Does auto insurance cover a second driver when renting a car? (2024)
Auto insurance does cover a second driver when renting a car if you add them to your policy. Additional driver insurance for rental car coverage adds around $5 daily. We'll explain what happens if you drive a rental car that is not in your name and other rules for having a rental car second driver here.
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Zach Fagiano
Licensed Insurance Broker
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Licensed Insurance Broker
UPDATED: Oct 24, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 24, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Does car rental insurance cover other drivers? Auto insurance does cover a second driver when renting a car if they’re on your insurance or rental agreement.
The best auto insurance companies usually extend your policy to rental cars, covering other named drivers. However, if this isn’t the case, you’ll need coverage from the rental car company, and the second driver must be on the agreement.
Some credit cards also offer rental coverage, extending to additional drivers listed on the rental contract.
Ready to shop around for additional driver rental car insurance? Enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above to compare rates from the top providers in your area.
- For additional driver rental car coverage, add them to your policy or rental contract
- Rental car insurance is supplemental insurance that adds to your auto insurance
- Some credit card companies offer temporary or free travel insurance as a perk
How to Cover a Second Driver on Rental Car Insurance
Generally, most insurers extend your personal car insurance policy to any cars you rent. However, if you rent a car, can someone else drive it? To get car rental additional driver insurance, you must add them to your policy as a named driver. Read more in our article: Best Rental Car Insurance That Covers Additional Drivers.
However, what should you do if you don’t have insurance or your personal policy won’t cover rentals? You can get coverage directly from the rental car company and add additional drivers to the rental contract. That way, you know you’re covered if that person happens to crash or damage the vehicle.
The table below shows average daily rates by state for rental car insurance, including how much extra a second driver costs:
Rental Auto Insurance Daily Rates by State and Driver
| State | One Driver | Additional Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $15 | $20 |
| Alabama | $12 | $17 |
| Arkansas | $12 | $17 |
| Arizona | $14 | $19 |
| California | $20 | $25 |
| Colorado | $15 | $20 |
| Connecticut | $16 | $21 |
| District of Columbia | $18 | $23 |
| Delaware | $14 | $19 |
| Florida | $18 | $23 |
| Georgia | $15 | $20 |
| Hawaii | $20 | $25 |
| Iowa | $12 | $17 |
| Idaho | $12 | $17 |
| Illinois | $15 | $20 |
| Indiana | $13 | $18 |
| Kansas | $12 | $17 |
| Kentucky | $13 | $18 |
| Louisiana | $15 | $20 |
| Massachusetts | $17 | $22 |
| Maryland | $16 | $21 |
| Maine | $13 | $18 |
| Michigan | $18 | $23 |
| Minnesota | $14 | $19 |
| Missouri | $13 | $18 |
| Mississippi | $12 | $17 |
| Montana | $12 | $17 |
| North Carolina | $14 | $19 |
| North Dakota | $12 | $17 |
| Nebraska | $12 | $17 |
| New Hampshire | $13 | $18 |
| New Jersey | $18 | $23 |
| New Mexico | $14 | $19 |
| Nevada | $20 | $25 |
| New York | $25 | $30 |
| Ohio | $13 | $18 |
| Oklahoma | $12 | $17 |
| Oregon | $15 | $20 |
| Pennsylvania | $16 | $21 |
| Rhode Island | $16 | $21 |
| South Carolina | $14 | $19 |
| South Dakota | $12 | $17 |
| Tennessee | $13 | $18 |
| Texas | $15 | $20 |
| Utah | $14 | $19 |
| Virginia | $14 | $19 |
| Vermont | $13 | $18 |
| Washington | $15 | $20 |
| Wisconsin | $13 | $18 |
| West Virginia | $13 | $18 |
| Wyoming | $12 | $17 |
In addition, you can check out the table below to see daily coverage rates by rental company:
Rental Auto Insurance Daily Rates by Rental Company
| Rental Company | Collision Damage Waiver | Liability Coverage | Personal Accident/Effects | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | $25 | $13 | $6 | $44 |
| Avis | $28 | $16 | $10 | $54 |
| Budget | $9 | $15 | $7 | $31 |
| Dollar | $23 | $15 | $8 | $46 |
| Enterprise | $30 | $17 | $13 | $60 |
| Fox | $20 | $15 | $7 | $42 |
| Hertz | $27 | $19 | $7 | $53 |
| National | $26 | $18 | $9 | $53 |
| Payless | $22 | $12 | $6 | $40 |
| Sixt | $30 | $20 | $10 | $60 |
| Thrifty | $24 | $14 | $8 | $46 |
Buying the supplementary car insurance offered by a rental company is often the easiest way to make sure your second driver is covered. If the second driver is named on your existing insurance policy, they may be covered for liability and even collision damage already.
Read More: Does my auto insurance cover rental cars?
However, it’s important to make sure that you have reviewed your policy to make sure your second driver is covered by your auto insurance. Adding rental car insurance means you don’t have to rely solely on your personal policy, and this only increases your level of protection for yourself and any second driver.
Driving a rental car not in your name is risky. If you don’t list a second driver on your rental car and someone else is caught driving, you could be liable for any damages or losses.
Learn More: Best Companies for Cheap Rental Car Insurance
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How Rental Car Insurance Works
Rental car companies offer insurance for third-party bodily injury liability, third-party property damage liability, theft or collision damage, and protection for your personal effects.
A lot of people find it easier to buy on-the-spot insurance coverage for a rental car, but you might not even need it. The auto insurance policy you purchased for your own car might already protect the rental car for the rental contract period.
Your own auto insurance coverage for injury liability will usually extend to the rental car you’re driving as well, but it won’t usually extend to your second driver, unless they are also insured on your policy. In this case, your second driver must either have their own insurance, or you should add them to the rental contract to make sure they’re covered.
If you have comprehensive or full coverage on your car at home, it may extend to rental cars. This varies by insurance company and policy, so you'll need to check. However, to extend the coverage to second drivers, you must name them on your personal insurance policy.Scott W. Johnson Licensed Insurance Agent
So, can someone else drive my rental car? The second driver on your auto insurance policy can drive the rental car in your name, as long as your auto insurance provider says it’s okay.
Getting Rental Insurance Through Your Credit Card
Most credit cards offer certain benefits, and among those perks you can sometimes get rental insurance. However, you’ll need to purchase the rental insurance with your credit card that offers that perk.
So, does credit card rental insurance cover an additional driver? It will if you add the second driver to your rental car agreement.
Here’s a list of top credit cards recognized for their excellent rental car insurance benefits:
- American Express Platinum Card: Offers secondary rental car loss and damage insurance of up to $75,000 for theft or damage to most rental cars. (Read More: Auto Insurance Discount for American Express Employees)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Offers up to $75,000 in theft and collision coverage for up to 31 consecutive days in most countries.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Offers coverage for collision damage waiver, loss-of-use, theft, damage, and towing up to the rental car’s value for most vehicles.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Offers full theft and collision coverage for rental cars valued below $75,000. It covers up to 15 consecutive days in your country of residence, whereas you have up to 31 consecutive days in other countries. (Learn More: Does auto insurance cover you when driving abroad?)
- Ink Business Preferred: Offers coverage for theft and collision damages for most rental cars up to their value. It covers 31 days of consecutive coverage in most countries.
Having a credit card that offers supplemental car insurance coverage is just an added bonus. If you already have auto insurance and rental insurance on top of that, you’ll have even more protection than the average person.
If you’re traveling outside the U.S. and decide to purchase a rental car, ask about your credit card coverage. However, keep in mind that you might be required to use the credit card to pay for the car rental in full to receive this coverage.
Getting Coverage for a Second Driver with a Rental Car
So, are additional drivers insured on my rental car? Getting coverage for a second driver with a rental car is as easy as adding them to your rental car insurance policy. Adding a second driver to your supplemental rental car insurance is the best way to make sure they’ll be covered the same way you would in the event of an auto accident.
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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) February 28, 2024
Stack up rental insurance for more protection. To get started on finding auto insurance types that extend to rental vehicles, use our free quote tool below to compare rates from the cheapest auto insurance companies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does my insurance cover an additional driver on a rental car?
Is an additional driver insured on my personal insurance? Generally, most auto insurance policies automatically extend coverage to rental cars. However, to insure more drivers, they must get added to your policy.
If you’re not sure whether your insurance covers an additional driver on a rental car, it’s important to check your policy details.
Some insurance policies provide coverage for additional drivers on rental cars, while others don’t. It’s best to review your policy or contact your insurance provider to confirm whether you have this coverage.
If your insurance does not cover additional drivers on rental cars, you should consider purchasing additional coverage from the rental car company to ensure that you and any additional drivers are protected while using your rented vehicle.
What is a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW)?
A collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) is an optional coverage provided by rental car companies. It relieves the renter from financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen. CDW/LDW is not insurance but a waiver that states the rental car company will not seek compensation from the renter in case of covered damages or theft.
Can I add an additional driver to my rental car agreement?
Yes, most rental car companies allow you to add additional drivers to the rental agreement. However, keep in mind that the rental car company may charge an extra fee for each additional driver. It’s essential to inform the rental car company about any additional drivers and ensure they meet the rental requirements.
Are there any limitations or restrictions for additional drivers when renting a car?
Yes, rental car companies often impose limitations or restrictions on additional drivers. These may include minimum age requirements, a valid driver’s license, and additional fees. It’s crucial to check with the rental car company to understand their specific policies and requirements for additional drivers.
What happens if someone else drives your rental car and gets in an accident?
What happens if you rent a car and someone else drives it, causing an accident? If an uninsured second driver is involved in an accident with a rental car, the financial responsibility for damages typically falls on the driver.
In such cases, the driver may be personally liable for the costs associated with the accident, including vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and property damage. It’s always advisable to have adequate insurance coverage when renting a car and to verify whether additional driver coverage is available.
Does the coverage for additional drivers apply internationally?
Coverage for additional drivers when renting a car internationally can vary. Personal auto insurance policies and credit card coverage may have limitations or exclusions for international rentals. It’s crucial to review your policy or contact your insurance provider and credit card company to understand the extent of coverage when renting a car abroad. Additionally, check with the rental car company regarding their insurance options for international rentals and any specific requirements or restrictions for additional drivers.
Can I rent a car for someone else?
No, you can’t rent a car in your name for someone else to use unless you add that person as an additional driver.
Can I drive a rental car if I’m not on the contract?
Generally, your name must be on the rental car agreement to have authorization to drive it.
How much does it cost to add an additional driver to rental insurance?
If you got your coverage through a rental car company, it usually costs around $5/day to add an additional driver.
How do I add a second driver to my rental car insurance?
You’ll need to ensure the primary driver and additional driver are present when picking up the rental, as they’ll both need to be listed on the rental agreement. The second driver must also be of legal driving age and have a driver’s license.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Zach Fagiano
Licensed Insurance Broker
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Licensed Insurance Broker
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.