existUS car rental self-driveIn Taiwan, it's common for travelers to have family members or travel companions take turns driving to alleviate the fatigue of long-distance driving. However, in the United States, it's crucial to include all potential drivers in the "Additional Driver" list to avoid situations where insurance refuses to pay out in the event of an accident, or where the driver's information doesn't match the rental documents during a stop-and-go inspection, resulting in hefty fines.
This article details the requirements, costs, conditions, and frequently asked questions regarding "additional driving".
In what situations is it necessary to add an "extra driver"?
If there are other people besides the primary driver (the person who signed the rental agreement) who plan to take turns driving, you must apply for an additional driver when renting the car.
Common scenarios include:
- On long road trips, family members or friends should take turns driving to avoid driver fatigue.
- In case of an emergency during the trip or if there is a possibility of drinking alcohol, a designated driver may be required.
- In situations such as driving on difficult roads, parking, in urban areas, or at night, assistance from others may be necessary.
- There will be arrangements for separate trips and different people using the rental car (even if it's just a short shopping trip).
The above situations seem common, so many people mistakenly think, "It's just helping out with the car," "It's just switching hands when parking," or "It's just a short distance, so it's okay." Even if they are lucky enough not to be caught, this is a very serious violation when renting a car in the United States.
There are two main risks associated with not registering additional drivers:
- Insurance will not cover car accidents or minor scratches.
- If the driver is not the one registered in the rental agreement during a spot check or violation, additional penalties will be imposed.
If the driver is not the officially registered person in the car rental agreement, the insurance will be completely void in the event of an accident. The primary driver will be solely responsible for all costs, including vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and personal injury or property damage to third parties, with no insurance coverage whatsoever.
If the police pull over your vehicle (for a routine check or violation) and discover that the driver is not the person listed on the rental agreement, while the car may not be impounded on the spot, the rental company may be notified or the incident recorded. Some rental companies will immediately terminate the contract, forfeit the deposit, or blacklist the driver. According to California vehicle regulations, the maximum penalty is a fine of US$720.
As you can see, the extra driver, though seemingly optional, is actually crucial. If you're hesitant about saving this money during your car rental process, we sincerely suggest that you pay a small fee upfront to register beforehand, rather than regretting it later when an accident occurs and you have to pay a large sum.
Extended Reading:Understanding car rental insurance makes self-driving more worry-free.
What conditions must an additional driver meet?
Generally, the requirements for additional drivers are the same as those for the primary driver, including age and driver's license restrictions. Many car rental companies require the driver to be present in person to register when picking up the car (Sky Horse does not require this and registration can be done online).Required documentsSimilar to the primary driver, the required documents include an international driving permit, passport, or valid domestic driver's license. The only difference is that a personal credit card is not required; the rental fee and pre-authorized deposit are paid by the primary driver's credit card.
- Age restrictionsGenerally, applicants must be at least 21 years old (some high-risk vehicle models or companies require applicants to be 25 years or older).
- Valid Driver's LicenseYou must hold a valid domestic driver's license and an international driving permit (IDP).
- PassportPassport used when entering the United States
- Register in personAdditional drivers must be present with the primary driver, present their documents, and complete the registration process.
🚧A gentle reminder:Although Taiwanese driver's licenses no longer need to be renewed, they must be valid when renting a car in the United States. Please renew your license at the Motor Vehicle Office before traveling to the US. Sky Horse allows you to upload additional driver's documents and information in advance, saving you a lot of time registering, reading, and signing contracts when picking up the car.
Cost of adding an extra driver
Each car rental company has different fees depending on the state and the target audience, but most are between US$13-15, calculated per person per day, and calculated for the entire rental period.
The following are reference costs for additional drivers when renting a car in the United States:
Some rental companies waive extra driver fees for their members, spouses, and immediate family members. Different vehicle models have different limits on the number of extra drivers allowed and the associated costs. It's advisable to check the rental company's terms and conditions in advance to avoid discovering hidden fees at the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions about Additional Drivers
Q: Can I cancel the extra driving session if I don't actually drive the car?
If you originally purchased an extra driver but didn't use it, the rental company won't give you a refund. On the one hand, they can't know if the extra driver actually drove during the trip, and on the other hand, once the contract is signed and the registration process is completed, it will be considered that the insurance plan is activated.
However, if you haven't picked up your car yet or haven't registered in person, you can apply for cancellation and a refund with customer service. Such pre-emptive modifications usually don't incur charges, but it depends on each company's policy, so it's advisable to contact them in advance to confirm.
Q: I didn't add any extra drivers when I picked up the car. Can I add them later?
Yes, but please note that the additional driver must register in person at the rental company counter, presenting a valid driver's license and other documents. Only after completing the registration will the driver be legally qualified to drive. Since it cannot be done online or by the primary driver, it is recommended to complete the registration process once and for peace of mind, if possible, to allow for a change of driver.
Q:If using a car-sharing platformDo we also need to register additional drivers?
Yes. Although car-sharing services involve renting from individual car owners, all drivers are still required to be verified and registered through the platform. Otherwise, if an accident occurs while the driver is not registered, the insurance company will not assume any responsibility.
Q: I only want to let a friend drive it for a few minutes. Do I need to add extra driving?
Yes. Regardless of the length of time you drive, if you are not the driver registered on the contract, the insurance will not recognize it. Even if it's just assisting with parking, reversing, or switching drivers midway, it's recommended to apply in advance to avoid losing more than you gain.
Q: Is it okay if the additional driver is under 25 years old?
Most car rental companies allow drivers aged 21 and over to join, with a few accepting drivers as young as 20. However, if an additional driver is under 25, most will require an additional "Young Driver Fee," which is approximately US$$20-30 per day, depending on the company and location. It is recommended to check in advance to avoid increasing your budget. (Sky Horse only charges US$$19 per person per day for young drivers.)
Balancing safety and flexibility, adding an extra driver is more important than you think!
Adding an extra driver when renting a car may increase the cost slightly, but it brings peace of mind and convenience during your trip. If you are planning a long road trip, traveling with your partner or friends, or going on a business trip with colleagues, even if you plan to have one person drive most of the time, it is highly recommended to add at least one extra driver as a backup plan if your travel companions also have someone who can drive. This will give you more flexibility in handling any situations that may arise on the road.
If you have any further questions about the regulations and details of renting a car in the United States, please feel free to ask.Contact us via LINEMake every trip more worry-free!
