An additional driver is officially permitted to drive the rental car alongside the primary driver. If not listed in the rental agreement, insurance coverage will be void in the event of damage. Registration is possible online or directly at the rental location with most providers and costs between €0 and around €15 per day, depending on the rental company.
If you want to share the driving on longer trips, you’ll need an additional driver. Whether it’s a partner, family member, or coworker: Anyone who drives during the rental period must be officially registered in advance—otherwise, it will get really expensive in the event of damage. We’ll show you how the registration process works, what costs to expect, and what to look out for when booking.
What is an additional driver?
An additional driver is any person who, in addition to the primary driver, is authorized to drive the reserved rental car. The primary driver is always the person in whose name the reservation is made and who provides the security deposit with their credit card at pickup. Although the additional driver is not responsible for the reservation, they must meet the same requirements as the primary driver: a valid driver’s license, minimum age, and often a minimum of 12 months’ driving experience.
A second registered driver is especially worthwhile on road trips or during long drives abroad:
- You can take turns behind the wheel and arrive at your destination more relaxed.
- Your concentration remains high throughout the entire trip, reducing the risk of accidents.
- If the primary driver becomes ill or fatigued, the additional driver can take over immediately.
- You share responsibility for the vehicle throughout the entire rental period.
Registering an Additional Driver: Here's How to Do It
Most car rental companies allow you to add an additional driver in two ways: either during the online booking process or when you pick up the car at the rental location. Which option is better for you depends mainly on whether the rental company includes an additional driver in the rental price.
Registration for Online Booking
Many websites and car rental companies clearly indicate in the “Extras” section whether an additional driver is included in the offer. If you select this filter, you’ll only see offers where adding an additional driver is free or already included in the price. However, the additional driver must still be officially registered on-site, with their own driver’s license and identification document.
Registration upon pickup on site
If you didn’t specify an additional driver when you made your reservation, you can usually have one added at the rental car location. Important: Both individuals must be present in person when the vehicle is picked up and must present their driver’s license and ID card or passport. In this case, the rental company will charge the additional driver fee directly at the location, and both drivers must sign the rental agreement together.
How much does an additional driver cost?
The cost of an additional driver varies greatly depending on the car rental company, the rental location, and the package you book. As a general rule, some providers include the first additional driver for free, while others charge a daily fee or a flat rate for the entire rental period.
- Free: With many offers, an additional driver is already included in the rental price; you just need to specify this when picking up the car.
- Per day: If the additional driver is not included, the fees are often between €5 and €15 per rental day.
- Flat rate: Some rental companies charge a fixed amount for the entire rental period instead, regardless of the number of days.
- Young driver fee: If the additional driver is under 25 years old, an additional young driver fee applies—even if the additional driver registration itself is free.
A practical tip:
Before booking, compare several quotes, including the additional driver fee. A quote with a slightly higher base price that already includes the additional driver is often cheaper in the end than one with a lower base price but a high additional fee charged at the rental location.
Who is liable if the additional driver is not registered?
If a person who is not listed in the rental agreement drives the rental vehicle, the entire insurance coverage will generally lapse in the event of an accident or damage. This means that you will then be responsible for all repair or damage costs yourself, and depending on the rental company, you may also face additional contractual penalties. Furthermore, insurance coverage for an additional driver added later only takes effect from the time of official registration; therefore, if you drive to the rental location only after a driver change to have the additional driver added, you are not covered for the drive up to that point. Be sure to register every driver before they get behind the wheel.
Requirements for an Additional Driver
In order for a person to be registered as an additional driver, they must meet the same requirements as the primary driver:
- A valid driver’s license, often held for at least 12 months.
- Compliance with the rental company’s applicable minimum and maximum age limits.
- Personal presence at the time of vehicle pickup with an ID card or passport.
- Signature on the rental agreement together with the primary driver.
Each provider determines how many additional drivers may be registered in total. Some rental companies allow multiple additional drivers, as long as each individual meets the requirements and the corresponding fees are paid.
Conclusion: Always officially register additional drivers
An additional driver provides greater safety and flexibility on long trips. To ensure you aren’t left with high costs in case of an emergency, keep the following in mind:
Officially register each driver in the rental agreement before the first trip. Compare offers that include the additional driver fee, not just the base price. For drivers under 25, keep in mind the additional young driver fee. Have both drivers’ driver’s licenses and ID ready when you pick up the car.
If you follow these guidelines, you can share the driving stress-free while remaining insured at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions About Additional Drivers for Rental Cars
Yes, always. If someone who isn’t listed on the registration drives the vehicle and damage occurs, the insurance won’t cover it. You would then have to pay the full cost yourself.
Either directly during the online booking process using the “Additional driver included” filter, or upon pickup at the rental car location. In either case, the additional driver is not officially registered until on-site, upon presentation of a driver’s license and identification document.
That depends on the provider: Some rental companies add the first additional driver for free, while others charge between €5 and €15 per rental day or a fixed flat rate for the entire rental period.
Yes. If the additional driver is under 25 years of age at the time of rental, a young driver fee generally applies, even if adding the additional driver is free of charge.
Yes. Both the primary driver and the additional driver must be present when the vehicle is picked up, present their driver’s license and ID card or passport, and sign the rental agreement together.
Yes, this is possible with most rental companies. However, insurance coverage for the additional driver does not take effect until the date of official registration in the rental agreement.
Each rental company sets its own rules. Many providers allow multiple additional drivers, as long as each person meets the age and driver’s license requirements and the applicable fees are paid.
