car rental - extra driver
 

Hi all, we are ready to reserve a car for our three week stay next month. My husband thinks we can do without the extra expense of the 'extra driver' from the rental company even though we both will be driving. Does any one have info on this? Makes me nervous, just in case there is a problem. Is it against the law? Thanks.
Lotty

Where will this be? In the U.S. some companies include a husband and wife as the same driver, other companies do not.

I don't think it is against the law, but it would give the rental car company a good reason to make you pay if you are in an accident and the other one is driving.

lotty, Isn't the cost of the extra driver only about 25 or 30 dollars for the length of the rental. That's the price on the cars I've been quoted this past week. Do you drive in your own community without insurance? Aren't you risking too much not to be covered if you as the driver are involved in an accident. Sorry but it doesn't seem worth it to take that chance. Hopefully where you are traveling isn't as "sue happy" as the US. Good luck ;;) Deborah

If NOTHING goes amiss, you can probably save about $50-60.
BUT ... If you get a ticket, have an accident (regardless of fault)ALL insurance is NULL and VOID. You could end up on the hook for as much as 25 to 50 THOUSAND Euro. And if you can't pay it, then, YES, THAT IS against the law....
Either pay the extra, or only have ONE driver (the INSURED one). Driving in an unfamiliar, foreign country -- on the "wrong" side of the road (and do you realize how NARROW those roads will be???)is probably risk enough.

Bob

I think extra driver charges are anywhere from $5 to $7 a day, for three weeks would be $105 to $147. Again, that is in the U.S. and I don't know where you are travelling.

You need to read the fine print and see what the consequences are if the non-listed driver gets into an accident. Are you completely liable for the car? Then $150 more isn't a bad investment.

Oh gadzooks, if you are going to Ireland than get all the extra insurance you possibly can! Those roads are sooo narrow and you will lose at least a hubcab or two. When we turned in our car at the airport, the one right in front of us had the entire left side of the car sheared off!

Try this place. They include insurance in their prices.

http://www.fastcarhire.com

We have always balked at paying extra to list my wife as a driver. On our most recent trip I became ill and regretted saving the $5 Cdn per day. We phoned Hertz and found out that the spouce of Number 1 Club members are automatically covered so in good concience my wife drove that day. This notwithstanding the fact the Hertz agent at the Vancouver airport said that listing my wife would cost $5 / day.

I would look into the 'club' perks for your rental agency and consider joining.

kelliebellie, I am using fastcarhire, thanks to your recommendation for a trip in France. Their charge is only 25 dollars for the entire rental period not a per day charge for additional drivers. Autoeurope also has a flat rate for additional drivers not a daily additional charge. I'm not sure if that changes for a three week in length rental. I like fastcarhire because they include all the the extra insurance in their already low rate, or at least that's what it seems. Deborah

Yikes! I guess everyone agrees, thank god. I told Chas(hubby) that we really do need to put me on as driver and he feels that because we were okay that last time we were in Ireland, we won't need it. I'll show him your responses and simply insist. So Frustrating!! Thanks a lot guys.
Lotty

If you buy insurance for only one driver - and the other one gets a ticket - or worse - has an accident - they will have been driving ILLEGALLY - without the approval of the owner of the car.

So first - all insurance will be void and any expenses will come out of your pocket (not your credit card or insurance paid to the company).

Second - the rental company might well refuse to rent you another car - so you're stuck looking for transportation.

Third - I don't know the laws in Spain. In the US this might be a ticket or the cops might just leave it to the rental company. In Spain - definitely a hassle - and is your Spanish good enough to explain this to the cop? I don;t think you'll get the death penalty - but assume it would be a ticket at least - and definitely not fun.

This is definitely not a time for penny wise and pound foolish.

Hi lotty, you have received some good advice here as you know.

If I were in your shoes here is what I would do. I would tell me husband that unless I am on the auto rental contract to drive the car I will not drive it no matter what. I would tell him if he gets ill or has any kind of problem that keeps him from driving he will have to work it out..hire a private car and diver, take public transportation, work out turning in the rental car etc. Think that would get his attention, LOL. But seriously, there are times when one just has to stand their ground even if it does cause some upset for a bit. Still beats driving without permission of the auto rental company and having an accident when you would not be covered.

Best wishes to you and hope you get this worked out in a peaceful manner.

Well, once again i must thank you for your help - everyone. Gavin, thanks to you, we are able to get the extra driver without charge on our Hertz Gold Club member.
Deborah Ann, you are so right! I would never drive without insurance here in the the states, just as my 18 year old son reminded me tonight. Itallian Chauffer, I do know how narrow those roads are, and I hate the roundabouts SO MUCH!! LoveItaly, yes, it did get his attention. I reminded him how nerve racking the driving was for him last time (not so much for me, I might add)and he conceded that it is a good idea to be 'as safe as we can be!} But- only after i showed him all of the posts you guys so kindly offered.
Thank you, again!
Lotty