Renting a car can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to understanding who is allowed to drive the vehicle. Some people think that their spouse is automatically allowed to drive the car just because they are married, but this isn’t always the case. Different rental companies have different policies, and the rules vary from place to place. Many people wonder whether their spouses are covered when they rent a car. It is important to know the answer before you hit the road. So, let’s start with this article that will explain everything you need to know about whether spouses are covered by rental cars.
Rental Car Policies Vary
Various rental car companies have different policies regarding additional drivers. Some companies automatically cover spouses as additional drivers, while others charge an extra fee. So, it is necessary to read the fine print of the rental agreement to know for sure. Many companies state their policy clearly on their website or in the rental contract but for some, you need to ask.
Can Your Spouse Drive Your Rental Car?
Yes, your spouse can drive your rental car, but it depends on the rental company’s policy. Many companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis allow spouses to drive without extra fees if they meet the age and license requirements. Some require you to list your spouse as an additional driver in the rental agreement. Always check the rental company’s terms before booking and make sure your spouse brings their valid driver’s license for verification.
Which Car Rental Companies Allow Spouse to Drive Free?
In some cases, your spouse may be allowed to drive the rental car for free without any additional fees. Larger rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Alamo often provide this benefit, allowing spouses to share driving tasks on long trips without extra cost. However, it is always a good idea to confirm this with the rental agency when booking.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Any additional driver, except a spouse or domestic partner, must pay a daily fee. Spouses or domestic partners who meet age and license conditions can drive for free. Additional drivers must be present at the time of rental. Only a spouse or domestic partner can be an extra driver if using a debit card.
Hertz
With Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, you can add your spouse or domestic partner as an extra driver for free. It is simple to do if both of you meet the rental conditions, such as having valid licenses.
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 your spouse to drive the rental car for free, with no need to add them separately or pay extra fees. This is a convenient way for married couples to share driving duties during their trips.
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.
Does Insurance Cover Spouses Automatically?
Well, we can say yes somehow as car rental insurance can be tricky. If you have purchased the rental company’s insurance or have your own auto insurance, your spouse may be covered as well. This depends on your specific insurance policy and the rules of the rental company. So it is good to discuss with your insurance provider and the rental company to make sure whether the insurance policy covers your spouse or not.
Do Spouses Get Liability Insurance?
Yes, if your rental car insurance covers you and your spouse, it will often include liability protection. Liability insurance protects you in case of an accident that causes damage to another vehicle or property. But it is recommended to confirm this to avoid any surprises in case of an accident.
Credit Card Coverage for Spouse
Many people do not realize that some credit cards offer rental car insurance when you use them to pay for the rental. This insurance can sometimes cover your spouse. However, this coverage may have limits, and not all credit cards offer this benefit. So, be sure to call your credit card company to confirm the details and make sure both you and your spouse get coverage before you go the road with your rental car.
International Rentals Rules For Spouses
If you are renting a car in another country, the rules may be different. Some countries have stricter regulations about who can drive rental cars. Your spouse may not automatically be covered. Also, you may need additional insurance for your spouse’s coverage. Always check the specific rules for the country you are visiting, do not just assume that your spouse will get coverage automatically.
Additional Driver Fees
Although many car rental companies cover spouses for free, some do not. If your spouse is not automatically covered by the rental company, you may have to pay an additional driver fee. This fee can range from $10 to $15 per day, depending on the rental company. Even though it may seem like an unnecessary cost, adding your spouse as an official driver can save you from much bigger problems later and help you share the driving task.
Membership Benefits
If you are a member of certain programs, such as AAA or a frequent renter program, you may receive benefits like free additional drivers. These benefits usually include coverage for spouses. It is a good idea to use any memberships when renting the car to see if you qualify for additional driver coverage.
States Laws for Spousal Coverage
In some states, the law requires rental car companies to let your spouse drive the rental car without charging extra fees. This rule makes it easier and cheaper for couples to share driving. California, Illinois, and New York are examples of states with such regulations. If you are renting a car in one of these states, you can be sure that your spouse will be covered without additional cost.
What Happens if Your Spouse Drives Without Coverage?
If your spouse drives the rental car without being added as an official driver and has an accident, you might face serious problems, like paying for damages or losing coverage. The rental company may refuse to cover the damages, and your personal insurance may not apply either. This can leave you responsible for expensive repairs or legal issues.
Add Your Spouse at the Counter
If you are unsure about whether your spouse is covered, it is easy to add them as an additional driver when you pick up the car. Most rental companies will allow you to do this at the rental counter. It is a simple process, and you will be relaxed after knowing that your spouse is legally allowed to drive the car.
Should I Take Spouse Coverage During Temporary Rentals?
If you are renting a car for just a day or two, you may think that it is not necessary to add your spouse to insurance coverage. Even for short-term rentals, it is important to make sure your spouse is covered. Accidents can happen at any time, and being prepared in advance can save you from costly headaches.
Rental Cars Through Insurance
If you are renting a car because your own vehicle is being repaired, check with your insurance company. Many insurance policies will cover rental cars and allow your spouse to drive as well. This is especially common when the rental car is being provided through your insurance claim but not sure for always. So check it in advance.
Spousal Coverage in Case of Business Rentals
If you are renting a car for business purposes, the rental agreement may have different rules about additional drivers. Some companies allow spouses to drive, while others do not. Always remember to discuss with your employer or the rental company to confirm whether they allow your spouse to drive the car or not.
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
It is always important to double-check whether your spouse is covered on a rental car. Although insurance policies vary, many rental companies and insurance providers offer coverage for spouses, either automatically or for a small fee. Be sure to ask all the questions you have in your mind and read the fine print before driving away. This will help you to plan better so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
