In today’s travel market, car rental companies are offering a wide array of services, from early access to rental vehicles to discounts for military personnel, that can make the experience of renting a car more convenient and cost-effective. One increasingly popular option among these services is the allowance of a spouse to drive a rental car without being charged an additional fee. Though this option is becoming more and more widespread, it is important that car rental companies verify the identity of any driver additional to the primary renter, for a number of reasons.
The primary reason behind the free driver policy is to make the car rental process less expensive and easier for the customer. By allowing another driver, such as a spouse, to take the wheel behind the wheel, the company is providing an extra service that takes the burden off the primary driver and makes the experience more seamless. Although the majority of car rental companies will not charge an additional fee for a spouse or a significant other to be added as a driver, there are still some requirements that must be fulfilled in order for them to be specified as a free driver.
In order to be considered a free driver, customers must usually provide a valid form of identification, and their government-issued identification must match the name of the primary renter. Furthermore, all drivers must be of legal driving age, which can vary depending on which state the rental is occurring in. Most car rental companies will not allow anyone younger than 25 to be listed as a free driver, regardless of their identification.
Of course, it is in the company’s best interest to verify the identity of any additional driver before they get behind the wheel of one of their cars. As such, many car rental companies will require that a thorough background check be run on any additional driver before they are allowed to drive. Additionally, many companies may also be contractually obligated by their insurance policies to ensure that any additional driver meets certain criteria before being allowed to rent a car.
However, for those who are able to meet the requirements set by their particular car rental agency, utilizing the free driver program can be a great way to save money and make travel plans more convenient. Though it’s important to make sure that rental companies do their due diligence in verifying the identity of additional drivers, this option makes renting cars more accessible and less costly.
Average Cost Across Rental Companies
Despite this option becoming more popular amongst car rental companies, differences in cost can vary greatly depending on which company you choose to rent from. On average, most car rental companies will not charge an additional fee for spouses to be added as a driver. However, it’s always best to double check with the car rental companies before making a reservation so you know what type of fees and charges you may be responsible for.
In some cases, businesses or government entities may even negotiate a better rate that allows for free driver programs. As with any rental car transaction, it’s important to read the fine print and make sure you understand the fees and other costs associated with any rental.
Which Policies May Differ
It should also be noted that depending on the size of the company, their policies may vary from the industry standard. For instance, some larger rental car companies may allow for additional drivers to be added free of charge, while smaller rental businesses won’t. However, as the popularity of the free driver concept continues to increase, more and more car rental companies are beginning to offer this option.
Ultimately, it is important that car rental companies verify the identity of any additional driver before they are allowed to drive. By doing so, they are taking the proper steps to ensure the safety of their customers and avoiding any potential legal liabilities. Despite the required due diligence, this option makes the car rental process easier and more affordable.
More Popular Amongst Business Travelers
Given the cost savings associated with the free driver program, it is unsurprising that it has become increasingly popular amongst business travelers. It is common for company employees to book a rental car for business trips or to rent out multiple vehicles for larger groups of employees. In both of these scenarios, the free driver option makes it easier for employees to travel as a group and keep their costs down.
Given the fact that business travelers may not be able to check their vehicles as often as leisure travelers, it is important that car rental companies verify the identity of each driver. This way, they can be assured that the driver was approved and has the proper qualifications to be operating their rental. By doing so, they can make sure that their vehicles are used safely and legally.
What Insurance Does Cover
When it comes to insuring rented vehicles, most car rental companies carry some form of coverage that includes liability in the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle. However, it is important to check with the rental agency to see what type of coverage is included in the rental agreement and how much it applies to your particular situation. In some cases, additional coverage may need to be purchased in order to cover damages to the vehicle. Additionally, it’s important to double check exactly what type of damage is covered and what is excluded.
Furthermore, many car rental companies will offer other forms of insurance, such as full collision coverage and additional liability protection, which can be added to your rental agreement for an extra fee. While it may be tempting to add these protections to your policy, it is important to make sure that the extra coverage is necessary and truly beneficial.
Long-term vs Short-term Rentals
When it comes to the free driver program, long-term renters can sometimes benefit from the policy more than short-term renters. In many cases, car rental companies will waive the additional driver fee for customers who are renting a vehicle for an extended period of time. However, it is important to check with the rental agency specifically to make sure you understand the policies regarding additional drivers.
It is also important to note that in some cases, car rental companies may charge an additional fee for multiple drivers, even if one of them is the spouse of the primary renter. As such, it’s always best to double check the rental agreement before signing to make sure that you are aware of any and all fees associated with the rental.
Should I Add Redundancies?
Another factor to consider when it comes to renting a car and taking advantage of the free driver program is whether or not to add redundant protection. While adding additional coverage such as collision coverage and liability protection may be beneficial in some cases, it may not always be necessary. In some situations, the car rental agency may already provide enough coverage in the rental agreement, so it is important to make sure that you fully understand and agree to the terms of the rental agreement.
In the end, car rental companies that offer free driver programs are a great way to make travel plans more convenient and cost-effective. Before you book your next car rental, make sure to check with the company to see if they offer this service and what other options they may have available. When done properly, the free driver program can be an invaluable tool for making travel plans as stress-free as possible.
