Additional driver fee at Alamo?

[jerseygirl81]

It's been about 3yrs since we've rented from Alamo and I see they are charging and add'l driver fee which used to be covered when you joined Alamo insiders. I'm trying to find a corporate code other than Costco that would cover the add'l driver fee? Does BJ's cover it? We have AAA and AARP but they don't seem to.
Thanks, Linda

 

[Finbar127]

It's been about 3yrs since we've rented from Alamo and I see they are charging and add'l driver fee which used to be covered when you joined Alamo insiders. I'm trying to find a corporate code other than Costco that would cover the add'l driver fee? Does BJ's cover it? We have AAA and AARP but they don't seem to.
Thanks, Linda

Yes, BJ's rate includes an additional driver with Alamo. As of this morning I have a 14 day full size rental with Alamo for $335 using BJ's code and Visa code AD2338FDF Aug 22 - Sept 5. It includes unlimited miles and 1 additional driver.

 

[jerseygirl81]

Thanks that's good to know! We rented with Hertz last year and Budget 2 yrs ago and although we had good rates we prefer Alamo. We are not close to BJ's but do go past when we visit my Dad and had a membership years ago. I found a couple of coupons for BJ's one for a temporary membership and one with a restaurant.com gift card along with the membership it this just gives me another reason to join. Thanks, Linda

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Just to clarify, even if it's a spouse/spousal equivalent, they still charge you?

 

[nacho113]

Just to clarify, even if it's a spouse/spousal equivalent, they still charge you?

Yes even for spouse. Some contract IDs provide additional driver for free with Alamo, such as Costco or BJ's but otherwise it's $10/day
Last time I checked spouse was free with Budget, Avis and Enterprise.
Hertz Gold rewards club gives an extra driver for free as does National's Emerald club.

 

[dioxide45]

When checking in at the Alamo kiosk I indicated I had an additional driver. We were on a Costco rate that includes the second driver. What I found interesting is that the kiosk asked me if the additional driver was a spouse. I answered yes. But I wondered if it wasn't and I didn't have a code that included the additional driver, if a spouse was free? Why would it even ask that question if a spouse would not be free as an additional driver?

 

[jerseygal]

We rented in May and although I didn't add myself spouses are now chargedThey said that exceptions could be made if an emergency arose which made it necessary for the spouse to drive.

 

[nacho113]

When checking in at the Alamo kiosk I indicated I had an additional driver. We were on a Costco rate that includes the second driver. What I found interesting is that the kiosk asked me if the additional driver was a spouse. I answered yes. But I wondered if it wasn't and I didn't have a code that included the additional driver, if a spouse was free? Why would it even ask that question if a spouse would not be free as an additional driver?

I suspect that if you say "yes" to the spouse question, it simply pre-populates some of the info from your reservation for the second driver, address and phone number for instance. Whereas if it's not your spouse, you would have to fill in all the info for both drivers

 

[Lewisc]

In some states, not FL, the rental agency isn't allowed to charge an additional driver fee for a spouse.

AAA rates generally include an extra driver

 

[dioxide45]

I suspect that if you say "yes" to the spouse question, it simply pre-populates some of the info from your reservation for the second driver, address and phone number for instance. Whereas if it's not your spouse, you would have to fill in all the info for both drivers

You are likely right. I thought perhaps it was different as when we traveled to Hawaii we were asked a similar question. In Hawaii I think that the second driver is free if it is your spouse.

The additional driver fee is really just a profit center for the rental companies. There is really no extra cost to them as any additional risk of damage is the responsibility of the renter.