Does rental car insurance cover multiple drivers?
Asked by: Mrs. Sienna DuBuque V | Last update: February 18, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (63 votes)
Does my insurance cover an additional driver on a rental car?
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.
What happens if someone else drives your 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.
Does full coverage cover other people driving my car?
Most car insurance policies will cover drivers you've listed on the policy, or anyone whom you give permission to drive your car, says Nolo.com. This means your insurance will likely cover another driver in the event of an accident, if they had your permission to drive your vehicle.
Can I let other people drive my rental?
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.
Should I Buy Additional Insurance From a Rental Car Company?
Why do car rentals charge for extra drivers?
In their mind, additional drivers increase the chances of an accident. How much you pay for the extra driver(s) on your rental varies based on the rental car company and location. Most rental companies require you to fill out additional driver forms and have a cap on the number of drivers you can include.
Does the person renting a car have to be the driver?
Renter's spouse or domestic partner who meet the same age and driver's license requirements of the renter are authorized drivers at no additional charge. Any additional authorized drivers must appear at time of rental and meet age and driver's license requirements.
Does car insurance cover all passengers?
Making a Claim Against the Person Driving You
In California, all drivers are required to carry auto insurance. Their insurance provider has a legal duty to cover your damages according to the policy terms (and in accordance with California law). So are passengers covered by car insurance? Generally speaking, yes.
What happens if someone borrows my car and gets in an accident?
Vehicle Owners Are Liable Under California Law
This law holds a vehicle's owner responsible for collisions caused by the driver of the vehicle – even if the driver is not the owner. Liability is determined by identifying the actual owner of the vehicle.
Does my 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.
How much does Enterprise charge for additional drivers?
Enterprise/Alamo
For other additional drivers, there is a charge of $15 per day for each additional authorized driver.
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.
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.
Which car rental does not charge for additional driver?
Book with some rental companies (like Ace, Alamo, Enterprise, Fox Rent A Car, National, Budget, Avis or Payless) through CarRentalSavers.com and there are no additional fees when your extra driver is a domestic partner or spouse.
What happens if someone else is driving my rental car and gets in an accident?
In order to be covered under the insurance policy, you will have to cooperate with the insurance company's investigation. You should probably report this to police right away, because it is likely that they will presume that the driver was the renter. And leaving the scene of an accident is a crime.
Can a rental car have two drivers?
Yes. If the renter wishes to add an Additional Driver, the renter and potential Additional Driver must both present themselves at a rental location with their valid driver's license and credit card. The Additional Driver must meet standard rental requirements.
Who is liable if someone else is driving your car?
Usually, a car insurance policy covers the vehicle itself, not the person driving it, and that means the liability coverage (which is required by California law) should cover the friend. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for an accident is the one whose insurance will be the primary ...
How does insurance work if you borrow a car?
Generally, insurance coverage follows the vehicle rather than the driver. So in most instances, as long as the owner of the car has insurance, it's covered even if someone other than the owner is driving it — as long as they have the owner's permission.
Can my son drive my car if he doesn't live with me?
If your son doesn't live with you but needs to borrow your car, he can do so with your permission. It is known as permissive use, which means that when someone who doesn't live with you gets permission to borrow your car, they are also “borrowing” your auto insurance coverage.
Does my car insurance cover other people driving my car?
Liability for accidents involving another driver operating your car depends on whether the driver had permission to use the vehicle. When it comes to insurance coverage, policies in California typically follow the vehicle, meaning that your policy would cover damages even if someone else was driving your car.
Can you get car insurance that covers all drivers?
Here's a quick explanation: Your policy may cover drivers who occasionally borrow your car with your permission. Any driver who regularly uses your car or resides at your home should be named on your policy. Drivers can be covered under more than one policy, even with different companies.
Do you have to list all drivers on car insurance?
You should add any regular drivers of your car to your insurance policy so that damages from accidents are covered. Also, you can add any drivers that live at your permanent address, and most insurance companies will require it. Some states may allow you to exclude a driver from being covered by the policy.
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.
Why do rental car companies charge for additional drivers?
Most rental companies charge a daily fee for each additional driver. This covers extra insurance, the admin process and the potential for increased wear and tear on the rental car. Some companies offer capped pricing for extended rentals, so it's worth using this option if you're renting a car for over a week.
Can someone else drop off my rental car Budget?
Can someone else return my rental car? If you pre-authorize an additional driver when you make your Budget rental car reservation, that person can return your rental car.