I don't recall ever paying a second driver fee for cars rented in the US. When my mother would still drive on vacation, I've rented cars and had her added as a second driver, but not fee was added. There was a notation made and a copy of her DL. I rent with AAA and normally through Budget.

Unless your name is on the rental contract, you are not covered. Even if a spouse is free, his/her name, license # etc. needs to be on the contract. A previous poster is correct that even valets who park your car at a restaurant, hotel, etc. are not covered and you would be liable for any damage they cause. This is according to our insurance agent to whom we asked this question several years ago. Friends were astonished about the valet thing and some had their own agents verify.

Jacqueline 1212, your insurance agent can speak only with regard to your insurance policy and not for coverage on rental cars in general. Policies differ in their coverage of rental cars, and some policies don't cover rental cars at all. Also some policies do not cover BOTH the vehicle named in the policy AND a rental car at the same time. A rental car may be covered only if the primary vehicle is not in use. It is only reasonable that the insurance company does not want to insure two vehicles at the same time.

Check your own insurance coverage with your insurer.

Rusty: Here here!! Belle.