can two people drive the same rental car

[McAugust]

Yes, two people can typically drive the same rental car, but it is not automatic. The second driver must always be added to the rental agreement through the company, usually for an additional daily fee. Allowing an unauthorized person to drive violates the contract and voids the insurance coverage, leaving you financially responsible for any damage.

The process is straightforward. When you pick up the car, present a valid driver's license and a credit card for both the primary renter and the additional driver. Major companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis have specific policies, but the core requirement is consistent: every driver must be registered.

Key considerations for adding a driver:

• Fee Structure: Expect to pay an Additional Driver Fee, which typically ranges from $10 to $15 per day. Some elite loyalty program statuses or specific corporate contracts may waive this fee.
• Age Requirements: The minimum age to rent a car is usually 25 in the U.S., but younger renters (21-24) face a "Young Renter Surcharge." Additional drivers must also meet the same age requirements as the primary renter. A 20-year-old cannot be added as a driver if the primary renter is 25.
• License Validity: Both drivers must possess a valid, non-provisional driver's license that has been held for typically at least one year. International renters often need a valid passport and an International Driving Permit alongside their home country's license.

Rental Company	Additional Driver Fee (Approx.)	Key Policy Notes
Enterprise	$15/day	Spouses/domestic partners may be added at no cost in some states; fee waiver for some AAA members.
Hertz	$15/day	Fee is waived for Gold Plus Rewards Five Star members.
Avis	$15/day	Spouses may be added for free in certain states; fee waiver for Avis Preferred members.
Budget	$15/day	Policies often mirror Avis, as they are sister companies.
National	$15/day	Emerald Club Executive Elite members can add additional drivers for free.

The primary advantage is sharing the driving load on long trips, reducing fatigue and increasing safety. Before booking, always check the specific policy on the rental company’s website or by calling directly. Never hand the keys to an unregistered driver; the financial risk is simply too high.

[PiperAnn]

Absolutely, but you have to do it the right way. Just adding someone's name at the counter takes five minutes and costs a bit extra each day. It's a no-brainer for a road trip—way safer than one person doing all the driving. The key rule is simple: if they're not on the contract, they don't drive. Period. That's how you avoid a massive headache if something happens.

[ManuelDella]

From an insurance and liability perspective, the answer is conditional. The rental agreement and the accompanying Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or insurance coverage are only valid for authorized drivers. Permitting an unlisted driver to operate the vehicle constitutes a breach of contract. In the event of an accident, the rental company would deny the claim, and you could be held liable for the full value of the vehicle and any third-party damages. The nominal daily fee for an additional driver is a minor cost compared to this significant financial exposure.