Several major car rental companies in the U.S. offer free additional driver benefits, primarily National Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Alamo Rent A Car. These three brands, all under the Enterprise Holdings umbrella, typically allow a customer's spouse or domestic partner to be added to the rental agreement at no extra cost. This policy is a significant advantage for long trips or shared driving duties.
However, this benefit is not universal. It often comes with specific conditions. The additional driver must meet the same age, license, and credit requirements as the primary renter. The free addition usually applies only to a spouse/partner; adding a friend, colleague, or a second family member (like an adult child) will almost always incur a daily fee, which can range from $15 to $25 per day. Furthermore, this policy is generally standard in the United States but may not apply to international rentals or rentals at certain airport locations governed by different concession fees.
Other major companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget typically charge a daily fee for any additional driver, though exceptions can exist for members of their loyalty programs (like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards or Avis Preferred) or for certain corporate accounts. It is crucial to read the terms carefully or call the specific rental location to confirm their policy before booking.
The table below compares the standard additional driver policies for major U.S. rental companies:
| Rental Company | Standard Additional Driver Fee (Per Day) | Free Additional Driver Policy |
|---|
| Alamo | $15 | Yes, for spouse/domestic partner |
| Enterprise | $15 | Yes, for spouse/domestic partner |
| National | $15 | Yes, for spouse/domestic partner |
| Hertz | $15 | Usually no, but check loyalty program benefits |
| Avis | $15 | Usually no, but check preferred member benefits |
| Budget | $15 | Usually no, but varies by location |
| Dollar | $12 | Rarely, varies by location and rental type |
| Thrifty | $14 | Rarely, varies by location and rental type |
The most reliable way to avoid these fees is to stick with Enterprise, National, or Alamo if you're traveling with your spouse. Always present your membership card and confirm the policy verbally at the counter to ensure there are no surprises on your final bill.
