The per day charge can get expensive. Unless you find a way around it.
If you’re renting a car for work or for a holiday, sharing the driving responsibilities is quite convenient. But when you add another driver to the rental agreement, the per-day charge can start looking a little excessive. But if you don’t and they get into an accident, the insurance and damage waiver will not apply, and you’ll have to pay the entire amount yourself. So here’s what you need to know:
California Has No Additional Driver Fees
It’s the law. As long as the additional driver has a valid license and is listed on the contract, there are no additional fees.
These states don’t charge additional driver fees for spouses
We already covered California. These states offer the no-fee policy to spouses as long as they hold a valid license and are listed on the contract. The states are Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin.
The state of New York caps additional driver fees at $2.50 for day one, $1 for subsequent days up to a maximum of $5. It’s still extremely reasonable compared to what rental companies would normally charge.
Nevada caps the maximum fee by law, but it is subject to annual adjustment depending on inflation.
Other states have no rules, but rental companies have certain policies that may help ease the burden. Check the company site and understand all their policies before you sign on the dotted line. Some rental companies are far more customer friendly than others. Compare the policies and prices carefully.
Memberships
Memberships like AAA, AARP, Costco, and USAA have tie-ups with several rental companies that allow their members to take advantage of significant discounts and fee waivers when they book using the membership. Some exemptions even automatically cover a qualifying additional driver and don’t need the driver to be listed on the contract. But if you do list them, you may incur the additional driver’s fee even if the law allowed them to drive for free. Speak to the rental agent or check the terms before you make a decision.
Remember to take the state laws and the membership offerings along with the rental company’s policies into consideration. It sounds like a lot, but careful consideration could end up saving you a lot of money.
