California § 1939.05 - The total amount of the renter

Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 1939.05 — The total amount of the renter, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1939.05. The total amount of the renter

(a) The total amount of the renter’s liability to the rental company resulting from damage to the rented vehicle shall not exceed the sum of the following: (1) The estimated cost of parts which the rental company would have to pay to replace damaged vehicle parts. (2) The estimated cost of labor to replace damaged vehicle parts, which shall not exceed the product of (A) the rate for labor usually paid by the rental company to replace vehicle parts of the type that were damaged and (B) the estimated time for replacement. (3) The estimated cost of labor to repair damaged vehicle parts, which shall not exceed the lesser of the following: (A) The product of the rate for labor usually paid by the rental company to repair vehicle parts of the type that were damaged and the estimated time for repair. (B) The sum of the estimated labor and parts costs determined under paragraphs (1) and (2) to replace the same vehicle parts. (4) Actual charges for towing, storage, and impound fees paid by the rental company. (b) For purposes of subdivision (a), all discounts and price reductions or adjustments that are or will be received by the rental company shall be subtracted from the estimate to the extent not already incorporated in the estimate, or otherwise promptly credited or refunded to the renter. (c) For the purpose of converting the estimated time for repair into the same units of time in which the rental rate is expressed, a day shall be deemed to consist of eight hours. (d) The administrative charge described in subdivision (f) of Section 1939.03 shall not exceed (1) fifty dollars ($50) if the total estimated cost for parts and labor is more than one hundred dollars ($100) up to and including five hundred dollars ($500), (2) one hundred dollars ($100) if the total estimated cost for parts and labor exceeds five hundred dollars ($500) up to and including one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500), or (3) one hundred fifty dollars ($150) if the total estimated cost for parts and labor exceeds one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500). An administrative charge shall not be imposed if the total estimated cost of parts and labor is one hundred dollars ($100) or less. (e) The total amount of an authorized driver’s liability to the rental company, if any, for damage occurring during the authorized driver’s operation of the rented vehicle shall not exceed the amount of the renter’s liability under this section. (f) A rental company shall not recover from an authorized driver an amount exceeding the renter’s liability under this section.

Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About California § 1939.05

What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 1939.05 cover?

Section 1939.05 ("The total amount of the renter") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite California § 1939.05?

A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 1939.05" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of California law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.

How does California § 1939.05 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.