For an additional fee, the rental company will waive all or a portion of the customers obligation to pay repair costs for damage to the vehicle caused by collision. A spouse or domestic partner is the only permitted additional driver on a rental secured with a debit card. Any additional authorized drivers must appear at time of rental and meet age and driver s license requirements. A rental car company has no responsibility to check that a driver has liability insurance, nor can a rental car company mandate that a driver purchase insurance. The minimum age also varies based on your situation. Mar 05, 2012 in california, the legislature has spoken based on civil code 1936 that rental car companies can have restrictions on younger drivers because of the statistics frankly but there is nothing in there that permits them to have restrictions against older drivers, bendavid says. However, young drivers may be subject to a limited car selection and an underage driver surcharge. Coverage for collision damage to the rental car under your personal automobile policy depends upon the policy language. For california, rental car companies do not automatically provide any liability protection to the renter as part of the standard rental agreement.
No car rental additional driver fees for spouses in these states in addition to california, where all additional drivers are free, some states allow the main drivers spouse to be an automatic authorized additional driver without a fee. The graves amendment and rental car liability findlaw. Most articles ive read say an additonal driver singular involves no extra fee, and some say the other persons name must be on the rental agreement at least if they are not your spouse. Hertz may provide the minimum primary liability protection to international customers drivers license indicates an address outside the usa. Airport rental stations add an airport recovery feearizonas airport recovery fees are very high, so you might want to forgo convenience and pick up your rental. California insurance companies are required to offer you a good drivers discount if you have a clean driving record.
Sixt allows you to share the driving responsibilities with friends and family members in your topquality rental car. An international driving permit idp is a translation of your home countrys other than english language drivers license. Existing law authorizes a company that rents passenger vehicles to the public to collect a customer facility charge, which means a fee that is required by an airport to be collected to finance, design, and construct airport car rental facilities, transportation systems, and terminal modifications, if specified. Spouses of renters in california, illinois, missouri, nevada, oregon, and wisconsin do not have to pay the additional driver fee. Read more to learn about california car insurance rates, laws, and programs. Many car rental companies have lowered the minimum age to rent a car to 21, but most charge an extra fee for drivers aged 21 to 24. Insurance companies, agents and brokers are required to comply with these insurance laws. State law in california, illinois, missouri, nevada, oregon and. Car rental additional driver info alamo rent a car.
It basically bars vicarious liability claims against car rental companies for injuries caused by their customers, unless it can be proven that the companys negligence or actions contributed to those injuries. The law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, but the rental car companies are not required to tell you. Car rental agencies in arizona also have the right to charge additional fees for drivers based on their own regulations. Dollar car rental additional driver policy according to. California car laws california car laws, rules and. With a oneway car rental, you can pick up a sixt rental car in one city and return it to a different office. Laws and regulations california insurance commissioner. Hertz rentacar that the rental car company must comply with the states elliottlarsen civil rights act, which prohibits discrimination based on age, religion, national origin, sex, etc. Rental car companies can be found all over the united states. Although including additional drivers on a rental contract used to be limited to spouses and domestic partners, many rental car companies like alamo, avis, and hertz now allow any licensed driver to be added to the contract for a fee. We have numerous protection packages and other optional features such as gps, child seats or an additional driver to help you have an optimal car rental experience. California dmv home page is available for customers to check out publications. Additional drivers must meet the same requirements as primary drivers. In deciding who pays for the rental car after an accident, the most important inquiry here is who caused the accident.
Share the wheel without paying for additional drivers. Car rental under 21 is available in michigan, new york state info below, and for military personnel and government employees. For certain vehicles, 25 year old age restrictions might be in effect. Some aggressive car rental agencies may automatically add.
The insurance pitfalls of california car rental vititoe law. The agency verifies the drivers license and insurance for the second driver as well. Car rental tip sheet new york state attorney general. Get to know our car rental requirements, terms and conditions, and general policies from age restrictions, payment and insurance options, additional driver policies, optional services, and more. If you buy their coverage, they say you can minimize your liability while driving their rental car. One of the joys of renting a car is that it enables you to travel, explore and experience new locations. You still need to list the additional driver on the contract, though. Rental companies usually offer drivers additional coverage options for a price. An additional daily fee may apply for any additional drivers. State law in california, illinois, missouri, nevada, oregon and wisconsin allows a spouse to be an automatic authorized driver as long as renter qualifications are met.
If you rent cars only in the state of california, you can probably stop reading now. The aaa website states that the car rental industry is not regulated and so renters must be aware of each companys policies. I understand that california law allows any rental to have an additional driver for no charge. Have you rented a vehicle with dollar rent a car, or are you planning to in the future. National car rental additional driver policy all drivers. It is implied and you do not have to alert them they wil. Do not smoke at any time when a minor is in the vehicle. Did you know that dollar gives you the option to add additional drivers to your rental. In california, rental companies cant charge you for adding an additional driver, and your spouse is automatically considered an additional driver with no extra paperwork. Car rental age restrictions, negligence and the law. Less on the state rental companies allow spouses automatically, more on the company. Hertz gold plus rewards free additional drivers in california. Additional driver or drivers in california have no extra fee. There are also some statespecific fees to consider, such as the california tourism tax and airport concession fees.
State antidiscrimination laws may have additional requirements. By law, there are no additional driver fees in california. Pdf version of the california driver handbook message new 2020 laws. The additional driver fee will be waived for any of the following types of rentals. Hertz may provide the minimum primary liability protection to international customers drivers license indicates an address outside the usa renting in california. The safe rental car act was signed into law in december 2015. This page was established with our ongoing goal of providing excellent,fair and responsive services to california consumers. California driver handbook additional driving lawsrules.
Rentals in states that allow a renters spouse to be an automatic authorized driver. Car rental age restrictions, negligence and the law legal. Thanks to a rental car you can sightsee in california on your desired timetable. At the time of rental an additional driver must be at least 21 years of age, present a valid driver s license, present a california rent a car honored charge card, and complete an additional driver form. Waiving additional driver fees for a disabled renters companion note. Other licensed drivers can be authorized to drive the rental vehicle if expressly listed on the rental agreement. Renting a car the office of attorney general keith ellison. But here is more car rental additional driver fees depend on location renting a car in california, there are no additional driver fees, regardless of whether the additional driver is a spouse or someone unrelated to you. Any additional authorized drivers must appear at time of rental and meet age and drivers license requirements. In 2015, auto rental news reported that there were over 2 million rental cars in service across the nation, with california ranking among the top states for annual car rentals. Companies often charge an additional fee for young drivers. Demystifying car rentals in the us insurance, additional.
This means a driver can leave the rental car companys lot without legally required liability insurance. Existing law governs contracts between rental car companies and their customers. Again, some rental car agencies in the us automatically allow for a spouse to be authorized based on state law, they are california. Car rental companies must allow your spouse to drive the vehicle if he or she is licensed and at least eighteen years of age.
Existing law limits how a rental car company is authorized to charge a. California, illinois, missouri, nevada, oregon, and. Share the wheel without paying for additional drivers fox news. Additional drivers, whether free or not, must meet the car rental companys rental requirements, including minimum age, credit card, and other qualifications if you fail to pay a required additional driver fee and there is an accident, it could cost you a lot of money. There are no additional driver fees in california at all by law. Oct 17, 2016 the state laws effectively make your spouse an additional authorized driver even if heshe is not listed on the rental agreement, so in the view of any policy providing coverage, that person is an authorized driver and thus will be covered to the same extent as any additional driver would be. The minimum age for rental was the same for all states except new york. Ab675 rental vehicles california legislative information. Jan 02, 2008 i worked for a rental car agency budget last year. Apr 25, 2014 no charges shall be levied for additional drivers on car rentals originating in the state of california. Dec 14, 2011 there are no additional driver fees in california at all by law. The best case scenario is that the other driver is at fault for the accident and they have insurance coverage. California driver handbook master table of contents. Oct 26, 2019 the following car rental companies charge additional driver fees.
Ask your dollar representative about adding an additional driver to your rental at the dollar counter. Ive heard rumours that there are no charges for additional drivers on car rentals in california by law but cant seem to find out if the number of drivers is capped. If you rent cars only in the state of california, you can probably stop reading now since we have some great news for you. Jan 16, 2020 complying with california s law on rental car insurance is the responsibility of the renter. Alamo any additional driver excluding a spouse or domestic partner will pay a daily fee. Apr 18, 2020 the additional driver still needs to present a valid drivers license and be listed on the contract. According to california state law, children must be seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in an appropriate car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 49 tall. With national car rental at mammoth yosemite airport. Does that driver have to be explicitly registered with the rental company. I am gold plus rewards five star and i am using the amex platinum cdp.
What this means is that most states have laws that say. How to avoid car rental additional driver fees autoslash. Drivers 21 and olderdui programs and restricted driver licenses. Jan 16, 2019 the graves amendment is part of a federal highway bill signed into law in 1995. Authorized drivers would be a spouse or domestic partner either same or opposite sex, or for one surrogate driver for a mobility impaired renter who meets the locations rental requirements. In california, there is no statemandated minimum or maximum age required for primary or additional rental car drivers. I understand that california law allows any rental to. If you are at least 19 years old, with proper driving credentials, you can rent a car from a fox. See reference 1 each rental car company enforces its own rules regarding rental car use and situations like extra drivers. Hi all, im looking at car rentals in san diego and palm springs. California car laws california car laws, rules and regulations. Car rental policy information for additional drivers, insurance, under 25 drivers, spousal policies, cancellation policy, equipment and fuel policies. Read your insurance policies for specifics, and call your insurers if youre.
Choose from one of our popular airport locations or find the perfect car at a neighborhood branch. California driver handbook additional driving laws rules. How to avoid car rental additional driver fees ratehub. At the time of rental an additional driver must be at least 21 years of age, present a valid driver s license, present a california rentacar honored charge card, and complete an additional driver form. Alamo charges a fee for all additional drivers, including spouses, except if the car is being rented under a corporate contract. The graves amendment is part of a federal highway bill signed into law in 1995. California insurance code select ins california insurance regulations title 10. This inclusion came after a 2000 lawsuit, in which a state court said in bickham v. If the other driver did, their auto insurance company is on the hook for rental car repair charges. An owner of a motor vehicle that rents or leases the vehicle to a person. Its a hard cost to factor in though, since the rules change, not only from car rental company to car rental company, but even from state to state. There is no additional driver fee in the us or canada for authorized drivers. State law in california, illinois, missouri, nevada, oregon and wisconsin allows a spouse to be anautomatic authorized driver as long as renter qualifications are met. Rent a car one way and enjoy some of california s top road trips.
Renting a car unleashes the full potential of your trip. In california, there is no additional authorized driver charge. California prohibits car rental companies from charging fees for additional authorized drivers, whether or not the additional driver is the spouse of the renter. The additional driver must meet all renter requirements, appear at the rental counter with the primary renter, present a valid driver s license and present a major credit card in their name at the time of rental they do not need a valid membership card. Car rental in mammoth yosemite airport mmh national. Ive heard rumours that there are no charges for additional drivers on car rentals in california by law but cant seem to find out if the number of. An owner of a motor vehicle that rents or leases the vehicle to a. Additional drivers must sign the rental contract and present a valid drivers license, debit or. California law requires that you have a way to cover costs related to damages or injuries you may have caused in a car. At the time of rental an additional driver must be at least 21 years of age, present a valid drivers license, present a california rentacar honored charge card, and complete an additional driver form. Children must remain in a rear facing car seat until they weigh 40 pounds or more or are at least 40 inches tall.
Vehicles in the states or provinces in which they intend to travel to ensure compliance with their various licensing laws. Also, rentals in california will be subject to both tourism and sales tax, which will increase your total rental costs. This means that adding additional drivers to your rental contract is free for rentals originating in california. A spouse or domestic partner is the only permitted additional driver on a rental secured with a debit card fees are also waived for the following. Sep 28, 2015 2 existing law, until january 1, 2020, requires a rental car company or its registered agent to accept service of a summons and complaint and any other required documents against a renter who resides out of this country for an accident or collision resulting from the operation of the rental vehicle in this state, if the rental car company provides liability insurance coverage as part of, or associated with, the rental agreement. The minimum age requirement to rent a vehicle with alamo is 21 years of age, but there is a young driver surcharge for all customers renting a car under age 25. There are no additional driver fees in california at all. Select your rental destination to view specific car rental policies by location, including policy information for. Ive only rented for two people, so never faced that question. Must meet the renting locations minimum age requirements, have a valid drivers license and show a major credit card in their own name at the rental counter. In which states are spouses automatic authorized drivers when.
When i attempt to make a booking, i get the information below with regards to additional drivers. However, you may be covered already through your own auto or homeowners policies. Below you can find our currently researched laws, regulations, and guidelines, and the general interpretation of them. At the time of rental you must present your home countrys valid drivers license and, if you have one, an idp to assist us in translating it. Additionally, members of alamo insiders do not have to pay for an additional driver. Here are the policies for additional drivers for the major car rental companies. However, keep in mind fees and restrictions vary by locationfrom state.
Essential information about renting a car with an additional driver. The car rental agency charges you extra fees for adding a second driver to your contract. If youre in the market for a great deal on car rentals in california, expedia knows how to fit your travel needs. Car rental california huge savings sixt rent a car. What rental car companies allow spouses to drive for free.
So youre about to hit the road on your big vacation and youre at the rental car counter trying to figure out who is going to drive. Beware of this california car rental insurance gotcha autoslash. There are also additional fees if you require a child safety seat or gps. Enterprise, national and alamo automatically include a spouse as an additional driver at no extra charge. According to the law, there are no additional driver fees in california, and it doesnt matter if the additional driver is a spouse or. Car rental additional driver fees the flight expert. Both the amount of the fee and the language of the waiver vary.
California car rental low rates enterprise rentacar. The rental car companies do not require liability insurance, yet liability insurance is required in order to legally operate a vehicle in california. This goes for all companies, regardless of whether the additional driver is a spouse or someone unrelated to you. California dmv home page is available for customers to check out publications, download forms, brochures, faqs, vehicle information, boats, vessel, and field offices. Beware of this california car rental insurance gotcha. With all of these rental vehicles on the road the chances of accidents occurring are high. In which states are spouses automatic authorized drivers. Some rental companies charge fees for additional authorized drivers even spouses.