Does my insurance cover an additional driver on a rental car?
Asked by: Dr. Kathryne Bins | Last update: November 7, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (65 votes)
What happens if someone else is driving my rental car and gets in an accident?
When someone is driving a rental car, the rental company assumes that their name is on the contract. If an unauthorized driver is in control of the vehicle, all insurance plans or coverage options offered by the rental company are null and void. The unauthorized driver's insurance will be used to pay for all damages.
Do I need to add extra insurance when renting a car?
Rental car insurance is typically offered by the rental car company but is not required. And depending on your personal insurance and coverage offered by your credit card company, you may not need extra coverage offered by the rental car company.
Will other person's insurance cover my rental car?
If you are not at fault, the other driver's property damage liability insurance will likely pay for your rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
Does an additional driver have to be present at a rental?
Any additional authorized drivers must appear at time of rental and meet age and driver's license requirements. An additional charge of $15.00 per day for each additional authorized driver will be added to the cost of the rental, unless other contractual conditions apply.
Should I Buy Additional Insurance From a Rental Car Company?
Do you have to pay for extra driver on a rental car?
In California, additional driver fees do not apply to a parent, sibling or child of the renter. Some additional drivers are always exempt from extra fees, as long as they meet the basic requirements for an Avis renter: they must have a valid license and be at least 25 years old.
Can someone other than me drive my rental car?
Fees for Additional Drivers
The maximum charge for each additional driver is $65 per rental. In California, there are no additional driver fees for a parent, sibling or child of the renter.
Is an additional driver insured?
Adding a driver to your insurance policy means they're an insured driver under your policy when they drive your car. So, if they get into an accident, your insurer is more likely to cover the damage than for an unlisted driver.
What is the liability of renting a car for someone else?
Use caution when you rent a car and put an additional driver on the reservation. One of the risks of renting a car for someone else is that if they get into an accident while driving the rental car, you may still be responsible for the expenses, depending on your collision insurance.
Does an insurance company have to pay for a rental car?
When Another Driver is at Fault. If someone else caused your accident, their insurance company would be responsible for covering the cost of your rental car. You will have to notify that insurance company that there's been an accident and that you'll need a rental while your car is in the shop.
Does rental car insurance cover multiple drivers?
Key Points on Rental Car Insurance Coverage
In many cases, it will extend to other drivers, so long as those drivers are listed on your auto insurance policy. Your liability coverage should apply, but aspects like collision damage might only cover the primary renter.
How much does it cost to add insurance to a rental car?
Buying supplemental insurance from the rental company— can add approximately $15 to $30 per day to the cost of the rental. However, if you already have an insurance policy on your own car, you may be covered in your rental vehicle.
What is the limit for rental car insurance?
You'll likely have a per day and per occurrence limit. For example, if you have a 25/750 limit, your insurance company will pay up to $25 per day but no more than $750 per claim for the rental vehicle. Most insurance companies will offer several different options, allowing you to choose the limit that is right for you.
What happens if someone wrecks your car and they aren't on your insurance Progressive?
Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle. If they're involved in an accident, your auto insurance may pay for the damages and injuries, up to your coverage limits.
What happens if someone else damages my rental car?
The rental car company will deal directly with the other driver's insurance company to pursue compensation for the rental car repairs. In no-fault states, rental car drivers submit a claim to their own insurance company.
Do police know who is driving a rental car?
The police will get the owner through ANPR. If the car was used in a bank robbery, they will contact the owner, who will have the name and details of the person who had it at that time. But on the side of the road, the cop can't know who the rental agency rented it to, unless he calls them.
Will someone else's insurance cover a rental car?
If your car was damaged due to another driver's negligence, typically, the other driver's insurance company should cover your rental car costs for a reasonable repair time. This is grounded in the principle that the at-fault party bears the cost of the consequences of their actions.
Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Does my auto insurance cover rental cars? Your personal auto insurance will cover most rental cars with the same coverage limits and deductibles. For example, if you carry comprehensive and collision coverage on your auto policy, you'll be protected against physical damage to your rental car.
Can someone else drive my loaner car?
Who is authorized to drive the Loaner Vehicle? Only you, and any immediate family member living within the same household, specifically listed on your insurance policy, and is over the age of 25. Any additional driver covered under your insurance policy will need to supply a valid drivers license.
Can my husband drive my car if he is not on my insurance?
Usually, yes. Your car insurance coverage should be able to extend to anyone else driving your car. Even if someone isn't listed on the policy, they can operate your vehicle. If you explicitly name someone as an excluded driver in your policy, however, none of this applies to them.
What happens if I don't add my teenager to my car insurance?
Failing to add your teenager to your auto insurance can lead to coverage denial, legal penalties and policy cancellation. Lack of driving experience and perceived higher risk contribute to higher car premiums for teen drivers.
Does insurance cover if you let someone borrow your car?
California requires all motorists to carry at least liability insurance on their vehicles. If you have insurance coverage on your car, the licensed driver you let borrow it will also be covered under your policy.
Do I need to pay for extra driver on rental car?
Others, like California, allow car rental companies to charge for additional drivers who aren't the renter's parent, spouse, co-worker, child, sibling or grandparent.
Does the person renting a car have to be the driver?
Though, it may not be in the way you imagine. While you can't rent a car in your name for someone else, you can rent a vehicle and then add someone else as an additional driver on the agreement.
How much does Hertz charge for an additional driver?
There is a $13.50 per day fee (at most locations) for each additional driver with a maximum charge of $189.00 per rental/per driver at corporate locations.