Car rental questions about drivers under age 25

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

So I see now that some companies are allowing drivers between 21 and 24 at an extra rate of around $25 -$30/day.

Question: I don't take the rental insurance because it's covered either by my credit card, or auto policy, or both. But what happens if I rent the car and let my 23 y.o. drive, in case of an accident? I guess the same thing if I allow any other additional driver that I don't sign up with the rental agency? But what is that?

[bnoble Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bnoble]

Check with your agent regarding your own auto policy, and what it does/does not cover.

My AmEx policy specifically says it does not cover loss/damage that occurs under "operation of the Rental Auto in violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Company agreement (including but not limited to losses occurring when: a person not permitted to operate the vehicle pursuant to terms of the rental agreement was in possession or control of the vehicle; or, driving the vehicle outside of the authorized rental territory);"

And of course, if you have LDW or other insurance included in your rental rate, it applies only to authorized drivers.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Check with your agent regarding your own auto policy, and what it does/does not cover.

My AmEx policy specifically says it does not cover loss/damage that occurs under "operation of the Rental Auto in violation of the terms and conditions of the Rental Company agreement (including but not limited to losses occurring when: a person not permitted to operate the vehicle pursuant to terms of the rental agreement was in possession or control of the vehicle; or, driving the vehicle outside of the authorized rental territory);"

And of course, if you have LDW or other insurance included in your rental rate, it applies only to authorized drivers.

Ok, well, that makes a great deal of sense. Thanks.

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

I'm afraid I call AmEx every single time we rent a car, to be sure I know what I'm supposed to say yes to and what I'm supposed to say no to on the rental form. They're always very patient with me.

[easyrider Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close easyrider]

So I see now that some companies are allowing drivers between 21 and 24 at an extra rate of around $25 -$30/day.

Question: I don't take the rental insurance because it's covered either by my credit card, or auto policy, or both. But what happens if I rent the car and let my 23 y.o. drive, in case of an accident? I guess the same thing if I allow any other additional driver that I don't sign up with the rental agency? But what is that?

As long as you have the extra drivers listed as extra drivers by the car rental agency you are in compliance. You don't need the car rental insurance in the USA if your own insurance would cover the liability with the extra driver. My insurance allows me to let anyone operate my vehicles so in my case I could let someone use my rental car as long as I don't breach the rental car contract.

To be certain, I would call my insurance company first. Im not aware of any rule from Amex that would deny coverage as long as your in compliance with your contract.

[SallyHoover Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close SallyHoover]

I would imagine you would have to list them as an authorized driver with the car rental company. At that point because of the age the extra fee would apply and in some cases another fee just for having another driver. Most companies require other authorized drivers to provide a DL when picking up the car. Some don't require it for spouses. I've also seen it where business associates when traveling on business using a company discount automatically are covered and don't need to provide any additional documentation. So in addition to checking with your insurance I would just check on the car rental company's policy on additional drivers.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

I would imagine you would have to list them as an authorized driver with the car rental company. At that point because of the age the extra fee would apply and in some cases another fee just for having another driver. Most companies require other authorized drivers to provide a DL when picking up the car. Some don't require it for spouses. I've also seen it where business associates when traveling on business using a company discount automatically are covered and don't need to provide any additional documentation. So in addition to checking with your insurance I would just check on the car rental company's policy on additional drivers.

Yes, I think that's right. I'd have to list him and pay the extra fee. Totally annoying bc he will only need the car for a day or two out of seven.

[SallyHoover Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close SallyHoover]

Where will you be? It might be less expensive to have him book another car for the 1 or 2 days he needs it then to pay the fee for the entire week that you have yours.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Where will you be? It might be less expensive to have him book another car for the 1 or 2 days he needs it then to pay the fee for the entire week that you have yours.

Hmm. Perhaps. I will check that. I am guessing it will be a wash and just easier to add him, but worth checking. Thanks for the idea!