How to Add an Additional Driver to Your Hertz Rental: A Comprehensive Guide
Adding an additional driver to your Hertz rental is a crucial step to ensure legal compliance and flexibility during your trip; this article provides a detailed guide on how to add an additional driver to Hertz and covers everything you need to know.
Why Add an Additional Driver?
Having multiple drivers offers numerous benefits, from sharing the driving burden on long trips to ensuring someone else can legally operate the vehicle if you become unable to. Understanding the advantages will help you appreciate the importance of properly adding an additional driver to your Hertz rental agreement.
- Shared Driving Responsibility: Long journeys can be tiring. Having multiple drivers allows you to rotate, preventing fatigue and improving safety.
- Flexibility: If you become ill or injured, another driver can take over, ensuring your trip isn’t derailed.
- Legal Compliance: Driving a rental car without being listed on the agreement is a violation of the rental terms and could lead to serious consequences.
Who Can Be an Additional Driver?
Hertz has specific requirements for who can be added as an additional driver. It’s essential to understand these criteria to avoid any issues during your rental period.
- Age Restrictions: Additional drivers must meet the minimum age requirements set by Hertz, which typically mirrors the renter’s age restrictions.
- Valid Driver’s License: A valid, unexpired driver’s license is mandatory. The license must be in good standing with no significant violations.
- Spouse or Domestic Partner: In many cases, spouses or domestic partners can be added as additional drivers without an extra fee (check Hertz’s specific policies for your location).
- Other Authorized Individuals: Other individuals may be added, but additional fees often apply.
How to Add an Additional Driver to Hertz?: The Step-by-Step Process
Adding an additional driver to your Hertz rental can be done at the time of booking or at the rental counter. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
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During Booking:
- When booking online, look for the “Additional Driver” section. This might be under “Options” or “Customize Your Rental.”
- Provide the full name and driver’s license information of the additional driver.
- Review the terms and conditions regarding additional drivers, including any applicable fees.
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At the Rental Counter:
- Inform the Hertz representative that you want to add an additional driver.
- The additional driver must be present with their valid driver’s license.
- The representative will add the driver to the rental agreement and explain any associated fees.
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Required Documentation:
- The additional driver’s valid driver’s license.
- Possibly a second form of identification.
Costs and Fees
Understandably, adding an additional driver may incur extra charges. Here’s what to expect:
- Daily Fee: In many locations, Hertz charges a daily fee for each additional driver.
- Spouse/Domestic Partner Exception: As mentioned earlier, spouses or domestic partners are often exempt from these fees, but documentation may be required.
- Corporate Accounts: Certain corporate accounts may include additional driver benefits, waiving the fee.
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: Members of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program may receive discounted or waived additional driver fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a straightforward process, mistakes can happen. These tips will help you avoid them:
- Assuming Spouse is Automatically Covered: Always verify that your spouse or domestic partner is officially added to the rental agreement, even if they are generally covered.
- Failing to Present the Additional Driver at the Counter: The additional driver must be present with their license for verification purposes.
- Ignoring Age Restrictions: Ensure the additional driver meets the minimum age requirements.
- Not Reviewing the Rental Agreement: Always carefully read the rental agreement to confirm that the additional driver is listed correctly.
- Driving Without Authorization: Never allow someone who is not listed on the rental agreement to drive the vehicle.
Important Considerations
- Insurance Coverage: Confirm that your insurance covers additional drivers. If not, you may need to purchase additional coverage from Hertz.
- Location-Specific Policies: Hertz policies can vary by location, so always check the specific terms and conditions for your rental.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program and Additional Drivers
The Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program can offer significant benefits, including potentially waived or discounted additional driver fees. It’s worthwhile to explore the program’s benefits if you frequently rent cars and often have additional drivers. Check the specific terms and conditions of your Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership for details.
Documentation Needed to Add an Additional Driver
When adding an additional driver, ensuring you have the correct documentation will streamline the process. The following documents are generally required:
- Valid Driver’s License: The primary requirement is a valid, unexpired driver’s license from the additional driver.
- Second Form of Identification: Depending on the location, a second form of identification might be requested. This could include a passport or credit card.
- Proof of Spousal Relationship (if applicable): If claiming the spousal exemption for additional driver fees, documentation such as a marriage certificate might be required.
What Happens if an Unauthorized Driver is Driving?
It is crucially important to remember that allowing an unauthorized driver to operate the vehicle can have serious consequences. If an accident occurs while an unauthorized driver is behind the wheel, insurance coverage might be voided, and you could be held liable for damages. Furthermore, Hertz could terminate the rental agreement and potentially pursue legal action.
FAQ:
Can I add an additional driver after picking up the rental car?
It’s generally possible, but it depends on the Hertz location. You’ll likely need to return to the rental counter with the additional driver and their valid driver’s license. It’s always best to add drivers at the time of pickup to avoid any issues.
Is there a limit to how many additional drivers I can add?
Hertz usually has a limit on the number of additional drivers you can add to a rental agreement. Check with the Hertz location for the specific limit. It’s typically around two or three additional drivers.
Does the additional driver need to be present when I pick up the car?
Yes, the additional driver typically needs to be present with their valid driver’s license when you pick up the car. This allows Hertz to verify their identity and ensure they meet the rental requirements. This is crucial for compliance with rental agreement terms.
Are there any age restrictions for additional drivers?
Yes, additional drivers must meet the minimum age requirements set by Hertz. This age typically mirrors the renter’s age restrictions. Ensure the additional driver meets the age requirement to avoid any complications.
Does my insurance cover the additional driver?
It’s essential to confirm that your insurance covers additional drivers. If not, you may need to purchase additional coverage from Hertz. Contact your insurance provider to verify your coverage details.
Can I add an additional driver if I’m renting with a debit card?
Renting with a debit card can sometimes impose stricter requirements, including limitations on adding additional drivers. Confirm with Hertz whether adding an additional driver is possible when using a debit card.
What if the additional driver has a foreign driver’s license?
Hertz generally accepts valid foreign driver’s licenses, but you might also need an International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on the country. Check Hertz’s specific requirements for foreign licenses.
Are spouses automatically considered additional drivers?
In many cases, spouses or domestic partners can be added as additional drivers without an extra fee, but you must still inform Hertz and add them to the rental agreement.
What happens if I let someone drive who is not on the rental agreement?
Allowing an unauthorized driver to operate the vehicle is a violation of the rental terms and could void your insurance coverage and result in legal repercussions. This is a serious breach of contract.
Does it cost extra to add an additional driver?
Yes, in most cases, Hertz charges a daily fee for each additional driver, unless an exemption applies, such as for spouses or through a membership program.
Does Hertz Gold Plus Rewards offer any benefits for additional drivers?
Yes, members of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program may receive discounted or waived additional driver fees. Check the specific terms and conditions of your membership for details.
Where can I find the most up-to-date information on Hertz’s additional driver policy?
The most up-to-date information can be found on the official Hertz website or by contacting a Hertz customer service representative directly. Always verify policies with Hertz directly before your rental.