Yes, your daughter can drive your Hertz rental car, but only after she is officially added to the rental agreement at the counter, with all required documentation, and by paying any applicable daily Young Renter Fee if she is under 25. This is a non-negotiable procedure for insurance and liability coverage. Simply being a family member does not grant her permission to drive. Failure to add her properly means she would be driving without authorization, invalidating any insurance coverage and leaving you fully financially responsible for any damage or accident.
The process requires meeting three specific conditions. First, both you (the primary renter) and your daughter must be present at the rental location with their original, valid driver’s licenses. Hertz cannot add an additional driver who is not physically there. Second, you must provide a second credit card in her name for the additional driver authorization. Hertz will typically perform a credit check and place a hold on her card, separate from the hold on your card, as a security measure.
The third condition involves age. If your daughter is under the age of 25, Hertz will charge a Young Renter Fee. This daily fee varies significantly by country and state due to local regulations and risk assessments. In the United States, for instance, the fee is commonly $27 per day, but it can be higher in certain metro areas or for specific vehicle classes. In some European locations, the fee may be a fixed amount around €25-€35 per day. This fee is mandatory and is applied for every day of the rental period, not just the days she actually drives.
It is critical to understand that adding an additional driver is not automatic or free (aside from a spouse or domestic partner in some U.S. locations, where permitted by state law). You must request it at the initial rental pickup. Trying to add a driver later usually requires returning to the rental counter, which may not be practical. All added drivers must meet Hertz’s standard renter qualifications, including holding a license for at least one year.
From an insurance perspective, this official addition is paramount. Once she is on the agreement, she is covered under the rental’s basic liability protection and any optional protection products you purchased. If she drives while not listed, it constitutes a breach of contract. In the event of an incident, you could be liable for the full value of the vehicle and any third-party damages, as the Loss Damage Waiver and other protections would be void.
| Requirement | Key Action | Note / Typical Cost |
|---|
| Documentation | Present original, valid driver's licenses for both parties at the counter. | Licenses must be in good standing, not expired. |
| Credit Card | Provide a second credit card in the additional driver's name. | A hold will be placed; debit cards or cash are not accepted for this. |
| Age-Based Fee | Pay the Young Renter Fee for drivers under 25. | Applied daily (e.g., ~$27/day in U.S.; €25-35/day in parts of Europe). |
| Insurance Validity | Coverage only applies after official addition to the contract. | Driving while unlisted voids all protection, creating full financial liability. |
Always check Hertz’s official policy website or confirm directly when booking, as local laws and franchisee rules can cause variations in fees and eligible additional driver relationships.
