What Rental Car Companies Charge for Extra Drivers
Most rental companies charge $10 to $15 per day for each additional driver you add to your reservation
When you rent a car, the price quoted usually covers one driver — the person whose name is on the contract. If a second person will drive the vehicle, the rental company charges a separate daily fee. This fee applies whether the second driver takes the wheel for one hour or the entire rental period.
The exact amount varies by company and location. Some charge a flat fee per day (often $10 to $15), while others charge a one-time fee for the entire rental (sometimes $20 to $50). A few companies, including some at major airports, do not charge at all — but you still must register the second driver before they drive.
The second driver must be present when you pick up the car. They will need to show a valid driver's license, and the rental company will record their information on the contract. If a second driver shows up later without being registered, the rental company may refuse to let them drive, or may charge a higher fee on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- Additional driver fees typically run $10 to $15 per day, though some companies charge a one-time fee instead.
- The second driver must be named on the contract at pickup, not added later by phone or email.
- Both drivers must show valid driver's licenses at the rental counter, and the company will record both names.
- Some rental companies waive the fee for spouses or immediate family members, so ask before you book.
- If you do not register a second driver and they are caught driving, you may lose insurance coverage and face additional charges.
When the fee applies and when it does not
The additional driver fee kicks in the moment you name a second person on the contract. It does not matter whether that person actually drives — if their name is on the paperwork, you pay the fee for each day of the rental.
Some companies waive the fee for your spouse or domestic partner if you show proof of marriage or registration. A few also waive it for immediate family members (parents, adult children, siblings) if you can document the relationship. These policies vary widely, so call the rental company before you book to ask whether any family members are covered.
The fee does not apply if only one person ever drives the car. If you are the only driver listed on the contract and no one else touches the wheel, you pay nothing extra. However, if a second person drives without being registered, you breach the rental agreement — the company's insurance may not cover an accident, and you could be charged a violation fee.
How to avoid or reduce the fee
The simplest way to avoid the fee is to have only one driver on the contract. If you are renting for a long trip and both drivers will share the wheel, the fee is usually unavoidable — but you can shop around, because rates differ by company and location.
Call the rental company directly rather than booking online. Some companies offer discounts or waive the fee for members of loyalty programs, military personnel, or members of certain organizations like AAA. Online booking systems do not always show these discounts, so a phone call can save you money.
If you are renting at an airport, try booking at an off-airport location instead. Airport rental counters often charge higher additional driver fees than branches in town. The trade-off is that you have to get to the off-airport location yourself, but the savings can be substantial for a week-long rental with two drivers.
What happens if you do not register a second driver
If a second person drives the car without being on the contract, you have violated the rental agreement. The rental company's insurance may not cover an accident or damage caused by that unregistered driver, leaving you personally liable for repairs.
If the rental company discovers an unregistered driver — through an accident report, a traffic stop, or a witness — they can charge you a violation fee on top of the daily rental cost. This fee can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the company's policy. They may also refuse to rent to you in the future.
If an accident occurs and the unregistered driver is at fault, your personal auto insurance may also deny the claim, because you violated the rental agreement. You could end up paying for repairs out of pocket.
Additional driver fees at different rental companies
Major national chains handle additional drivers differently. Enterprise and Budget typically charge $10 to $15 per day per additional driver. Hertz charges around $13 per day. Avis and National charge similar amounts, though both offer discounts for AAA members and military personnel.
Regional and budget companies vary more widely. Some charge $5 per day, while others charge $25 or more. Luxury car rental companies sometimes charge higher fees or require additional insurance for a second driver.
Airport locations almost always charge more than off-airport branches for the same company. If you are renting for several days with two drivers, the difference can add up to $50 or more. Check both the airport and nearby off-airport locations before you book.
Insurance and liability when a second driver is involved
When you register a second driver, both of you are covered by the rental company's liability insurance — the insurance that pays if you damage someone else's property or injure someone. However, damage to the rental car itself is covered only if you have purchased the rental company's damage waiver or if your personal auto insurance covers rental cars.
Your personal auto insurance may or may not cover a rental car driven by someone else. Some policies cover any driver with your permission; others cover only you and household members. Before you rent, call your insurance company and ask whether a second driver is covered under your policy. If not, you will need to buy the rental company's damage waiver to protect yourself.
If the second driver causes an accident and is not on the contract, the rental company's insurance will not cover the damage. Your personal insurance may also deny the claim because you violated the rental agreement. This is the biggest financial risk of not registering a second driver.
How to register a second driver
You must register the second driver in person at the rental counter when you pick up the car. You cannot add a driver by phone, email, or online after you have already rented the vehicle. If a second driver shows up at pickup and you did not list them on the reservation, tell the rental agent and they will add them to the contract for the daily fee.
Both drivers must show valid driver's licenses. The rental company will record the second driver's name, license number, and expiration date. Some companies also photograph the second driver's license or take a photo of the driver themselves.
If you realize after pickup that you need a second driver, you can usually call the rental company and ask them to add one. However, they may charge a higher fee for a last-minute addition, or they may not be able to process it at all if you are far from the rental location. It is always better to register the second driver at pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a second driver after I have already picked up the car?
You can try calling the rental company to add a driver, but they may charge a higher fee or refuse if you are not near a rental location. It is much easier and cheaper to register the second driver at pickup. If you know in advance that you will need a second driver, add them to your reservation before you go to the counter.
What if my spouse is the second driver — do I still have to pay the fee?
Many companies waive the additional driver fee for spouses, but the policy varies. Some require proof of marriage, while others accept a domestic partnership certificate. Call the rental company before you book and ask whether spouses are covered. If they are, make sure to bring your marriage certificate or proof of partnership to the counter.
Does my personal car insurance cover a rental car driven by a second driver?
It depends on your policy. Some policies cover any driver with your permission; others cover only you and household members. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask whether a second driver is covered. If not, you will need to buy the rental company's damage waiver to protect yourself financially.
What if the second driver gets a speeding ticket or is in an accident?
The second driver is responsible for any traffic violations they receive. If they cause an accident, liability insurance covers injuries and damage to other vehicles, but damage to the rental car is covered only if you have purchased a damage waiver or if your personal insurance covers rental cars. The rental company may also charge you a violation fee if the accident was caused by negligence.
Can I register a second driver who does not have a valid driver's license?
No. The rental company will not add anyone to the contract without a valid, current driver's license. If the second driver's license is expired or suspended, they cannot legally drive the rental car, and the company will refuse to register them.