If you want more than one person to be able to drive the rental car, know that there is an option to add an additional driver to your reservation. This service allows people other than the renter (main driver on the reservation) to also drive the vehicle. However, if the additional driver service is not selected, only the renter will be authorized to drive the vehicle.
Rental companies offer this option for an additional fee, which is set according to each company’s policies. It’s a practical solution for those who want to share driving responsibilities while ensuring safety and compliance with the rental agreement.
What are the requirements for additional drivers?
Additional drivers must meet the following requirements:
Minimum Age: Normally, the additional driver must be at least 25 years old. However, some rental companies accept drivers under 25 with the payment of an additional fee. In these cases, there may be restrictions on vehicle categories.
Driver's License: A physical, valid driver's license, issued at least 2 years ago, is required. Some rental companies in other countries may require an International Driving Permit (IDP), so it is highly recommended to check the rental company's policies.
Additional Documentation: rental companies require a passport of the same nationality as the driver's license.
Remember: screenshots are not accepted as valid, and for international reservations, the physical CNH must be presented, click here and check all rental requirements abroad.
When and how to include additional drivers?
During the Online Reservation
Not all car rental companies allow you to add additional drivers during the online reservation. When permitted, the option appears in the reservation system. However, most of the time, the inclusion of additional drivers must be done directly at the car rental agency.
At the time of vehicle pickup
If the reservation does not allow for online inclusion or you decide to add the driver at the time of pickup, this can be done at the car rental counter. To do this:
Both the main driver and the additional driver must be present.
The rental agreement will be updated to include the additional driver's details.
After the start of the rental
In general, it is not permitted to add additional drivers after the vehicle has already been in use. In these cases, you need to contact the car rental company directly to check for alternatives.
What is the fee to include an additional driver in my reservation?
To include an additional driver, car rental companies usually charge a daily fee. The exact cost is determined at the car rental counter, so precise prices cannot be provided in advance. However, if you have already included the service in advance in your reservation, it will be indicated on your confirmation voucher, without the need to include it again at the counter.
What does the additional driver fee cover?
When the additional driver service is contracted, the car rental insurance also covers the other driver. This means that if a problem occurs with the vehicle while the additional driver is driving, the insurance will cover the damages. However, if the person is driving without having been included as an additional driver, the car rental company may charge all costs of the damage directly to the customer who holds the reservation.
Can I add more than one additional driver?
Yes, but the request must be made directly at the car rental counter. This inclusion is subject to the company's specific policies and the charging of additional fees.
Do additional drivers need a credit card?
Not necessarily. Only the reservation holder needs to present a credit card.
Limitations and additional rules:
Reservation holder: Even with an additional driver, the reservation holder must be present to sign the contract at the time of vehicle pickup.
Drivers for specific periods: It is not permitted to add drivers for specific periods of the trip. The inclusion covers the entire reservation.
Possibility of return by the additional driver: Some car rental companies allow the additional driver to return the car even without the presence of the main renter.