Does Enterprise Charge For Additional Drivers? Understanding Extra Driver Fees
Enterprise can charge for additional drivers, but this isn’t always the case; it depends on several factors including location, rental agreement, and relationship to the primary driver. Knowing the specifics of your rental is crucial to avoid unexpected fees.
Understanding Enterprise’s Additional Driver Policy
Renting a car often involves sharing driving responsibilities. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has policies regarding adding additional drivers to the rental agreement. Knowing these policies before you pick up your vehicle is key to a smooth and cost-effective rental experience. This article breaks down everything you need to know about additional driver fees with Enterprise.
Why Add an Additional Driver?
There are several compelling reasons to add another driver to your rental agreement:
- Sharing the Driving Load: Long road trips can be tiring. Having a second driver allows you to split the driving time, making the journey safer and more enjoyable.
- Driver Incapacity: In case of illness or injury, a designated additional driver can take over, ensuring the trip can continue safely.
- Convenience: Perhaps you want to enjoy the scenery or need to work while traveling. An additional driver allows you to do so without having to worry about driving.
- Legal Compliance: Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are authorized to operate the vehicle. Driving without being listed violates the agreement and could void insurance coverage.
When is an Additional Driver Fee Charged?
The core question is, does Enterprise charge for additional drivers? In most cases, yes, Enterprise does charge a daily fee for each additional driver added to the rental agreement. This fee can vary depending on the location and the type of vehicle rented. However, there are exceptions.
Who is Exempt from Additional Driver Fees?
Several categories of individuals are often exempt from paying additional driver fees at Enterprise:
- Spouses/Domestic Partners: In many locations, spouses or domestic partners of the primary renter are automatically authorized to drive without incurring additional fees.
- Employees/Co-workers (Business Rentals): When renting for business purposes, co-workers who are listed on the rental agreement may be exempt. This often requires proof of employment.
- Drivers with Disabilities: When the primary renter has a disability that prevents them from driving, a designated caregiver may be added to the agreement without a fee.
- Family Members (Specific Locations): Certain states have laws that exempt immediate family members (e.g., parents, children, siblings) from additional driver fees.
How to Add an Additional Driver
Adding an additional driver to your Enterprise rental agreement is generally a straightforward process:
- Inform the Rental Agent: When you pick up your rental vehicle, inform the Enterprise agent that you want to add an additional driver.
- Provide Identification: The additional driver must be present and provide a valid driver’s license and any other required identification.
- Complete the Paperwork: The additional driver will need to sign the rental agreement, acknowledging their responsibility for operating the vehicle within the terms of the agreement.
- Verify Fees (or Exemption): Confirm whether an additional driver fee will be charged or if an exemption applies based on your circumstances.
The Importance of Disclosure
It is critical to disclose all drivers to Enterprise. Allowing an unauthorized driver to operate the vehicle can have serious consequences, including:
- Voided Insurance Coverage: If an accident occurs while an unauthorized driver is behind the wheel, the rental car’s insurance coverage may be voided, leaving you financially responsible for damages.
- Breach of Contract: Allowing an unauthorized driver violates the rental agreement, which could lead to additional fees and penalties.
- Legal Liability: You could be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by an unauthorized driver.
Strategies to Avoid Additional Driver Fees
Here are some tips to potentially avoid paying extra for an additional driver:
- Check Your Credit Card Benefits: Some credit cards offer rental car insurance benefits that may cover additional driver fees. Review your credit card terms and conditions carefully.
- Join Enterprise Plus: Enterprise’s loyalty program, Enterprise Plus, may offer benefits that include waived additional driver fees in certain situations.
- Negotiate at the Counter: While not always successful, it doesn’t hurt to politely inquire about potential discounts or waivers for additional driver fees, especially if you’re a frequent renter or renting for an extended period.
- Consider Alternative Rental Companies: Compare prices and policies from different rental car companies, as some may have more lenient policies regarding additional drivers.
Table: Common Scenarios and Additional Driver Fees at Enterprise
| Scenario | Additional Driver Fee? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Domestic Partner (Most Locations) | No | May require proof of marriage or domestic partnership. |
| Co-worker (Business Rental) | Potentially No | Requires proof of employment. Policy varies by location. |
| Friend or Relative (Non-Exempt Location) | Yes | Standard daily fee applies. |
| Driver with Disability, Caregiver Driver | No | Requires documentation and prior arrangement. |
| Unauthorized Driver | Significant Penalties | Voided insurance, breach of contract, potential liability. Strongly discouraged. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Enterprise charge for additional drivers if they are family members?
It depends. In most locations, family members other than a spouse or domestic partner will incur an additional driver fee. However, some states have specific laws that exempt immediate family members, such as parents, children, or siblings, from these fees. It’s crucial to check the specific policy of the rental location.
What happens if I let someone drive the rental car who is not on the agreement?
This is a major violation of the rental agreement. If an accident occurs while an unauthorized driver is behind the wheel, the insurance coverage provided by Enterprise could be voided. You could be held personally liable for any damages or injuries, and Enterprise may also impose significant penalties.
How much is the additional driver fee at Enterprise?
The fee varies by location and vehicle type, but it typically ranges from $10 to $20 per day per additional driver. It is best to confirm the exact fee with the rental agent at the time of pickup.
Can I add an additional driver after I have already picked up the rental car?
Yes, you can usually add an additional driver after picking up the car. Both you and the additional driver need to go to an Enterprise location with valid driver’s licenses to complete the process.
Are there any credit cards that waive additional driver fees at Enterprise?
Some credit cards offer rental car insurance benefits and may include waivers for additional driver fees. However, these benefits vary greatly and often require that you decline the rental company’s insurance coverage. Always check the specific terms and conditions of your credit card.
Does Enterprise ever offer promotional discounts on additional driver fees?
Occasionally, Enterprise may offer promotional discounts that include waived or reduced additional driver fees. These promotions are usually limited in time and availability. It’s worth checking the Enterprise website or asking the rental agent about current promotions.
What documents do I need to provide when adding an additional driver?
The additional driver must provide a valid driver’s license. Depending on the situation (e.g., spouse, co-worker), you may also need to provide proof of marriage, domestic partnership, or employment. Always check with Enterprise beforehand to ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
Does Enterprise charge for additional drivers on all types of vehicles?
The policy generally applies to all vehicle types, but the specific fee may vary depending on the class of vehicle. Higher-end vehicles might have different rates.
Are there any age restrictions for additional drivers at Enterprise?
Yes, additional drivers must meet Enterprise’s minimum age requirements, which are typically the same as the primary renter. Generally, this means being at least 25 years old, although some locations may allow drivers aged 21-24 for an additional fee. Age restrictions and fees may vary by location.
If I am an Enterprise Plus member, does that automatically waive the additional driver fee?
While being an Enterprise Plus member can offer benefits, it doesn’t automatically waive the additional driver fee in all cases. Check the specific terms and conditions of your Enterprise Plus membership for details on potential benefits related to additional drivers.
How can I find out the exact additional driver fee for my rental?
The best way to find out the exact fee is to contact the specific Enterprise location where you plan to rent the car. You can also find information on the Enterprise website or by calling their customer service line, but the local branch will have the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Can I remove an additional driver from the rental agreement during the rental period?
Yes, you can remove an additional driver from the rental agreement during the rental period. However, it’s important to do so in person at an Enterprise location and have the individual removed from the agreement sign the paperwork. This ensures that they are no longer authorized to drive the vehicle and that you are no longer responsible for their actions while driving.