Can someone else drive your rental car? Additional driver rules & Insurance

You are tired while driving on a road trip, so you want to switch seats with your partner or maybe your friend just assumed they could drive your hired vehicle.

This may sound simple until you know the rules. So before you let anyone else behind the wheel, let’s understand who can drive your rental car, what’s allowed, what’s not & how to avoid surprise fees or insurance nightmares.

Why car rental companies care who drives

Rental car companies are very much concerned about risk management. Therefore, every additional driver means a higher accident risk, more insurance exposure and increased paperwork.

This is the reason that only approved drivers are allowed, no matter how trustworthy & experienced the other person is.

So who can legally drive your rental car?

Any person who is listed as an authorized driver on the rental agreement can legally drive your rental car.

If someone drives your rental vehicle and they are not approved, this directly means you are violating the terms of the contract. That’s true even if you are just sitting beside the driver, your friend is driving only for a short distance or you simply gave permission. It doesn’t work like this and remember that rental companies don’t make such exceptions.

Who is an authorized driver?

An authorized driver is a person who is officially approved by the rental company to drive your hired car. To be added, they must fulfil some conditions, such as:

• Meet the minimum age requirement, which varies by suppliers, normally it is 21 or 25 years for selected premium vehicles
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• He or she should be added to the rental agreement
• Sign paperwork at the counter or online, whichever option is available

What happens if an unauthorized driver drives your hired car?

This is where things can get expensive if you don’t follow the rules as mentioned in your booking voucher.

In case, an unauthorized person is driving your car and gets into an accident, damages the vehicle or is involved in some kind of traffic incident, the rental company may take serious actions against you.

The company has the right to void your insurance coverage, charge you for all repairs, cancel damage waivers and hold you personally responsible.

So even minor damage can cost you thousands if found guilty.

Does rental car insurance cover other drivers?

The rental car insurance covers only the authorized drivers who are formally added in your booking voucher.

They are covered under the basic insurance which is included in your rental price as well as any extra insurance or protection packages you purchase from the rental platform.

Relying on coverage from your personal auto insurance or a credit card? Well, in this case, check with your insurer as the coverage for additional drivers can vary. Some policies may not extend coverage to other drivers or may apply only under specific conditions.

If the driver isn’t listed on your rental agreement, coverage totally disappears.

How to add an additional driver to your rental car

Adding an additional driver to your vehicle is a pretty simple task that can be done during online booking, at the rental desk or even after pick up.

Add the driver while you book (most recommended)

You can add additional drivers during the online booking process under the Extras. This is the easiest option and helps you see any fees upfront.

Add the driver at the rental counter

If you didn’t add them online, do not worry, because you have the option to add a driver when you pick up the car. Remember, the additional driver must be present at the counter, show a valid driver’s license, meet the minimum age requirement and sign the rental agreement.

Add the driver after pickup (If needed)

Even after driving off, some suppliers allow you to return to a rental location to add a driver later. But do keep in mind that the driver still has to appear in person and fees may apply from the day they are added.

How much does it cost to add an additional driver?

Additional drivers are mostly subject to pay a fee, which varies by supplier, vehicle type and rental location. For this reason, it’s important to confirm the exact cost and terms with your supplier before making a reservation.

While comparing deals, you will also notice that some suppliers like Alamo at some locations, offer one additional driver free of charge or include this benefit as part of special rates or promotions.

Availability and conditions may differ, so always review your rental terms to see what’s included in your booking and for which add-ons you’ll have to pay a price.

You might wanna know

• Does an additional driver need to be present to be added?

  Yes, the additional driver must be physically present to show their driver’s license and sign the rental agreement. Rental companies will not add drivers if they are not present.

• Can my spouse drive my rental car without paying any fees?

  Yes, spouses can drive rental cars only if they are added as an authorized driver. There are a few suppliers who allow spouses to drive for free so always confirm with your rental provider.

• What happens if an unauthorized driver gets into an accident?

  If an unauthorized driver is involved in an accident, rental car insurance and damage waivers are totally void. The renter is responsible for all repair costs, damages and any liabilities.

• Can someone else drive my rental car if I am in the car?

  Even if you are present in the vehicle, only drivers listed as authorized on the rental agreement are allowed to drive. An unauthorized person is not allowed to drive your hired car.

• Can I add two additional drivers to my rental car?

  Yes, you can do so as long as each driver meets the requirements, is added to your rental contract and any applicable fees are paid.