Chapter 344

344.572 344.572 Applicability to rental agreements.

344.572(1) (1) Except as provided in sub. (2), ss. 344.574, 344.576 and 344.578 apply to all rental agreements concerning private passenger vehicles rented from locations in this state for a period of 30 consecutive days or less.

344.572(2) (2) Sections 344.574, 344.576 and 344.578 do not apply to a rental agreement under which a person rents from a motor vehicle dealer licensed under ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163 a private passenger vehicle owned by the dealer if the private passenger vehicle is rented only for use while a vehicle owned or leased by the person or which the person has agreed to purchase is being serviced, repaired, manufactured or delivered.

344.572(3) (3) If a rental agreement is subject to ss. 344.574, 344.576 and 344.578, any provision of the rental agreement that violates any requirement of ss. 344.574, 344.576 and 344.578 is void.

344.572 History History: 1989 a. 328; 1999 a. 31.

344.574 344.574 Limited liability for damage.

344.574(1) (1) Damage to private passenger vehicle.

344.574(1)(a) (a) Unless a renter purchases a damage waiver offered in accordance with s. 344.576, a rental company may hold the renter liable to the extent permitted under subs. (2) to (4) for physical or mechanical damage to the rented private passenger vehicle that is caused by any of the following:

344.574(1)(a)1. 1. An accident occurring while the private passenger vehicle is under the rental agreement.

344.574(1)(a)2. 2. The renter or an authorized driver who is using the private passenger vehicle, intentionally or by his or her reckless or wanton misconduct.

344.574(1)(a)3. 3. Theft of the private passenger vehicle intentionally caused by the renter. A renter is presumed not to have caused the theft intentionally if all of the following apply:

344.574(1)(a)3.a. a. The renter or authorized driver has possession of the ignition key furnished by the rental company or establishes that the ignition key furnished by the rental company was not in the vehicle at the time of the theft.

344.574(1)(a)3.b. b. The renter or authorized driver files an official report of the theft with the police or other law enforcement agency within 24 hours of learning of the theft and reasonably cooperates with the rental company, police, and other law enforcement agencies in providing information concerning the theft.

344.574(1)(b) (b) Unless a renter purchases a damage waiver offered in accordance with s. 344.576, a rental company may hold an authorized driver liable to the extent permitted under subs. (2) to (4) for physical or mechanical damage to the rented private passenger vehicle that is caused by any of the following:

344.574(1)(b)1. 1. An accident occurring while the private passenger vehicle is operated by the authorized driver and is under the rental agreement.

344.574(1)(b)2. 2. The authorized driver who is using the private passenger vehicle, intentionally or by his or her reckless or wanton misconduct.

344.574(2) (2) Limits on liability.

344.574(2)(a) (a) The total liability of a renter or authorized driver under sub. (1) for damage to a rented private passenger vehicle may not exceed all of the following:

344.574(2)(a)1. 1. The lesser of:

344.574(2)(a)1.a. a. The actual and reasonable costs that the rental company incurred to repair the private passenger vehicle or that the rental company would have incurred if the private passenger vehicle had been repaired, which shall reflect any discounts, price reductions or adjustments available to the rental company.

344.574(2)(a)1.b. b. The fair market value of that private passenger vehicle immediately before the damage occurred, as determined in the customary market for the sale of that private passenger vehicle.

344.574(2)(a)2. 2. Actual and reasonable costs incurred by the rental company for towing the private passenger vehicle and for storage of the private passenger vehicle during the period before the renter notifies the rental company of the damage to the vehicle or for 14 days after the damage occurs, whichever period is shorter.

344.574(2)(b) (b) A rental company may not hold the renter or authorized driver liable for any of the following:

344.574(2)(b)1. 1. Loss or damage to the private passenger vehicle resulting from a cause other than that described in sub. (1) (a) 1. or 2. with respect to the renter or sub. (1) (b) 1. or 2. with respect to the authorized driver.

344.574(2)(b)2. 2. Loss of use of the private passenger vehicle.

344.574(2)(b)3. 3. Any administrative charges, including the cost of appraisal, or other costs or expenses that are incidental to the damage to the private passenger vehicle.

344.574(2)(b)4. 4. Any other charge unless expressly permitted under par. (a).

344.574(2)(c) (c) A rental company may not hold the renter liable for any amounts that the rental company has recovered from an authorized driver. A rental company may not hold an authorized driver liable for any amounts that the rental company has recovered from the renter.

344.574(4) (4) Inspection and estimates. A rental company may not collect or attempt to collect the amount described in sub. (2) (a) from the renter or authorized driver or the insurer of the renter or authorized driver unless the rental company satisfies all of the following:

344.574(4)(a) (a) Allows the renter or authorized driver who may be liable under sub. (1) (b) and the insurer of the renter or authorized driver to inspect the unrepaired rented private passenger vehicle within 2 working days after the rental company is notified of the damage. Upon receiving notice of the damage, the rental company shall promptly notify the renter or authorized driver who may be liable under sub. (1) (b) of his or her right and his or her insurer’s right to inspect the private passenger vehicle.

344.574(4)(b) (b) Obtains an estimate on the costs of repairing the private passenger vehicle, makes a copy of the estimate available upon request to the renter or authorized driver who may be liable under sub. (1) (b) or the insurer of the renter or authorized driver who may be liable under sub. (1) (b) and submits a copy of the estimate with any claim to collect the amount described in sub. (2) (a). If requested within 2 working days of giving to the renter or authorized driver the notice required under par. (a), the rental company shall obtain a 2nd estimate from a competing repair shop and make a copy available to the requester.

344.574 History History: 1989 a. 328; 2005 a. 173.

344.576 344.576 Damage waivers.

344.576(1) (1) Offer and sale restricted. A rental company may not offer or sell a damage waiver in conjunction with a rental agreement unless the terms of the damage waiver comply with sub. (2) and the renter is provided the notice required under sub. (3).

344.576(2) (2) Terms. Every damage waiver shall provide that the rental company may not hold the renter or authorized driver liable for any amount that the renter or authorized driver might otherwise be liable for under s. 344.574 (2) (a) for damage to the rented private passenger vehicle, unless any of the following applies:

344.576(2)(a) (a) The damage is caused by the renter or authorized driver intentionally or by his or her reckless or wanton misconduct.

344.576(2)(b) (b) The damage occurs while the renter or authorized driver operates the private passenger vehicle in this state while under the influence of an intoxicant or other drug, as described under s. 346.63 (1) (a), (am), or (b) or (2m).

344.576(2)(c) (c) The damage occurs while the renter or authorized driver operates the private passenger vehicle in another state while under the influence of an intoxicant or other drug, as described in the laws of that state.

344.576(2)(d) (d) The damage occurs while the renter or authorized driver is engaged in a race or speed or endurance contest.

344.576(2)(e) (e) The damage occurs while the renter or authorized driver is using, or has directed another to use, the private passenger vehicle in the commission of a misdemeanor or felony, as those terms are defined in s. 939.60.

344.576(2)(f) (f) The damage occurs while the renter or authorized driver uses the private passenger vehicle to carry persons or property for hire.

344.576(2)(g) (g) The damage occurs while the renter or authorized driver uses the private passenger vehicle outside of the United States or Canada, unless use outside the United States or Canada is permitted under the rental agreement.

344.576(2)(h) (h) The damage occurs while the private passenger vehicle is operated on a surface not intended for use by private passenger vehicles.

344.576(2)(i) (i) The renter provided misleading or false information to the rental company, causing the rental company to rent the private passenger vehicle when the rental company would not have otherwise done so, or on terms to which it would not have otherwise agreed.

344.576(2)(j) (j) The renter or the authorized driver who was operating the private passenger vehicle when an accident occurred fails to promptly report to the police and rental company the accident resulting in damage to the private passenger vehicle.

344.576(2)(k) (k) The damage occurs while the private passenger vehicle is operated by someone other than an authorized driver as defined in s. 344.57 (2). This paragraph does not apply if the vehicle has been lost or a theft has occurred and the renter is presumed to have not caused the theft or loss intentionally under s. 344.574 (1) (a) 3.

344.576(3) (3) Notice.

344.576(3)(a) (a) A rental company that offers or sells a damage waiver shall provide to each renter a written notice that is part of the rental agreement or on a separate form described in the rule under par. (c) and that includes all of the following:

344.576(3)(a)1. 1. An explanation of the total costs that the renter or authorized driver may be liable for under s. 344.574 (2) (a).

344.576(3)(a)2. 2. A statement that the liability of the renter or authorized driver under s. 344.574 (2) (a) may be covered by the renter’s or authorized driver’s personal motor vehicle insurance policy or by an agreement under which the renter or authorized driver has obtained a credit card.

344.576(3)(a)3. 3. A list of any exceptions to the damage waiver imposed in accordance with sub. (2) (a) to (j).

344.576(3)(a)4. 4. An explanation of the right of inspection under s. 344.574 (4) (a).

344.576(3)(a)5. 5. The address and telephone number of the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection.

344.576(3)(a)6. 6. Any other information required by rule under par. (c).

344.576(3)(a)7. 7. A line for the renter’s signature.

344.576(3)(b) (b) A rental company that offers or sells a damage waiver shall provide the notice described in par. (a) to each renter before the renter enters into a rental agreement. If a separate form is used to give notice under par. (a), the rental company shall give each renter one copy of the notice signed by him or her and shall retain one copy in its files.

344.576(3)(c) (c) The department of agriculture, trade, and consumer protection shall promulgate rules specifying the form of the notice required under par. (a), including the type size and any highlighting of the information described in par. (a) and, in the case of a separate form, the size of the paper. The rule may specify additional information that must be included in the notice and the precise language that must be used.

344.576 History History: 1989 a. 328; 1995 a. 27; 2003 a. 97; 2005 a. 173.

344.576 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also s. ATCP 118.01, Wis. adm. code.

344.577 344.577 Advertisement or representation.

344.577(1) (1) Definition. In this section, “advertisement or representation” means any oral, written or graphic statement which is made in connection with the solicitation of the rental of a private passenger vehicle.

344.577(2) (2) Damage waiver charge. If a rental company or an employee or agent of a rental company disseminates or makes in this state an advertisement or representation that includes a statement of the rental rate for a private passenger vehicle available for rent from a location in this state, the advertisement or representation shall also include a statement of the charge for any damage waiver offered by the rental company in conjunction with the rental of that private passenger vehicle and a statement that purchase of the damage waiver is optional.

344.577 History History: 1989 a. 328.

344.578 344.578 Credit card for deposit or damages.

344.578(1) (1) Prohibited deposits; collection of damages. Except as provided in this subsection, in sub. (2), or in s. 345.28 (5w), a rental company may not charge a credit card belonging to a renter as a deposit for damages for which the renter may be held liable under the rental agreement or under s. 344.574 (2) (a) or for any other charges. If a rented private passenger vehicle is damaged or if the renter owes any other charges provided for in the rental agreement, the rental company may charge a credit card belonging to the renter as payment for the damages for which the renter is liable under s. 344.574 (2) (a) or for any other charges provided for in the rental agreement only if the rental company obtains the renter’s authorization to use that credit card for payment and the authorization is obtained after the total amount of the renter’s liability or other charges is determined and before the rental company processes the credit card charge.

344.578(2) (2) Deposit for rental fees. If authorized by the renter, a rental company may charge a credit card belonging to the renter as a deposit for the estimated cost of the rental, as determined under this subsection. The estimated cost of the rental may not exceed an amount equal to the daily rental rate specified in the rental agreement, which may include the daily charge for a damage waiver if purchased by the renter, multiplied by the number of days specified in the agreement for which the private passenger vehicle is being rented.

344.578 History History: 1989 a. 328; 2005 a. 173; 2007 a. 207.

344.579 344.579 Violations.

344.579(1) (1) Penalties. Whoever violates s. 344.574, 344.576 (1), (2) or (3) (a) or (b), 344.577 or 344.578 may be required to forfeit not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 for each violation.

344.579(2) (2) Enforcement. The department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection shall investigate violations of ss. 344.574, 344.576 (1), (2) and (3) (a) and (b), 344.577 and 344.578. The department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection may on behalf of the state:

344.579(2)(a) (a) Bring an action for temporary or permanent injunctive or other relief in any court of competent jurisdiction for any violation of s. 344.574, 344.576 (1), (2) or (3) (a) or (b), 344.577 or 344.578. The court may, upon entry of final judgment, award restitution when appropriate to any person suffering loss because of a violation of s. 344.574, 344.576 (1), (2) or (3) (a) or (b), 344.577 or 344.578 if proof of such loss is submitted to the satisfaction of the court.

344.579(2)(b) (b) Bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction for the recovery of forfeitures authorized under sub. (1).

344.579(3) (3) Defense. Proof by a rental company that the rental company began an action to impose liability upon a renter or authorized driver, even though the renter had purchased a damage waiver sold under s. 344.576, because of a good-faith mistake that an exception under s. 344.576 (2) (a) to (k) applied is a defense to a prosecution for a violation of the terms of the damage waiver under s. 344.576 (2).

344.579 History History: 1989 a. 328; 1995 a. 27; 2005 a. 173.

subch. VI of ch. 344 SUBCHAPTER VI

MANDATORY LIABILITY INSURANCE

344.61 344.61 Definitions. In this subchapter:

344.61(1) (1) Notwithstanding s. 344.01 (2) (b), “motor vehicle” does not include trailers, semitrailers, all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, or limited use off-highway motorcycles, as defined in s. 23.335 (1) (o).

344.61(2) (2) Notwithstanding s. 344.33 (1), “motor vehicle liability policy” means a motor vehicle policy of liability insurance to which all of the following apply:

344.61(2)(a) (a) The policy is issued by an insurer authorized to do a motor vehicle liability business in this state or, if the policy covers a vehicle that was not registered in this state at the time of the policy’s effective date, in another state in which the vehicle was registered or the owner or operator of the vehicle resided at that time.

344.61(2)(b) (b) The policy is to or for the benefit of the person named in the policy as the insured.

344.61(2)(c) (c) The policy satisfies, as of the date of motor vehicle operation, all requirements specified in s. 344.33 (2) and (3).

344.61 History History: 2009 a. 28; 2011 a. 208; 2015 a. 170.

344.62 344.62 Motor vehicle liability insurance required.

344.62(1) (1) Except as provided in s. 344.63, no person may operate a motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless the owner or operator of the vehicle has in effect a motor vehicle liability policy with respect to the vehicle being operated.

344.62(2) (2) Except as provided in s. 344.63, no person may operate a motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless the person, while operating the vehicle, has in his or her immediate possession proof that he or she is in compliance with sub. (1). The operator of the motor vehicle shall display the proof required under this subsection upon demand from any traffic officer. The proof required under this subsection may be produced in either printed or electronic format, including by display of electronic images on a cellular telephone or other electronic device. If this proof is displayed in electronic format on any cellular telephone or other electronic device, the traffic officer may not view, and producing proof in electronic format is not considered consent for the traffic officer to view, any content on the telephone or other device except the proof required under this subsection.

344.62(3) (3) Nothing in this subchapter prohibits a person who violates this section from also being subject to any provision in subchs. I to IV of this chapter.

344.62 History History: 2009 a. 28; 2013 a. 31.

344.63 344.63 Exceptions to motor vehicle liability insurance requirement.