Additional driver fee for spouse for all car rental companies?

Steve asks:

re: Additional Driver Fee for Spouse

I was once told by an agent at a rental counter (don't remember exaxtly when, where, or who) that spouses are automatically included as a driver in the basic contract without incurring a charge for an additional driver (car rental extra driver fee). Do you know if this is a universal provision, or maybe varies by company or location of rental?

My Response:

It's true that allowing a spouse as an extra driver with no car rental extra driver fee, varies by company and by location (ie country).

Currently, in North America, of the eight national branded car rental companies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty), only Avis , Budget and Enterprise (links open in a new window) offer NO extra driver fee for the spouse of the renter (assuming that they meet all additional requirements -- age, drivers license, etc).

All of my research indicates that every company outside of North America charges an additional driver fee for the renter's spouse. I've checked with all the major brands, but there may be small, independant car rental agencies in the country that you're looking to rent in that may waive that additional driver fee for spouse; you would have to check the policy for each individual company/location.

*Note: Car rental companies can modify policy at any time; I make every attempt to maintain up-to-date info, but always check with an individual company to verify any policy. See: Disclaimer

Pages from this site, relating to this topic:

Car Rental Policies Index

Car Rental Additional Drivers Overview

Company Specific Car Rental Additional Driver Policy

Find the Best Car Rental Rates in Top Destinations

Have a Car Rental Question? ... Ask Here!

See what others are asking about Car Rental Policies:

Is there a way to avoid a car rental underage fee?

Can I allow my 18 year old to drive my rental car?

Can I drive across the Canadian Border in Rental Car?

Is an International License needed here?

Is it possible to get a rental car if I'm under 21 years old?

What is the minimum age to rent in Hawaii?

What's the Financial Responsibility of an Additional Driver?

Can a Canadian Citizen (but US resident) take a rental across the border?

Can I use a rental car for my drivers test?

Is there any leeway for under 25 fees when I rent a car?

Why do car rental companies charge for a second driver?

See All Car Rental Policy Questions

Return to Car Rental FAQs

Return from Car Rental Additional Driver Fee for Spouse to Best Car Rental Tips home

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.