When it comes to car rentals, one of the most significant additional costs is often the extra driver fee. This can add up quickly, especially if you’re traveling with a spouse or partner. However, not all car rental companies charge extra for additional drivers. In fact, some companies offer free additional drivers, including spouses, as part of their standard rental agreements. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the car rental companies that allow spouses to drive free, the benefits of this policy, and what you need to know before booking your next rental car.
Car Rental Companies that Allow Spouses to Drive Free
Several car rental companies offer free additional drivers, including spouses, as part of their standard rental agreements. Here are some of the top car rental companies that offer this perk:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Enterprise offers free additional drivers, including spouses, at participating locations in the United States, Canada, and certain European countries.
National Car Rental: National offers free additional drivers, including spouses, at participating locations in the United States, Canada, and certain European countries.
Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo offers free additional drivers, including spouses, at participating locations in the United States, Canada, and certain European countries.
Benefits of Free Additional Drivers
There are several benefits to car rental companies that offer free additional drivers, including spouses:
Cost savings: The most significant benefit is the cost savings. Additional driver fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re renting a car for an extended period.
Convenience: Having multiple drivers on the rental agreement can be convenient, especially if you’re traveling with a spouse or partner.
Increased flexibility: With multiple drivers on the rental agreement, you have more flexibility when it comes to who drives and when. (See Also: How Far Is Advantage Car Rental from Orlando Airport? Quick Guide)
Case Study: Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is one of the largest car rental companies in the world, with over 10,000 locations in more than 90 countries. Enterprise offers free additional drivers, including spouses, at participating locations in the United States, Canada, and certain European countries.
| Country | Additional Driver Fee |
| United States | Free |
| Canada | Free |
| United Kingdom | £10.00 per day |
Car Rental Companies that Charge for Additional Drivers
Not all car rental companies offer free additional drivers, including spouses. Here are some car rental companies that charge for additional drivers:
Hertz Car Rental: Hertz charges $13.00 per day for additional drivers, including spouses.
Avis Car Rental: Avis charges $12.00 per day for additional drivers, including spouses.
Budget Car Rental: Budget charges $11.00 per day for additional drivers, including spouses.
Why Car Rental Companies Charge for Additional Drivers
There are several reasons why car rental companies charge for additional drivers, including spouses:
Insurance costs: Car rental companies need to insure additional drivers, which increases their costs. (See Also: Does Sam’s Club Offer Discounts on Car Rentals? Find Out)
Administrative costs: Car rental companies need to process additional driver information, which increases their administrative costs.
Risk assessment: Car rental companies need to assess the risk of additional drivers, which can increase their costs.
Several car rental companies offer free additional drivers, including spouses, as part of their standard rental agreements.
The benefits of free additional drivers include cost savings, convenience, and increased flexibility.
Not all car rental companies offer free additional drivers, and some charge significant fees for this service.
Summary
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the car rental companies that allow spouses to drive free, the benefits of this policy, and what you need to know before booking your next rental car. Here are the key takeaways:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the age requirement for additional drivers?
The age requirement for additional drivers varies by car rental company and location. Some car rental companies have a minimum age requirement of 21, while others have a minimum age requirement of 25. It’s essential to check with the car rental company before booking your rental car. (See Also: Does Clearcover Cover Rental Cars? What You Need To Know)
Do all car rental companies offer free additional drivers?
No, not all car rental companies offer free additional drivers. Some car rental companies charge significant fees for this service, while others offer free additional drivers as part of their standard rental agreements before booking your rental car.
Can I add an additional driver to my rental car after I’ve picked it up?
It depends on the car rental company and location. Some car rental companies allow you to add an additional driver after you’ve picked up your rental car, while others do not. It’s essential to check with the car rental company before adding an additional driver to your rental agreement.
Do I need to provide additional documentation for an additional driver?
Yes, you’ll need to provide additional documentation for an additional driver, including a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. The car rental company may also require additional documentation, such as a credit card or proof of identity.
Can I use a debit card to pay for an additional driver?
It depends on the car rental company and location. Some car rental companies accept debit cards for additional drivers, while others do not. It’s essential to check with the car rental company before booking your rental car.