When renting a car from Hertz, you might not always be the only person planning to drive it. Whether it’s a spouse, friend, colleague, or family member, many travelers prefer to share driving responsibilities on long trips.
However, allowing someone else to drive your rental car isn’t as simple as handing over the keys. Hertz, like most major rental companies, has a strict policy regarding additional drivers — including who qualifies, how to add them, and what fees may apply.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down Hertz’s Additional Driver Fee Policy in simple terms, so you know exactly what to expect and how to save money when renting a car with multiple drivers.
What Is an Additional Driver Fee?
An additional driver fee is a charge that rental companies apply when someone other than the primary renter will also be driving the vehicle. This fee helps cover the added insurance risk and administrative costs associated with authorizing multiple drivers.
Every person who drives the rental car must be listed on the rental agreement to be covered by Hertz’s insurance and liability policies. If someone who is not on the contract drives the car, it violates the rental terms and can lead to serious consequences — including loss of insurance coverage in the event of an accident.
In short, if you plan to let someone else take the wheel, you must add them to the contract and, in most cases, pay the additional driver fee. The fee amount and exemptions vary depending on who the additional driver is and where you’re renting.
Why Hertz Charges for Additional Drivers
Hertz charges an additional driver fee primarily for insurance and liability reasons. Every driver represents an added level of risk. Even if your spouse or friend has a clean driving record, the company’s insurance policy must extend to them, which increases Hertz’s potential exposure in case of an accident.
The administrative process of verifying each driver’s license, adding them to the contract, and maintaining accurate records also contributes to the fee.
These charges help Hertz manage those risks and ensure all authorized drivers are legally covered under the rental agreement. The goal isn’t to discourage multiple drivers but to make sure each one is properly documented and insured before they get behind the wheel.
Who Qualifies as an Additional Driver?
Not everyone can be listed as an additional driver. Hertz requires that every person added meets the same eligibility requirements as the primary renter. This ensures that all drivers are responsible and qualified to operate the vehicle safely. To qualify as an additional driver, the individual must meet the following basic requirements:
- Age Requirement: Must meet the minimum age requirement for the location, usually 21 years old, though it can vary depending on the country and vehicle type.
- Valid Driver’s License: Must present a valid driver’s license in good standing. International drivers may need an International Driving Permit in addition to their license.
- Physical Presence: Must be physically present at the rental counter to show their license and sign the rental agreement at the time of pickup.
- Relationship to Primary Renter: Some exemptions (like spouses or domestic partners) are based on their relationship with the primary renter.
Hertz typically allows multiple additional drivers, but each one must go through the same verification process. It’s not enough to simply tell Hertz over the phone or add a name online — the person must be listed officially in the rental paperwork.
How to Add an Additional Driver at Hertz
Adding an additional driver to your Hertz rental is a straightforward process. The best time to do it is when you pick up the car. Both the primary renter and the additional driver must be present at the counter to provide their identification and sign the agreement. Here’s how it typically works:
- Step 1: Inform the Hertz agent that you’d like to add an additional driver.
- Step 2: Have the additional driver present their valid driver’s license for verification.
- Step 3: The agent adds the driver’s details to the rental contract.
- Step 4: Both parties sign the agreement, and the additional driver is now legally authorized.
If you decide to add another driver after you’ve already picked up the car, you can usually visit any Hertz rental location with the additional driver to have them added to the contract. However, this must be done in person — you cannot add a driver over the phone or online without physical verification.
How Much Is the Hertz Additional Driver Fee?
The cost of adding an additional driver at Hertz varies by location, rental duration, and type of rental agreement. In most U.S. locations, the fee is typically around $13.50 per day per additional driver, up to a maximum of about $189 per rental period. This rate can differ depending on local taxes and regional regulations. In some countries, the fee may be higher or lower, or it might be included automatically in certain rental packages.
For example, corporate or business rentals often include one or more additional drivers at no extra cost. Likewise, some promotional deals, premium memberships, or government rentals may also waive these fees entirely. The best way to confirm the fee is to check the specific terms when you make your reservation or ask the Hertz representative at the counter before signing the agreement.
When the Additional Driver Fee Is Waived
Hertz offers several situations where the additional driver fee may be waived completely. These exemptions are designed to make it easier for certain categories of renters — like spouses, domestic partners, and business renters — to share driving duties without extra costs. Below are the most common cases where Hertz waives the fee:
- Spouse or Domestic Partner: In most U.S. locations, the spouse or domestic partner of the primary renter can be added as an additional driver at no extra charge. Both must still meet Hertz’s license and age requirements, but there’s no fee applied.
- Corporate or Business Rentals: If you’re renting under a corporate account or business agreement, Hertz often allows co-workers or employees listed under the same company rental profile to drive without extra fees.
- AAA Members: AAA members renting with Hertz can typically add one additional driver for free. This benefit is one of the membership perks offered through Hertz’s partnership with AAA.
- Gold Plus Rewards Members: Depending on your Hertz loyalty tier, you might receive a free additional driver as part of your membership benefits.
- Government or Military Rentals: Many government or military rentals automatically include free additional drivers, such as spouses or co-workers traveling on official business.
Even when a fee is waived, the additional driver must still be present and meet all the standard requirements before being added to the contract. Hertz does not allow verbal authorization or later retroactive additions without proper documentation.
Who Can’t Be Added as an Additional Driver
While Hertz provides flexibility for most renters, there are some restrictions on who can be listed as an additional driver. Certain individuals are not eligible to drive the vehicle under any circumstances:
- Unlicensed Drivers: Anyone without a valid driver’s license cannot be added, regardless of relationship to the renter.
- Underage Drivers: Those below the minimum rental age set by Hertz for that region are not permitted to drive.
- Unverified Drivers: People who do not appear in person to sign the agreement or show identification cannot legally be added.
- Third Parties Not Known to the Renter: You cannot authorize random individuals, delivery personnel, or friends of friends to drive the car.
Violating this policy by allowing unauthorized drivers can result in serious penalties, including loss of insurance coverage, fines, and being held personally responsible for any damages or accidents.
What Happens If an Unauthorized Person Drives the Car?
Letting an unauthorized person drive your Hertz rental car is one of the most serious violations of the rental agreement. It can void the company’s insurance and damage waiver protections, meaning you’ll be personally liable for any accidents, injuries, or damages that occur. In addition to financial responsibility, the company could charge penalties or even ban you from future rentals.
For example, if your friend takes the car for a short errand and gets into an accident, Hertz may treat it as a breach of contract. The renter’s liability insurance and collision damage waiver would likely not apply, leaving you responsible for the full repair cost and any associated damages. Always make sure every person who might drive the car is listed on the rental agreement before handing over the keys.
How Hertz Verifies Additional Drivers
Hertz takes additional driver verification seriously to protect both the company and the renters. When you add someone to the contract, they must provide their valid driver’s license and, in some cases, proof of identity (like a passport for international renters). The company will check for license validity, expiration dates, and any visible restrictions that could disqualify the driver from operating a rental car.
Some locations also conduct brief background checks through driving record databases, especially for luxury or specialty vehicles. This ensures that all drivers have clean records and meet the safety requirements set by Hertz. Only after these checks are completed will the additional driver be officially approved.
Adding Additional Drivers to Long-Term Rentals
If you’re renting a car from Hertz for an extended period, such as a monthly or long-term rental, you can still add additional drivers. In fact, it’s often encouraged to prevent fatigue during long trips. However, all the same rules apply: each driver must appear in person, provide valid identification, and sign the agreement. The fee structure may differ for long-term rentals, sometimes being capped or charged weekly instead of daily.
It’s also worth noting that for long-term rentals, you may need to reverify the additional drivers if the contract is renewed or extended. Hertz will notify you if updated signatures or documents are required at that time.
How to Avoid Paying the Additional Driver Fee
While Hertz’s additional driver fee is standard, there are several legitimate ways to avoid paying it. These strategies can help you save money without violating the rental terms:
- Rent Under a Corporate or Business Account: Many corporate accounts automatically include free additional drivers who are employees of the same company.
- Join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: Higher-tier members often get one free additional driver as a benefit.
- Book Through AAA: If you’re an AAA member, always use your membership number when booking to ensure you receive the free additional driver benefit.
- Rent in States That Prohibit the Fee: Some U.S. states, such as California, prohibit rental companies from charging extra for spouses or domestic partners. Knowing the local laws can save you money.
These methods allow you to share driving responsibilities safely and legally while avoiding unnecessary costs.
International Hertz Rentals and Additional Driver Fees
Hertz operates worldwide, and additional driver policies differ from country to country. In Europe, for example, the daily additional driver fee might range from €10 to €15, depending on the country. In some regions, such as the UK, spouses are not automatically exempt from the fee, while in others, local regulations require that one additional driver be included in the base rate. Always read the fine print when renting abroad, as the terms and exemptions you’re used to in the United States may not apply internationally.
Additionally, in some international locations, a maximum number of additional drivers may be set (typically two or three), and each must provide a valid driver’s license from their home country or an international permit. Failing to comply with these requirements can lead to denial of rental service or voided insurance coverage.
What Happens If an Additional Driver Has an Accident?
If an authorized additional driver gets into an accident while driving a Hertz rental, the situation is handled the same way as if the primary renter were behind the wheel. The company’s insurance coverage, loss damage waiver, and liability protections still apply, provided that the driver was properly listed on the contract. The renter will still be contacted since they are financially responsible for the rental agreement, but the coverage remains valid.
However, if the person driving at the time of the accident was not an authorized driver, the insurance protection is void. In that case, both the primary renter and the unauthorized driver may face legal and financial consequences. This is why it’s crucial to ensure everyone who might operate the car is properly added to the rental record.
Final Thoughts
Hertz’s additional driver policy may seem like a minor detail, but it plays a crucial role in protecting both renters and the company. By requiring every driver to be listed, Hertz ensures that everyone behind the wheel is covered, qualified, and accountable. The additional driver fee isn’t simply a random charge — it’s a measure to maintain safety, legality, and insurance coverage integrity.
If you’re planning a trip that involves long drives or shared driving duties, adding an additional driver can make your journey safer and less stressful. Just remember to check the fee structure ahead of time, look for available exemptions (such as AAA membership or spouse exemptions), and always follow the proper procedure to add them to your rental agreement.
Ultimately, understanding Hertz’s additional driver fee policy gives you the power to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs. Whether you’re traveling for business, on vacation, or moving between cities, being clear about who can drive and how much it will cost ensures a smoother rental experience from start to finish.
