Assigning additional drivers to a rental car

When booking, you’ll need to assign someone as the “main driver" who takes on certain legal responsibilities during the rental. You can normally add up to three “additional drivers", but some rental companies may allow one extra driver per available seat.

Whether you want someone to make road trip memories with or just someone to split the driving duties, there are plenty of reasons to add a driver to your car rental. Sharing the driving isn’t just a fun way to explore a new destination – it also makes accidents less likely by reducing stress and tiredness.

When booking, you’ll need to assign someone as the “main driver" who takes on certain legal responsibilities during the rental. You can normally add up to three “additional drivers", but some rental companies may allow one extra driver per available seat.

Understanding the role of the “main driver"

The main driver is the person who signs the rental agreement and is therefore legally responsible for the car. For example, if an accident occurs during the rental period, the main driver would need to report it to the rental company and arrange for any insurance claims.

Who qualifies to be an additional driver

Each rental company has their own policies around additional drivers, which focus on age and driving experience. Additional drivers usually need to be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license that’s been held for at least two years.

As conditions can vary, you should always check the rental company’s specific requirements and policies around additional drivers before booking.

How to add an additional driver

The process of adding an additional driver varies between rental companies. More often than not, you can add them when you book online after selecting your car. You can also add them when you pick up your car at the rental counter or by calling the rental company.

Payment for any additional drivers may be taken at the time of booking or when you pick the car up. When you get to the rental counter, additional drivers need to be present to show their driver’s license and any other required documents like a passport.

Details of all additional drivers need to be added to the rental agreement before the main driver signs it.

Adding an additional driver mid-rental

You may find yourself in an unplanned situation where you need to add an extra driver after your trip has already started. For example, if you injure yourself mid-rental and can’t continue driving, you’ll need someone to take over for you. The good news is that many rental companies let you add an additional driver at any point during the rental period.

First, contact the company and check their policies. You’ll most likely need to head to the nearest rental counter with the additional driver so they can show their documents to the staff. If applicable, you’ll also need to pay any additional daily fees.

The costs of adding an additional driver

Most rental companies charge a daily fee for each additional driver. This covers extra insurance, the admin process and the potential for increased wear and tear on the rental car. Some companies offer capped pricing for extended rentals, so it’s worth using this option if you’re renting a car for over a week. If you’re lucky, you may even find a rental company that lets you add a second driver free of charge.

There may also be fees for young drivers under a certain age (often around 25 years old) or senior drivers (often around 65 years old). This is due to the perceived higher risks associated with these age groups when driving.

Examples of additional driver fees:

[Prices from February 2024 – please check specific terms and conditions with your rental company for the most up-to-date costs.]