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The ultimate guide to additional drivers
What is an additional driver fee?
The additional driver fee is a charge that allows someone other than the main driver to legally drive a rental car.
The main driver is the person who signs the rental agreement and is legally responsible for the vehicle. Anyone else who plans to drive the car must be listed as an additional driver on the rental contract.
Why must you add extra drivers?
All additional drivers must be officially added to the rental agreement to ensure they are covered by the rental company’s insurance policy.
If someone who is not listed on the contract drives the vehicle:
1. You may violate (void) the rental agreement
2. The insurance provider may refuse to cover damage to the vehicle
3. You may be fully responsible for repair or replacement costs
Key takeaway
If more than one person will drive the rental car, always add each driver to the agreement. This protects you, your passengers, and the vehicle.
How can I add an additional driver?
Depending on the rental supplier, you can add an additional driver online when you book – look for it under extras – or on pick-up at the rental desk. When booking through easyCar, you will always pay for the extra driver at the counter in the local currency.
Any extra drivers must meet the following requirements:
- Have a valid driver’s licence
- Meet the necessary age requirements
- Be present at pick up
FAQs
Does an additional driver have to be present at the rental pick-up?
Almost all rental companies require the additional driver to be present during collection. This is so that they can gather licence information and check IDs. If the extra driver is not available during pick up, it may be possible to add them part way through the rental. Call the rental company to find out if this can be arranged.
But remember, the main and additional driver will still have to go to the rental counter to amend the rental contract.
What is the minimum
age for an additional
driver?
The minimum car rental age will depend on the location and supplier you’re renting from. Generally, any driver must be at least 21 and have held a full driving licence for at least two years.
Some suppliers may allow individuals as young as 19 to be listed as a driver, however, anyone under 25 you will incur a young driver surcharge.
Which rental companies do not charge for additional drivers?
As additional driver fees vary by country, city and supplier, it’s difficult to say which companies never charge for extra drivers. For example, California state law forbids rental companies from charging for additional drivers while other states simply cap the daily rate.
One way you may be able to avoid the additional fee is by joining the supplier’s loyalty program. Some companies also wave any additional driver fees for spouses. But the best way to find free additional driver offers is to look out for online deals.
How much does it cost to add another driver on a rental?
The fee is calculated either per day or per entire rental length and can range anywhere from £5 to £12 per day. The price is usually fixed, so the type of car you choose will not impact the additional driver fee.
The best way to save money is to do your research and read the rental agreement well ahead of time. It’s better to compare car rental prices online than find yourself stuck with a rental company whose steep additional driver fees are more than you planned for.
| Country | Rental company | Price |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Firefly | £10.00/day Max: £100 |
| Europcar | £12.00/day Max: £120 |
|
| France | Dollar | €7.00/day Max: €35 |
| InterRent | €7.95/day Max: €98 |
|
| Spain | Avis | €11.50/day Max: €90.87 |
| Keddy by Europcar | €6.00/day Max: €125 |
|
| USA (State dependent) |
Hertz | $13.50/day Max: $189 |
| Alamo | $9.99 USD/day | |
| Ireland | Thrifty | €9.50 /day |
| Carhire.ie | €10.22/day | |
| Italy | Sicily by Car | €7.07/day |
| Centauro | €9.00/day Max: €126 |
Can I add more than one extra driver?
Yes, you can add multiple additional drivers under most rental policies. However, check the fine print to see if the supplier has a cap on the number of drivers you may add on. You will have to pay a fee per extra driver but you can sometimes find deals that wave the charges.
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