Additional Driver for a Rental Car

Updated on: December 7, 2023 - Vacations are often enjoyed together. You get to enjoy everything your vacation destination has to offer as a group. It can be really nice to take turns driving a rental car, too. That way, you can each take turns fully enjoying the scenery. For long drives, it’s also safer to take turns driving. But how does that work when renting a car? Do you need to let the rental company know that someone else will be driving the car? Does that cost extra, and if so, how much? We’ll explain it all here.

Renting a Car with an Additional Driver

If you want to rent a car and someone else will be driving it as well, it’s a good idea to factor that in when searching. This can affect the price. With some providers, an additional driver is already included in the rental rate, while other companies charge extra for this. You can easily filter for this in our search system by checking the “Includes second driver” box. The search results will then only show cars for rent where the second driver is already included in the price. With some rental companies, you can pay this fee directly during the online booking process; with others, you’ll need to pay the amount on-site. This is always the case when you select a second driver as an additional option. We’ll indicate in your booking details how much you’ll need to pay to the local rental company.

Who is the primary driver of the rental car?

The primary driver is always the person who booked the rental car. When you make a reservation, we’ll ask for your information, and you’ll automatically be designated as the primary driver. This is important to know because, for the deposit requires a credit card in your name is required for thedeposit. So don’t assume that a co-driver’s credit card will suffice. That’s not the case. Without a credit card in the primary driver’s name, you simply won’t be able to pick up the rental car.

Additional Driver Information When Renting a Car

When booking a rental car, all you need to do is indicate that you’re adding an additional driver. You don’t need to enter the second driver’s details at this stage; you’ll provide them at the local rental agency’s counter. However, you must verify that the additional driver has a valid driver’s license. For example, check how long the driver must have held a license and whether the additional driver meets that requirement. Often, a minimum of 1 or 2 years is required, but longer periods are also common. Furthermore, in many cases, the requirements depend on the age of the driver(s).

Third or Fourth Driver for a Rental Car

When booking your rental car, you can specify that you have a second driver, but what if you want a third or fourth driver to drive the car you’ve rented? No problem—you can often arrange this on-site. However, you’ll usually have to pay an extra fee for this, typically a few euros per driver per day. Also keep in mind that adding more than three additional drivers when renting a car is by no means always possible.

Rental Car with Additional Driver(s): At the Counter

When pick up the rental car, all drivers—both the primary driver and any additional drivers—must present a valid passport or other form of identification. They must also, of course, have a driver’s license that is valid in the country where you’re renting the car. We’re being so specific because, in some countries, you need an international driver’s license in addition to your regular one to drive.

Check-in at the counter is important for insurance purposes: if you cause while an additional driver is behind the wheel, it will be covered by the insurance policy or policies included with your rental car. If the additional driver is not registered, you will be fully responsible for the costs.

We’ll say it again, because it’s so important: the primary driver must present a credit card in his or her name; a credit card belonging to an additional driver will be refused.

Why add an additional driver when renting a car?

Renting a car already gives you a lot of flexibility during your vacation, but that flexibility increases even more when you add an additional driver. As we mentioned above, you can enjoy the scenery to the fullest when you don’t have to focus on the road. And you can also decide who gets to enjoy a nice glass of wine with dinner. Sitting behind the wheel for too long isn’t comfortable or wise. That’s why taking turns driving is ideal for a long road trip. Not only is the trip more fun with multiple drivers, but it’s also safer.

Also, think about what might happen. During that beautiful mountain hike, one of you might sprain an ankle. That makes driving uncomfortable. Fortunately, you’ve opted for an additional driver (or drivers), so someone else can get behind the wheel of the rental car! Or maybe one of the drivers isn’t feeling well one day. Even then, it’s nice to have someone else who can take over driving the rental car.

Did you only realize during your vacation that a second driver would be helpful? Then contact the local rental agency to discuss your options. To add an additional driver at this late stage, you’ll need to drive to the nearest rental office to present your driver’s license and passport and pay the additional fees.

Returning the Rental Car with an Additional Driver

All drivers must be present when picking up the rental car, but when returning , this is not required. Suppose the primary driver—for whatever reason—goes home early. The additional driver(s) can simply continue driving and return the rental car at the end of the vacation. However, the primary driver always remains responsible for the car rental and the security deposit.