Adding a second driver

[BYC]

I booked out minivan rental months ago at a very good rate. The rate has tripled since then. But, I did not add that there would be a second driver (It did not ask that anywhere when I booked online). I went to add the second driver, and the rate went from $478 (11 days minivan) to $1264!! So, I did not add it, but I need to have 2 drivers. So I am in a dilemma. I pray that as we approach our dates (January) I will find something cheap that I can put two drivers on right from the start. But, I am fretting about it now. Any advice from the experts?

Edited to add that our rental is with National, if that makes any difference.

 

[redrosesix]

I booked out minivan rental months ago at a very good rate. The rate has tripled since then. But, I did not add that there would be a second driver (It did not ask that anywhere when I booked online). I went to add the second driver, and the rate went from $478 (11 days minivan) to $1264!! So, I did not add it, but I need to have 2 drivers. So I am in a dilemma. I pray that as we approach our dates (January) I will find something cheap that I can put two drivers on right from the start. But, I am fretting about it now. Any advice from the experts?

Edited to add that our rental is with National, if that makes any difference.

Yes, that makes a huge difference. According to Mousesavers.com, there are no contract ID's for that company to give you a free additional driver. There are several for Alamo, but we use the Walmart ID, 430710 to get the free driver, plus a discount.

Since it doesn't cost anything to change the reservation, the best method is to make a reservation just in case, and then constantly check, using different companies, times of day, pick-up dates and pick-up locations (we took ME to our resort and pickup up our car at CCC the next day and saved over $100). Most of the coupons that you'll be able to use won't come out until at least 8 weeks before your travel dates, and you need to look at pricing with all discounts and costs associated (a tip: get a rental car rider on your auto insurance policy to cover you for rental cars)

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I booked out minivan rental months ago at a very good rate. The rate has tripled since then. But, I did not add that there would be a second driver (It did not ask that anywhere when I booked online). I went to add the second driver, and the rate went from $478 (11 days minivan) to $1264!! So, I did not add it, but I need to have 2 drivers. So I am in a dilemma. I pray that as we approach our dates (January) I will find something cheap that I can put two drivers on right from the start. But, I am fretting about it now. Any advice from the experts?

Edited to add that our rental is with National, if that makes any difference.

Is the additional driver your spouse? If so, you should join the National Emerald Club (which can be free to join), as that allows your spouse as a free additional driver. I believe if you call to add that you are a member of the Emerald Club, it will not reset your rate. Best of luck -- SUzanne

 

[BYC]

The strange part is that we do belong to Emerald Club, but apparently, when I made our online reservation, I did not go through the Emerald Club part of the website (thought I did, but guess not). Anyway, I know the extra driver (spouse) is free, but when I went to apply it, the price shot up. So I did not. I will try to phone Emerald Club Tuesday (closed for the weekend), and see if they can apply it without bouncing up the price. My insurance is taken care of by American Express. I just want it all right before we go, as my husband gets freaked out at car rental places when we end up paying way more than we expected. I want no surprises, so I don't have to start out our vacation bickering!