Car Rental: Additional Driver Policy
Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2008
by Richard Edmunds
Car Rental Guide
Sometimes it happens that you go on a trip, and you wish that someone else could drive the car. But it is just not that easy when you are dealing with car rentals. When you are renting a car you are the only person allowed to drive the car. There are some exceptions which will be covered further on.
Additional Driver Policy: Additional drivers should be at least 25 years old. The age of the renter is not a problem. But the additional driver should be 25 years or older. Some agencies let employees of the same company to drive if the rental is for a valid business and if the company has previously come to an agreement for underage drivers as well as extra drivers as part of corporate discount perks. (For example, Microsoft had driving privileges for all the renters as well as drivers for Microsoft sponsored business in the age group of 18 and above.)
Many companies let employees going on a business trip drive as an extra driver without paying any extra charges and without any additional paperwork hassle. The company, however, has to pay for the rental. If an accident or damage occurs, this will serve as proof that the rental was for a business trip. This information is used to confirm that there was no violation in the contract.
Many companies let spouses to take the vehicle without giving any additional paperwork. This is a great decision on their behalf. Domestic partners are not considered spouses by many car rental companies. But there is one rental company that at present lets domestic partners for driving privileges - Avis Rent-A-Car. They do not ask any questions. But if an accident takes place then Avis will request the proof for domestic partnership. A government issued ID having the same address, a credit card bill, or shared utility bill in both names will verify the domestic partnership.
Richard Edmunds worked as a manager of a big name car rental agency for the past 20 years before retiring. He now spends his time writing car rental articles for you about such topics as how to avoid getting taken when you get car rental insurance, additional driver rules and other important car rental tips
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)This does not explain why Car Rental companies charge up to £60 per week for a spouse to be included as an additional driver - as only one person at a time can drive a car what is this about - apart from making extra money?A rip off.
If an additional driver was responsible for an accident whilst driving the car hired under your name, who's liable for the accident? You or the additional driver?Responsibility has several meanings. The damage caused to the other property should be the responsibility of the actual driver. The responsibility for the damage to the vehicle depends upon your rental agreement. Every place is different and laws are very complicated. I am not a lawyer, and it sounds like you should seek advice from one.
What if I rented a car and I get injured and couldn't drive? Do the international car rental companies have the same policy regarding additional drivers? I'm planning to rent a car in Israel, I'd appreciate the information. Thanks!
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