What You Should Know Before Adding an Extra Driver to Your Rental Contract

• 1. Why Add an Extra Driver to Your Rental Contract?
• 2. Costs and Fees for Adding an Extra Driver
• 3. Requirements for Adding an Extra Driver
• 4. Potential Risks and Coverage Considerations
• 5. Real-Life Story: A Smooth Experience with an Extra Driver
• 6. Explore Your Rental Options with LifeStar Car Rental

1. Why Add an Extra Driver to Your Rental Contract?

Adding an extra driver to your rental car contract can provide significant convenience, especially for long trips or when you need to share the driving responsibilities. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip or simply need to hand off the wheel during a busy day of travel, having another authorized driver can make your journey more comfortable and less stressful. But, before you add an extra driver to your rental contract, there are a few important factors to consider.

Many travelers opt for extra drivers to ensure they can rotate behind the wheel, allowing each person to rest and stay alert, reducing the chances of fatigue-related accidents. It’s also ideal for those who plan to drive through multiple states or destinations and want to share the workload. However, adding an extra driver comes with its own set of responsibilities, rules, and fees that you need to be aware of.

Zulu Car Rental

IrvineOrange CountyCalifornia

15540 Rockfield Blvd c205, Irvine, CA 92618, USA

2. Costs and Fees for Adding an Extra Driver

One of the most important things to keep in mind when adding an extra driver to your rental contract is the cost. Many rental companies charge a daily fee for each additional driver. These fees vary depending on the company, location, and even the type of car you are renting. It’s essential to check the rental agreement and inquire about any extra driver fees before signing the contract.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

DumfriesPrince William CountyVirginia

17481 Richmond Hwy, Dumfries, VA 22026, USA

1. Daily Fees

The daily fee for an extra driver can range anywhere from $5 to $15 per day, depending on the rental company. Some companies may waive this fee if the additional driver is a spouse or domestic partner. Always check the fine print to avoid unexpected costs, and be sure to ask if the extra driver fee applies to each driver or just the first additional driver.

2. Discounts and Promotions

Occasionally, rental companies run promotions that waive the additional driver fee. If you’re traveling as part of a package deal, some companies may include one additional driver for free as part of the rental agreement. If you’re a member of certain loyalty programs, like a frequent traveler program, you may also be eligible for discounts on extra driver fees.

3. Waivers and Exemptions

As mentioned earlier, some companies may waive the fee if the additional driver is your spouse or partner. Be sure to check with the rental company in advance if you’re traveling with a partner and want to avoid the extra cost. Additionally, some insurance coverage options may cover extra drivers at no additional charge, but this will depend on the terms of the insurance plan.

3. Requirements for Adding an Extra Driver

Adding an extra driver to your rental contract isn’t always as simple as just paying a fee. There are several requirements that both the primary driver and the extra driver must meet:

1. Age Requirements

In most cases, the extra driver must meet the same age requirements as the primary driver. Many rental companies require both drivers to be at least 25 years old, although some companies allow drivers aged 21-24 with an additional fee. Some rental agencies may even allow younger drivers (ages 18-21) for an extra charge, but be sure to check the terms before booking.

2. Valid Driver’s License

The extra driver must have a valid driver’s license that is recognized in the country where you are renting the car. Most rental companies require the extra driver to present their license at the time of pick-up. If the extra driver is traveling internationally, they may also need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country’s driver’s license.

3. Insurance Requirements

In most cases, both the primary driver and the extra driver will need to be covered by insurance. Rental companies typically offer insurance packages that cover both drivers, but you may already have coverage through your personal car insurance or credit card benefits. Be sure to confirm that both drivers are listed as insured on the rental contract to avoid any issues during your trip.

4. Potential Risks and Coverage Considerations

While adding an extra driver can make your trip more enjoyable, there are a few risks and coverage considerations to keep in mind:

1. Liability and Responsibility

Even though both drivers are authorized on the rental contract, it’s important to note that the primary driver is usually still considered fully responsible for the car. In the event of an accident, the primary driver’s insurance coverage will generally be the first line of defense. Therefore, it’s essential that both drivers understand their responsibilities and drive carefully to avoid incidents.

2. Insurance Coverage Limitations

Before adding an extra driver, review the insurance coverage provided by the rental company to ensure that both drivers are adequately covered. Sometimes, additional drivers may not be covered under certain insurance plans, and you may need to pay for additional coverage. Make sure to ask about collision damage waivers (CDW) and liability insurance to ensure you’re fully protected.

3. Potential for Increased Costs

Although adding an extra driver can be convenient, it can also increase your overall rental costs. Between the extra driver fees and the possibility of additional insurance coverage, your total bill may be higher than expected. It’s wise to factor these extra costs into your travel budget before finalizing your rental agreement.

5. Real-Life Story: A Smooth Experience with an Extra Driver

Emily and her husband, John, were planning a road trip across the western United States. Since they both wanted to share the driving responsibilities, they decided to add John as an extra driver on their rental contract. Initially, they were unsure about the process and potential fees, but after inquiring with the rental company, they found out that the additional driver fee was waived because they were married. This saved them a considerable amount of money, and the ability to take turns driving made their journey much more enjoyable and less tiring. Emily’s story highlights how simple it can be to add an extra driver—and how it can enhance the travel experience.

6. Explore Your Rental Options with LifeStar Car Rental

If you’re planning a trip and need to add an extra driver to your rental contract, visit LifeStar Car Rental for the best options in rental cars and additional driver services. We offer a wide variety of vehicles and flexible rental policies to make your trip as smooth and convenient as possible. Our friendly customer service team is ready to assist you with all your rental needs, including adding extra drivers to your booking.