Florida car rental,added driver 10.00 day?
 

We will be renting a car in Florida to be picked up at Orlando Airport and used around New Smyrna Beach for the month of March.
I cannot believe it but every company that I have checked wants an extra 10.00 day for a second driver to use the car. My wife was wanting to be able to drive the car during our month in Florida.
Does anone know any companies that have the option of more than one driver for the same fee as the rental agreement.

Don't know if this will help, but here's an article about spouses being free if they are the additional driver.

http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/c...050900759.html

If you belong to Costco you can book a car with Alamo using their link and the extra driver is free.

Which car rental companies have you already tried?

_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

There may be a couple that allow spouses - we have always had to pay extra. And you really do need to do it. If anything happens with a person other than the listed driver at the wheel your insurance (both any you bought and any from your CC company) are void.

Some frequent renter programs include spouse as additional driver for free - I know Hertz Gold club is one. Unless you have a free offer from Hertz I think the cost is about $50/yr. Not sure the exact cost as I get a free membership through my company. AAA has a 1/2 price Hertz Gold club offer.

Unfortunately Hertz' rates are often higher than others so I don't use them often. When I do, the Gold service where you just look at the sign board for your name and go straight to your car is great - totally skipping any lines.

beth,
Thanks fpr that article. Very interesting.
Sher,
I am a costco member but in Canada so I am not sure if that will work but I will try for sure.

Others: I have tried Alamo and Budget. I then sent an email to Alamo complaining and they wrote back that it is 10.00 a day in Florida and only California, Illinois, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon and Wisconsin are not charged for your spouse to be a driver.

I am going to try all the suggestions here and hope for the best.

lyban. I didn't realize you are from Canada and you are correct that the same rules may not apply.
My husband and I rent quite frequently in Florida and I like the Alamo rate and the extra perk that I get from Costco.
Just a little tip. If this does work for you, please make sure you print up the confirmation with the line that says extra driver included. It hasn't happened lately but every once in a while I have to prove I have that coverage as not all counter agents know what they are doing.

In addition to the Costco discounts there are several other discounts that provide free additional drivers. You can try www.carrentalsavers.com for discounts. Several agencies charge for additional drivers but not for spouses at company owned locations. Avis/Budget and Enterprise do not charge for spouses at MCO. Other agencies waive this fee if you are a member of their frequent renter clubs. There is almost always a way to avoid this fee.

Sher and Bib,
Thanks,
I will be looking into your link Bob and trying to find a solution because 10.00 a day for a month is way too much.
Everyone on here is always so helpful.

Alamo (free) Quicksilver membership should exempt you from the extra driver fee.

See http://tinyurl.com/32mpy5w and http://www.carrentalsavers.com/alamo.html

_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Orlando vic,

Thanks for the tips. I will look into it also. One question that I have that you might be able to help me with.
Am i better off price wise to try and rent now for the month of March or should I wait till we get closer to that date.

There is no commitment if you reserve a rental car now or at any time - you can change or cancel, or even just not show-up without any penalty.

Personally I wouldn't begin to do any car rental until at least January. No particular reason.

If it makes you feel better reserve a car now, but also sign up for special offers & check rates from time to time. I've found that companies like dollar, thrifty, and alamo all offer different specials, including last minute deals.

If you belong to AARP and rent thru their web sight there's no charge for mileage and an additional driver.

I just came back from Yellowstone and GTNP and frented from Alamo thru AARP.

I agree with J62. Make your best deal anytime...and continue to search for something better (coupons & discounts).

_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Thanks all. I have received some great advice here.