During your trip — what's allowed, what's not, and who to call
How to handle the small stuff (parking ticket, flat tire, lockout) and the big stuff (accident) without losing your deposit.
The everyday rules
Only drivers listed on the booking can drive the car. Adding a friend mid-trip without approval voids the host's insurance and can end your trip immediately.
No smoking, no vaping, no pets unless the listing specifically allows them. Cleaning fees for violations start at $250.
Stay inside the geographic area listed (typically the host's home state plus adjacent states). International or Mexico crossings are off-limits unless the listing says otherwise.
Small issues — handle them through the app
Parking ticket or toll — pay it if you can; otherwise FairCar will pass through the charge to your card after the trip with a $5 admin fee.
Flat tire — call roadside (number on your trip page). Tire damage from road debris is usually covered; curb damage from hitting the curb is not.
Locked out / dead battery — call roadside first. If the host has a spare key nearby, message them through FairCar.
Accident or theft — stop and call
1. Make sure everyone is safe and out of traffic.
2. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the car is undriveable.
3. File a police report — every claim requires one. Get the report number.
4. Photograph all vehicles, plates, the scene, and any visible injuries.
5. Open a safety report on your trip page. Do NOT negotiate cash on-scene with the other driver.
Sign in and message the FairCar admin team from your in-app Messages — a real person replies within one business day. We don't outsource support.