Are Spouses Covered on Rental Cars?
Everything U.S. Drivers Need to Know About Spousal Coverage, Fees & Insurance
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace—but figuring out who’s actually allowed to drive it can get tricky. One of the most common questions renters in the U.S. ask is: “Can my spouse drive my rental car?”
While it might seem like being married automatically grants driving rights, that’s not always true. Each rental company sets its own policies about additional drivers, and rules can differ depending on the state. Before you pick up the keys, it’s important to understand how spousal coverage really works—because getting it wrong can cost you.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about whether spouses are covered on rental cars in the U.S., how insurance and credit cards come into play, and which companies let your spouse drive for free.
Before renting, it’s also smart to understand how debit card car rental policies work, since payment method can affect who’s allowed to drive.
Why Rental Car Policies Differ
Every rental company writes its own rules, and spousal coverage often depends on membership programs, location, and payment method.
- Enterprise, Alamo, and National typically allow a spouse or domestic partner to drive without an extra charge.
- Hertz and Avis often include free spousal coverage for loyalty program members.
- Budget, Dollar, and Thrifty may charge a fee unless you’re part of a membership like AAA or Blue Chip Rewards.
If you rent with a debit card, many companies will only allow your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver. Others restrict who can drive unless a credit card is used.
Because policies vary, it’s essential to read the fine print on your rental agreement or check the “Additional Driver Policy” on the company’s website before booking.
Does Rental Car Insurance Automatically Cover Spouses?
Many renters assume that if their spouse drives, the insurance automatically covers them. That’s partly true—but not guaranteed.
If your spouse is listed as an authorized driver, the rental company’s insurance (Collision Damage Waiver or Supplemental Liability Protection) typically covers them. However, if they aren’t officially listed, any accident they cause could void your coverage and leave you personally liable.
Before renting, check these three coverage layers:
- Rental Company Insurance – Covers authorized drivers listed on the agreement.
- Personal Auto Insurance – Often extends coverage to rental cars and spouses, but confirm with your provider.
- Credit Card Insurance – Many premium U.S. credit cards (like Chase Sapphire or Amex Platinum) provide secondary or primary coverage on rentals if you pay with the card. Some include your spouse, but always verify the fine print.
For more details, read our complete guide to rental car insurance coverage to see what protection applies to additional drivers.
Do Spouses Get Liability Protection?
If your insurance policy extends coverage to spouses, it usually includes liability protection—which covers third-party injuries or property damage caused by your spouse while driving the rental.
However, every policy is different. Some insurers only cover the “named insured” driver, while others include all household members. The safest move? Call your insurance agent and confirm before driving off the lot.
Credit Card Coverage: A Hidden Benefit for Couples
Paying for your rental with a credit card can be a smart move. Certain cards automatically offer rental car insurance, which may also apply to your spouse if they’re an authorized driver.
Here are a few popular cards with this benefit:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred / Reserve: Covers spouse and authorized drivers on rentals.
- American Express Platinum: Provides global coverage, often including spouses.
- Capital One Venture X: Primary coverage when the spouse is listed on the rental.
Tip: Before traveling, call the card’s benefits administrator to confirm your spouse’s eligibility.
State Laws That Favor Spousal Drivers
In the U.S., some states legally require rental companies to allow your spouse to drive without additional fees.
- California: Spouses automatically count as authorized drivers—no fees allowed.
- Illinois: Rental companies must allow your spouse or domestic partner to drive free of charge.
- New York: Spouses and domestic partners are legally included as authorized drivers at no cost.
If you’re renting in these states, your spouse is automatically covered—no need to add them separately. But always check the rental agreement for clarity, especially when renting across state lines.
If you plan to drive across state lines, don’t miss our guide on renting a car out of state and what to know.
What If Your Spouse Drives Without Being Added?
This is where things can get risky.
If your spouse drives the rental car without being listed as an authorized driver and gets into an accident, the rental company can deny all coverage. You may be responsible for:
- Damage to the rental vehicle
- Third-party injury claims
- Loss-of-use fees
- Administrative costs
In short: even if your spouse is your legal partner, don’t assume coverage—get their name officially added.
How to Add Your Spouse as an Additional Driver
Adding your spouse is simple and only takes a few minutes.
- Book your rental online and review the “Additional Driver” section.
- Bring your spouse’s valid driver’s license to the pickup counter.
- Ask the agent to add your spouse as an additional driver.
- Sign the updated rental agreement.
- Pay any applicable fees (if not waived).
Once this is done, your spouse has full legal permission to drive. Always keep a copy of the agreement in the glove box just in case.If you’re picking up your rental from an airport, see our list of top airport car rental companies in the U.S. for faster check-ins.
Additional Driver Fees: When They Apply
Some companies charge an additional driver fee typically $10–$15 per day—if your spouse doesn’t automatically qualify for free driving.
However, there are many ways to avoid this fee:
- Join a loyalty program (like Hertz Gold or Enterprise Plus).
- Use a AAA or USAA membership.
- Rent in a state where spousal drivers are legally free.
- Book through a corporate account that covers additional drivers.
Even if it costs a few extra dollars, listing your spouse officially can save you thousands if something goes wrong.
International Rentals: Are Spouses Covered Abroad?
If you’re traveling overseas—say, renting a car in Europe or Mexico—rules change dramatically.
- In most countries, your spouse is not automatically covered.
- You’ll need to add them as an additional driver and sometimes pay a daily fee.
- Some countries require extra local insurance for additional drivers.
Always ask the rental desk abroad for written confirmation. U.S. credit card insurance may not apply outside the country unless you use a global plan.If you’re an international traveler, check out which U.S. rental companies are best for foreigners before booking overseas.
When Insurance Companies Provide the Rental
If your car is in the shop and your insurance company provides a rental, check the policy terms. Most insurers automatically cover your spouse to drive that rental. Still, confirm with both your insurer and the rental agency to ensure your spouse is listed.
Spousal Coverage in Business Rentals
When a car is rented under a business or corporate account, different rules may apply. Some corporate agreements limit coverage to employees only—meaning your spouse might not be allowed to drive.
Always check your company’s rental policy before your spouse takes the wheel, even if the car is technically in your name.
Membership Programs That Help You Save
If you or your spouse are members of certain organizations, you might already qualify for free additional driver benefits:
- AAA Members: Free spouse or domestic partner drivers at Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty.
- USAA Members: Hertz offers free spouse coverage for members booking under the USAA code.
- Loyalty Programs:
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards – spouse drives free.
Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards – spouse drives free, skip the counter.
Dollar Express Rewards – free spouse coverage.
Sixt Gold/Platinum/Diamond – one free extra driver (often a spouse).
These memberships can save you $10–$20 per day and make road trips smoother.
Should You Add Spouse Coverage for Short Rentals?
Even for a one-day or weekend rental, it’s smart to list your spouse. Accidents don’t care how long you’ve had the car, and being unlisted can cause major headaches if something happens.
For short-term or cheap car rentals, just add your spouse at the counter—it’s worth the peace of mind.
Spouses and Luxury or One-Way Car Rentals
If you’re booking a luxury rental or a one-way car rental (dropping off in a different city or state), policies can be stricter. Many premium car rental services—like Sixt, Silvercar, or Enterprise Exotic—require every driver, including spouses, to be listed.
Always clarify in advance if the same rules apply for luxury vehicles or cross-state trips. Failure to list all drivers can void coverage.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Assume, Always Confirm
While many rental companies in the U.S. make it easy for spouses to share driving responsibilities, coverage isn’t automatic everywhere. Policies vary by brand, state, and payment method.
Before you drive off:
- Confirm your rental company’s spousal driver policy.
- Add your spouse as an authorized driver on the contract.
- Verify that your insurance or credit card covers both of you.
Taking these small steps ensures your trip stays worry-freewhether it’s a cheap weekend car rental, an airport pickup, or a luxury one-way drive across the U.S.
