The driver of the rental car is not the renter; is that allowed?

Frits Pieper
24 February 2023

The rent a car or van at Adrem Limburg can be useful in some situations to transport goods or people in an easy way. However, when renting a vehicle, you must take into account the rules and regulations that apply to the rental agreement. One of the questions that may arise when renting a car is: may the main driver of the rental car be someone other than the renter? This blog will delve deeper into this question.

Who is allowed to drive a rental car?

Persons aged 18 or over, who are in possession of a valid driver's license, are allowed to drive a rental car or rental van. Usually, this is a valid driver's license B. In some cases, a driver's license BE is required, such as when you need certain trailers. In most cases, the person who signs the rental agreement must also be the main driver of the rental car. This means that if you rent a car, you must drive the vehicle yourself. In addition, as the main driver, you are responsible for adhering to traffic regulations and keeping the car in good condition. However, it is not uncommon for the renter to choose to add an additional driver to the rental agreement. For example, if you have to drive long distances, a second driver is very useful. In this case, you must take a number of things into account. driver in a rental car

Can an additional driver drive the rental car?

There is only one main driver per vehicle, but usually up to three additional drivers can be added. The main driver is usually the one who signs the rental contract and is legally responsible for the condition of the rental car. Who can act as additional drivers depends on the car rental company. However, usually the same requirements apply to additional drivers as to the main driver. In short, additional drivers must have a valid driver's license and similar factors.

Is an additional driver insured in the rental car?

If you let the additional driver drive and something happens, you as the renter always bear the responsibility. So if there is a fine, it will be in your name, regardless of who was behind the wheel at that time. If the additional driver is added to the rental agreement when renting the car, then this is usually covered under the same insurance as the tenant. This means that if damage or injury occurs during the rental period, the rental company’s insurance will cover the costs up to the amount stated in the policy. However, it is important to check the rental company’s terms and conditions before renting the car and before appointing an additional driver. For example, some policies may have a higher excess for additional drivers than for the renter or main driver. Other policies may have restrictions on the number of additional drivers that can be added to the rental agreement.

car driver in the sun

Additional driver rental car surcharge

Many car rental companies allow you to add an additional driver for a fixed daily fee. This way, an additional driver is also insured while driving. At Adrem Car Rental, we do not charge any additional costs for this. However, any additional drivers must be able to show a valid ID and driver's license when signing the rental agreement. This is from an insurance perspective. Through Adrem Car Rental, you are insured against damage, liability, vandalism and theft. This insurance is taken out with every (rental) transaction. Check the website for the conditions.

How can you add an additional driver?

It can differ per car rental company when and how you need to add an additional driver to the contract. Sometimes you can add an additional driver online, but often the additional driver must also come along to the signing of the rental contract. They must also be able to show a valid ID and a valid driver's license. The names and details of the additional drivers are then stated on the rental contract.

3 comments

  1. AC t Hoen on May 17, 2023 at 08:49 AM

    Is the front passenger allowed to drive the rental car alone?

  2. machiel on October 31, 2024 at 21:30 PM

    What if a company rents a car and has no main user but a number of additional drivers, in whose name will the car be registered?

    • Frits Pieper on October 31, 2024 at 22:16 PM

      In the name of the company, and the directors as directors.

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