Can You Rental Fee a Vehicle for Another Person?

Last Updated on July 1, 2023 by Elizabeth

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Thinking of renting a car with your credit card, then turning the keys over to someone else to drive away? It’s possible to do this favor for a friend or family member. However, you should be aware of the potential pitfalls when you rent a car for someone else.

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It’s essential to add the additional driver to your rental contract. If a non-authorized driver gets into an accident, you will be in for a rude awakening. Any insurance or other damage waiver will be automatically voided. That means you will be held financially responsible for damage costs and potentially much more.

How to Rent a Car for Someone Else

On every car rental agreement, one person is the primary driver. This person must meet a set of requirements. These include meeting the minimum age and having a valid driver’s license and a credit card. (It can be possible to rent a car with a debit card and even cash. But using a credit card is much less hassle and it provides you with more protection than other payment methods.)

If you wish to pay for the rental car but let someone else drive it, you can rent the vehicle in your name and add the other person as an additional driver. There are some conditions. First, both you and the additional driver need to go in person to pick up the car. This isn’t a transaction that can be done remotely. At the time of pickup, you’ll need to provide your own driver’s license and credit card and sign the contract. The additional driver must also meet all of the rental car company’s additional driver requirements, including meeting the minimum age requirement and holding a valid driver’s license.

Additional Costs When You Rent a Car for Someone Else

Additional driver fees

When you rent a car for someone else, you will likely incur a daily additional driver fee to the tune of $12-$15 per day. You should know, however, that there are many ways to avoid the additional driver fee, depending on where you are renting the car and what is the relationship between you and the additional driver. For example, spouses are automatically allowed to be additional drivers at no extra charge in several states. And you may belong to an organization such as the AAA or AARP that also lets you waive the additional driver fee when renting from certain companies. But be aware that in some cases, such as if you are renting a car for a friend or acquaintance, there may be no way around paying the additional driver fee.

Collision insurance

When you rent a car for yourself, you may be used to relying on your personal auto insurance or credit card benefits to cover the car rental insurance. In this case, you are likely accustomed to declining the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) when you rent a car.

When you rent a car for someone else, however, you may want to rethink this habit and spring for the CDW, which can add $20-$30 a day to the cost of your rental. Remember, if anything happens to the car, it’s on you as the primary driver and the person who signed the contract.

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Let’s say you rent a car for a friend and that friend damages the rental car. If you didn’t pay for the CDW, that damage claim is going to go through your personal auto insurance first, and then bounce to your credit card company, assuming your card provides secondary car rental insurance, as most cards do. If you have a premium credit card that provides primary rental car insurance, then you would presumably be able to handle the claim without your auto insurance company ever becoming the wiser.

Once you sign a rental car contract, you should always assume that you are responsible for anything that happens to the rental car. The safest way to protect yourself from every inevitability is to opt for the insurance offered at the rental counter.

Related:

• Ultimate Glossary of Car Rental Terms
• A Quick Primer on Car Rental Insurance

The post Can You Rent a Car for Someone Else? appeared first on AutoSlash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents is required to drive around Europe?

All documentation is required for every country, including passports, visa requirements and customs clearance.

Additionally, you will need copies of your passport and driving license as well as an insurance policy. The policy should cover you while driving in Europe.

In some countries you might also need proof of ownership. This could include registration papers or a bill de sale.

Some countries require drivers that they have a valid driver’s licence from their homeland.

Can I use my credit card to rent a car?

Yes. However, you should be aware of the possibility of additional fees when using your card overseas. Compare rates before making any reservations. Many websites allow you to make a reservation without paying until you arrive. This saves you time and money.

What is the best way to rent a car for Portugal?

An international driving licence is required to rent a car in Portugal. For payment purposes, you will need proof of insurance and credit cards.

Usually, rental companies ask you to present a passport or national identification card when making your reservation.

Portugal may ask you to provide two forms of identification when renting a vehicle.

These documents are required to ensure compliance with European Union road safety regulations. You may not be allowed to drive the vehicle if you are unsure of your identity.

If you do NOT have an International Driving License, you will need to obtain a translated copy from the Driver Licensing Authority of your home country.

This document needs to be translated in Portuguese and must be presented along with any other documentation. Although the cost of this document will vary depending on where it is located, it generally runs between $20-30 USD.

Please be aware that the vehicle may deny you access if you don't have a copy of your official translator.

Chase Sapphire car rental insurance available in Ireland

Yes, your vehicle can be insured for an additional EUR15 daily. You also have the option to add a variety of optional extras such as breakdown assistance or theft insurance, as well personal accident insurance.

Statistics

• You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
• If you're a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
• I'd say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
• American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
• Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)

External Links

kayak.com

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alamo.com

• Alamo Rent a Car - Cheap Car Rentals in the U.S.A, Latin America & More
  
• Alamo Insiders - Alamo Rental a Car offer low car rental rates
  

autoslash.com

• AutoSlash: The #1 Website for Cheap Car Rentals
  

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How To

How do I make sure that pre-existing damage isn't charged to my rental car?

If you take a rental car for a few days, what happens when the vehicle is returned to the rental agency? What happens if your rental car gets scratched? This is a common issue among those who rent cars from different companies. Some agencies charge customers even if they did not cause any damage while driving their rented cars. Avoid these charges by asking whether you will be charged for scratches or dents on the vehicle. These are ways to ensure that rental cars don't have pre-existing damage.

1. Ask for a duplicate of the agreement.
2. Make sure to read the description carefully.
3. Carefully read the fine print.
4. Request a complimentary cleaning service;
5. You should be careful about the condition of your vehicle.
6. Keep everything in the car.
7. Cash is a must when you rent a vehicle.
8. Keep receipts of all payments;
9. Don't allow anyone to touch your car without you allowing it.
10. Never accept a gift of the company.
11. Use only a reputable rental agency;
12. Make sure to take the contract with.
13. Restore the vehicle to its original condition.
14. Your contact information should be given to the agent
15. Avoid using the same company as often as possible;
16. You should note important details about your car like its mileage, make, engine size, and color. ;
17. Photograph the damage.
18. Make sure to clean your car.
19. Get the car inspected by an independent party
20. Never agree to pay additional fees

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