Which Rental Companies Allow Spouse to Drive Free? When you go on a trip or vacation with a rental car, you might need more than one person to drive it. Most rental companies charge extra if there are additional drivers.
However, some companies have a rule that allows your spouse or domestic partner to drive the rental car for free. This can save you money and make it easier to share driving duties.
It is a good idea to check with the rental company about this rule before you book your car.
What Car Rental Companies Allow Spouses to Drive Free?
If you want your spouse or domestic partner to drive the rental car for free, you must choose the right rental company as not every car rental company allows spouses to drive their car free.
Some of the best car rental companies allowing spouses to drive free are:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car allows its customers to add their spouse or domestic partner as an authorized driver for free. However, there’s a fee of $5 to $10 per person for other authorized drivers.
Both the primary driver and their spouse must be at least 21 years old with valid driver’s licenses. Extra drivers must be present at the rental location for pickup. This policy ensures clarity and convenience for renters and their additional drivers.
Hertz
In Hertz Car Rental, the spouse of the primary driver can be added as an “Authorized Operator” for free in California and Iowa. However, in other states, spouses need to be added as additional drivers for a fee, which varies depending on the state.
Additional drivers, including spouses, must meet certain requirements like signing the rental contract, presenting a valid driver’s license and payment method, and being at least 21 years old.
This policy ensures clarity and consistency across different states for renters and their additional drivers.
Avis
According to Avis, the spouse or domestic partner of the primary rental car driver can be added as a driver for free. They must be at least 25 years old and are not required to present a valid license, credit or debit card, or complete any additional paperwork.
However, there are additional fees for adding drivers in different states, ranging from $3 to $13 per day. This policy simplifies the process for adding spouses or partners as drivers while traveling and helps renters understand any applicable fees beforehand.
Alamo
Alamo allows the renter’s spouse to drive the rental car if they meet state requirements and conditions. Additional drivers need to pay daily fees, which are $5 in New York and $15 in other states.
They must also be present at the rental desk for authorization. If the renter uses a debit card, only a spouse or domestic partner can be added as an extra driver.
This policy simplifies the process of adding drivers while ensuring clarity and consistency across different states for renters and their additional drivers.
National Car Rental
National Car Rental offers several options for adding additional drivers. They add spouses, domestic partners, immediate family members with matching addresses under an Emerald Club membership, companions of renters with disabilities, and drivers through corporate accounts for free.
This policy ensures flexibility and inclusivity for renters and their companions, making it easier to share driving responsibilities during the rental period.
No Charges for Spouses in Some States
In some states, if your husband or wife wants to drive the rental car and they meet the rental company’s rules and have a valid driver’s license, you will not have to pay extra fees.
These states automatically say it is okay for spouses to drive the rental car without extra charges, even if the rental company normally asks for more money when spouses drive.
This makes renting a car easier and saves money for couples who travel together in these states.
- California
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Missouri
- New York
- Oregon
- Texas
- Utah
- Wisconsin
Use Tips to Help Your Spouse Drive A Rental Car for Free
Car Rental Loyalty Programs
If the rental car company usually asks for more money when your spouse drives, you can skip this fee by signing up for their loyalty program.
When you book the car, remember to give them your reservation number so they know you’re in the loyalty program and they will not ask for the fee.
This means you can save money and have your spouse drive without paying extra. It’s a way to make things easier and cheaper when renting a car.
Different car rental companies offer various ways for spouses or domestic partners to drive for free
Dollar: Dollar Car Rental will let your spouse or domestic partner drive for free if you join their Dollar Express Rewards program.
Thrifty: Thrifty’s Blue Chip Rewards members can add their spouse or domestic partner for free. They also, get other benefits like skipping the counter.
Hertz: Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards Program lets you add your spouse or domestic partner as a driver for no extra cost.
Sixt: Sixt will not charge the fee for one extra driver for members with Gold, Platinum, or Diamond status in their loyalty program if they’re from the U.S.
Membership Programs
If you can use certain organization memberships to avoid charges extra. And your spouse or domestic partner would be able to drive a rental car for free.
Using AAA Membership: If you are a member of AAA, you can avoid additional driver fees at Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty. Just use your AAA code when booking your rental car to get this benefit.
Using USAA Membership: USAA members can use a special Hertz discount code to avoid paying for a spouse as an additional driver.
Conclusion
Planning a trip with your spouse should be filled with excitement and joy, not worries about extra fees for driving.
Thankfully, many rental companies understand the importance of allowing spouses to drive for free, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re exploring new destinations or simply enjoying a weekend getaway, remember Which Rental Companies Allow Spouse to Drive to check with these rental companies Freeto ensure you can both share the driving responsibilities without any additional costs.
Happy travels!
