation will be heavily dependent on the FTC's ability to enforce the new regulations efficiently.
- Rental companies' adaptation to the new procedures could vary, impacting overall compliance costs.
- Ensuring consumer awareness is crucial to the bill's success, requiring potential investment in public education initiatives.