Getting free additional driver

CannyEdinburgher

Just used MSE to help me book car hire for a trip to Canada. After a bit of digging found that if you join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards programme (need to give them credit card details and driving licence number but no charges and can opt out of ad emails) you get automatic additional driver for your spouse/partner. They don't heavily advertise this rather tell you about preferential treatment when you get to hire desk, potential car upgrades and special member deals but as my wife and I always share driving this has saved us around £70 on a 12 day hire. That then made Hertz cheaper than anything I could get through MSE links. Just thought I'd pass it on.

ChristineL

Quite correct and well spotted. Avis Preferred also covers spouse without the need for additional driver fees. Mr L and I have used both Hertz & Avis for years and it does sometime make them cheaper than others.

One tip - Get a printout of the Hertz Gold or Avis Preferred terms and condition with the bit that says spouse can drive highlighted and keep it in the car with your rental agreement for the duration of the rental.

In the USA at least you are required to carry proof of insurance at all times. The car rental agreement that you get when you collect the car lists the insurance coverage but also that says "No Additional Authorized Operators Without Our Prior Written Approval." (That's Hertz as I just happen to have a copy of one of their agreements close to hand. But Avis have something similar on theirs too). The Hertz Gold or Avis Preferred T&C's are the "written approval" that override this.

Drive safe.

PS. It's on Page 10 of the Hertz Gold T&C and Page 18 of Avis Preferred T&C

CannyEdinburgher

Thanks, Christine. The T&Cs are a right riveting read! Think I've just wasted some of the money I've saved on printer ink!!

ChristineL

:rotfl: Canny, save ink and paper by only printing and and carrying 2 pages; the cover and the one that says spouse can drive too.

bagand96

If you are a British Airways Executive Club Member you get a free additional driver with Avis if you book on BA's website.

deary65

If you book through opodo they add a one free driver

ChristineL

... and while we're gathering this useful info all in one place, Alamo/Brits also include free additional drivers in the USA.
https://www.alamo.co.uk/brits

photome

ChristineL wrote: »

... and while we're gathering this useful info all in one place, Alamo/Brits also include free additional drivers in the USA.
https://www.alamo.co.uk/brits

At the bottom of that page linked to it says this

You may be requested to present your copy of the Brit Guide in order to qualify for your rental at time of pick up.


Those rates are cheapest i have seen that include an extra driver but the above has me worried

photome

deary65 wrote: »

If you book through opodo they add a one free driver

I couldnt see that anywhere, just checked opodo and the difference on a full size for 2 weeks with or without additional driver is about £65 depending on who Opodo uses

deary65

I searched Italy September and sill gives one additional driver free. I'm not sure were you are searching!

photome

deary65 wrote: »

I searched Italy September and sill gives one additional driver free. I'm not sure were you are searching!

USA all results are showing extra fee for additional driver