Yes, additional drivers can return rental cars for enterprise, budget, and other major car rental companies. If you’re renting a car and plan to share driving responsibilities with someone else, you may wonder if both of you need to be present when returning the vehicle.
The good news is that most major car rental companies, including enterprise and budget, allow additional drivers to return the rental car. However, it’s important to ensure that the additional driver has the necessary documentation and information to successfully return the car, such as the rental agreement, keys, and any damage reports.
In this article, we’ll discuss the process for returning rental cars with an additional driver and provide tips for success.
Credit: blog.rentcars.com
Rental Car Companies’ Policies
Discuss The Varying Policies Of Different Rental Car Companies Regarding Additional Drivers Returning Rental Cars
When renting a car, you may wonder if someone other than you can return the vehicle on your behalf. This scenario may arise if you are traveling with friends or family members and they need to return the rental car when you are not available.
The good news is that you can add an additional driver to your rental agreement, but each rental car company has its policy. In this section, we will elaborate on the policies of popular rental car companies such as enterprise, budget, avis, etc.
Enterprise Policies
Enterprise allows customers to add drivers during the reservation process, and the additional driver must be present to sign the rental agreement. If an additional driver is not on the reservation, they will need to present a valid driver’s license and meet all the rental requirements to become an authorized operator.
However, enterprise does not allow additional drivers to return the rental vehicle.
Budget Policies
Budget allows additional drivers to be added to a rental agreement, but the primary renter must be present to sign the rental agreement. If the renter who is listed on the rental agreement is not available, the additional driver will not be allowed to drive the vehicle.
Budget does allow additional drivers to return the rental vehicle if they are listed on the rental agreement.
Avis Policies
Avis allows customers to add additional drivers during the reservation process, and the additional driver must be present to sign the rental agreement. Avis permits authorized drivers to return the vehicle to a different rental location if it is one of avis’ corporate-owned locations.
However, if the rental location is a franchise, the primary renter must return the rental vehicle.
Hertz Policies
Hertz allows renters to add additional drivers during the reservation process. The additional driver must present their driver’s license and meet all hertz rental requirements before they can operate the vehicle. The primary renter does not need to be present when an additional driver returns the rental vehicle.
Highlight The Differences In Policies Between Different Rental Car Companies
As you can tell, each rental car company has its policies regarding additional drivers and returning rental vehicles. Here are the main differences:
- Enterprise does not allow additional drivers to return the rental vehicle, while most other companies do.
- Budget requires the primary renter to be present to sign the rental agreement, while other companies require the additional driver to be present.
- Avis permits authorized drivers to return the rental vehicle to a different location only if it is one of avis’ corporate-owned locations.
- Hertz has the most relaxed policy, allowing additional drivers to return the rental vehicle without the primary renter’s presence.
Understanding and following the rental car company’s policies can help you avoid rental car return issues, protect your wallet, and ensure you have a hassle-free rental experience.
Factors To Consider
As a rental car customer, it’s normal to think about adding an extra driver for convenience or safety. However, before doing so, it’s important to consider the following factors to ensure that you won’t experience any problems during the rental period.
Discuss The Factors One Should Consider Before Adding An Additional Driver To Their Rental Car:
- What’s the rental company’s policy on additional drivers? Different rental companies have their own policies regarding the additional driver’s age and driving experience. Check with the rental company beforehand to avoid any additional fees or other penalties.
- Will every driver who will use the car be listed on the rental agreement? Each driver must be listed on the rental contract to be covered by the insurance policy. Anyone who’s not listed on the agreement will be liable for any accidents or damages incurred while driving the rental car.
- Does the state have different laws regarding additional drivers? Some states have more strict regulations and rules regarding additional drivers. Do some research online to understand the specifics of each state’s laws.
- Can the additional driver handle the car safely? To ensure everyone’s safety during the rental period, it’s essential to determine the additional driver’s ability to operate the rental car efficiently. Are they familiar with the rental car’s type, size, and operations?
Elaborate On The Implications Of Adding An Additional Driver To A Rental Car:
Adding an additional driver to a rental car may have consequences that could take a toll on your pocket. If you don’t add them to the agreement, they won’t be insured under the rental policy, and the rental company might hold you responsible for any damages incurred.
Moreover, it could result in additional fees or charges, leading to a higher rental cost. On the other hand, including an additional driver can provide convenience in scenarios like a long trip or when you don’t want to be the sole driver.
Mention The Financial Implications Of Adding An Additional Driver To A Rental Car:
- Additional fees: In most cases, rental car companies will charge extra for additional drivers. The rate and fee amount can vary depending on the rental company, location, and other factors.
- Collision coverage: If you include an extra driver who’s not listed on the rental agreement and they get into an accident, the rental company can deny the coverage for car damage repairs.
- Liability insurance: Liability insurance is essential to cover for damages and injuries incurred in a car accident. Keeping an extra driver not included in the rental agreement means their insurance coverage might not apply.
- Fuel expenses and usage: Having an extra driver can also result in additional fuel expenses or greater mileage, resulting in more costs.
Before adding an extra driver to a rental car, be aware of the extra charges, insurance coverage, agreements, and laws that might apply. Doing the necessary research beforehand helps prevent unwanted surprises that could potentially ruin your car rental experience.
Alternative Options
Are you planning to rent a car but aren’t sure if an additional driver will be available to return it? Don’t worry, there are alternative options available that will work just as well. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Returning The Car Personally
If there isn’t an additional driver available to return the rental car, the most common alternative option is to return it personally. This simply means that you’ll have to take the rental car back to the rental company on your own.
Pros:
- You can ensure that the rental car is returned on time.
- You’ll have the chance to check the rental car for any damages before returning it.
- You won’t have to worry about the rental car not being returned at all.
Cons:
- You’ll have to spend extra time returning the rental car, especially if the rental company is far away.
- You’ll have to handle all the logistics involved in getting back to your destination after returning the rental car.
Using A Rental Car Shuttle
Another alternative option for returning a rental car without an additional driver is to use a rental car shuttle.
Pros:
- You won’t have to worry about returning the rental car personally.
- You can save time and effort by letting the rental car shuttle take you back to your destination.
Cons:
- You’ll have to pay extra for the shuttle service.
- You’ll have to make sure that the shuttle service is available at the rental company.
Arranging For A Pick-Up Service
If a rental car shuttle isn’t an option, you can arrange for a pick-up service that will come and take the rental car back for you.
Pros:
- You won’t have to worry about returning the rental car yourself.
- You can save time and effort by arranging for the pick-up service to come to you.
Cons:
- You’ll have to pay extra for the pick-up service.
- You’ll have to make sure that the pick-up service is available at the rental company.
Returning a rental car without an additional driver is possible if you use one of the alternative options available. Whether you choose to return the rental car personally, use a rental car shuttle, or arrange for a pick-up service, make sure to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions Of Can Additional Driver Return Rental Car Enterprise Budget Etc
Can Someone Else Return A Rental Car For Me?
Yes, most rental car companies allow additional drivers to return the car. However, the person returning the car will need to have a valid driver’s license, and the rental agreement should have their name listed as an authorized driver.
What Do You Need To Bring To Return A Rental Car?
To return a rental car, you will need to bring the car’s keys, the rental agreement, and a full tank of gas (unless you opted for pre-paid fuel). You may also need to show your driver’s license and the credit card you used to make the reservation.
Can I Return My Rental Car Early?
Yes, most rental car companies allow you to return your car early. However, you may be charged a fee for returning the car before the scheduled return date. It’s essential to review your rental agreement to see if there are any penalties.
Can I Return A Rental Car After The Closing Time?
Many rental car companies offer after-hours drop-off options for returning rental cars. However, you should check with the specific rental company ahead of time to see if they offer after-hours drop-off and any instructions they may have.
Can I Return A Rental Car To A Different Location?
Yes, most car rental companies allow you to return your car to a different location. However, you may have to pay an additional fee for a one-way rental, and you should notify the rental company ahead of time to ensure they can accommodate your request.
Is There A Penalty For Not Returning The Rental Car On Time?
Yes, there may be a penalty for not returning the rental car on time. The specific penalty varies between rental companies, but it can range from a late fee to an additional day’s rental charge. It is essential to check your rental agreement for details.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several factors to consider when it comes to allowing an additional driver to return a rental car. It is crucial to understand the policy of the rental car company and make sure everything is clearly explained and documented.
Moreover, you should also keep in mind that additional fees may apply, which can significantly increase the rental cost. However, if you plan ahead and communicate with everyone involved, adding an extra driver and allowing them to return the rental car can be a convenient option.
By doing so, you can avoid the hassle and stress of returning the car yourself and give yourself some extra time to relax or take care of other important matters. So, before you rent a car and consider adding an additional driver, make sure to do your research and fully understand the rental agreement terms and conditions.