Renting a car in France - is it necessary to pay for second driver?

yessuz

So, we are hiring a car for very long trip, for 10 days.
I would have a second driver, who is not a family member.

I have a third party CDW excess insurance with the second driver's name on it.

Now - do I have to mention the second driver and pay for it (which would end up close to 80-90 eur for whole 10 day period), or can I bypass it, having just 1 driver named?

also - is it worth/possible to pay for second driver only for certain days?

We both are aged between 30 and 50, if that makes a difference.


thanks!

Notfarfromtheborder

I would think you need the extra driver named, the independent policy you have will only cover the excess.


Say your excess is 1500 euro, you caused an accident that cost 5000 euro to rectify the damage then the care hire insurance would pay 3500 euro, your credit card would be debited for 1500 euro which you would claim back from the independent policy.


Same numbers with your friend driving your excess is 1500 euro, they caused an accident that cost 5000 euro to rectify the damage then the care hire insurance would pay 0 euro, your credit card would be debited for 5000 euro of which 1500 MAY be claimed back from the independent policy. I say may because there is doubt they would even honour this as your friend would be uninsured in the eyes of the law.


You would have no third party cover and I am sure the Gendarmes would not be happy.


Doubt you could just do specified days either, just stump up the cash and enjoy the trip

richardw

They need to be named on the agreement to be insured. On a long trip it's better for both to do the driving to enjoy it more.

HappyMJ

For the small extra charge and the convenience of having a second driver I would name them and be safe in the knowledge that no matter who is driving any CDW excess would be covered in the event of an accident.