Emerald Club and Second driver?

[houseful of boys]

I have a reservation for this coming Friday, Aug 4 at National. My DH and I are both Emerald Club members and our reservation is for Emerald Reserve (minivan aisle). This is my first time renting without having to stop at the counter . We will be able to have a free second driver since my DH (reservation is under his name) is an emerald club member, right? I'd love to be able to drive too. But there is no where to put that information on the reservation that I could see. So when we drive to the exit booth, do we just hand them both of our licenses and they will add me? Can they do that there or would we have to go to the counter to add a second driver? TIA

 

[gmeh1]

I have a reservation for this coming Friday, Aug 4 at National. My DH and I are both Emerald Club members and our reservation is for Emerald Reserve (minivan aisle). This is my first time renting without having to stop at the counter . We will be able to have a free second driver since my DH (reservation is under his name) is an emerald club member, right? I'd love to be able to drive too. But there is no where to put that information on the reservation that I could see. So when we drive to the exit booth, do we just hand them both of our licenses and they will add me? Can they do that there or would we have to go to the counter to add a second driver? TIA

They can add the second driver at the exit booth, let them know that you wish to add a driver.
Just a FYI to everyone: The additional driver needs to be a family member of legal age to drive, they have to have the same address as the renter.
There are additional rules for business travelers, but, this is not the scenario here.

 

[bumbershoot]

Yep, they add it at the exit!

We've been told, more than once, at the exit at MCO (and elsewhere) that they don't even need the spouse's name, just the fact that it's a spouse. They don't even put the other spouse's info down (since they haven't asked for the ID or name of the other person) when we've done it. So simple.

 

[tinker625]

Just FYI Check your rates with them. I booked 3 months out and get one rate, and thru out the 3 months keept getting alower rate. My over all rate for 8 days with MINI VAN $ 115.00 that included tax .We belong to some discount clubs. the last discount we used was from BJ ware house club (great discount) You also can call them on the phone and ask if they have a better rate for you. Good Luck

 

[poppypetal]

Just FYI Check your rates with them. I booked 3 months out and get one rate, and thru out the 3 months keept getting alower rate. My over all rate for 8 days with MINI VAN $ 115.00 that included tax .We belong to some discount clubs. the last discount we used was from BJ ware house club (great discount) You also can call them on the phone and ask if they have a better rate for you. Good Luck

Does the BJ code also work for Costco?
Can you share the code, I haven't been able to find a Costco code...

 

[gmeh1]

Yep, they add it at the exit!

We've been told, more than once, at the exit at MCO (and elsewhere) that they don't even need the spouse's name, just the fact that it's a spouse. They don't even put the other spouse's info down (since they haven't asked for the ID or name of the other person) when we've done it. So simple.

so WRONG!!!! The name has to be on the contract. Get stopped by the police and the name is not on the contract they will NOT care, trust me. You have been given some very very bad information.

 

[houseful of boys]

Just FYI Check your rates with them. I booked 3 months out and get one rate, and thru out the 3 months keept getting alower rate. My over all rate for 8 days with MINI VAN $ 115.00 that included tax .We belong to some discount clubs. the last discount we used was from BJ ware house club (great discount) You also can call them on the phone and ask if they have a better rate for you. Good Luck

Ugh! I wish that were the case! August minivan prices have been outrageous! I am holding a reservation that I got back in April using the KLM code for a 10 day rental (8/4 - 8-14) for $408 all inclusive. I thought that would be my starting point and I'd end up with something more in the $250-300 range. But now I'm so happy I reserved early when I did. Rates for minivans are upwards of $600-1000 now!

 

[gmeh1]

Ugh! I wish that were the case! August minivan prices have been outrageous! I am holding a reservation that I got back in April using the KLM code for a 10 day rental (8/4 - 8-14) for $408 all inclusive. I thought that would be my starting point and I'd end up with something more in the $250-300 range. But now I'm so happy I reserved early when I did. Rates for minivans are upwards of $600-1000 now!

Mini vans are very expensive at this time of year. Most of the time they are closed to walkups and upgrades. Would a large car accomodate you?

 

[houseful of boys]

Mini vans are very expensive at this time of year. Most of the time they are closed to walkups and upgrades. Would a large car accomodate you?

Nope. With my family of 6, I need a minivan. But I'm happy with my price of $408. Glad I got the rate when I did! I can live with that and am looking forward to my trip to MCO on Friday! Thanks for your help, maybe we'll see you there!

 

[gmeh1]

Nope. With my family of 6, I need a minivan. But I'm happy with my price of $408. Glad I got the rate when I did! I can live with that and am looking forward to my trip to MCO on Friday! Thanks for your help, maybe we'll see you there!

I hope you have a great vacation!!! I am on vacation now and won't be back at MCO until 8/10. Look for a Towne and Country van with leather interior. It will have a DVD player in it. They are the only ones with that feature. Good luck!!!! And....bring a DVD just in case.

 

[StanH]

I have a reservation for this coming Friday, Aug 4 at National. My DH and I are both Emerald Club members and our reservation is for Emerald Reserve (minivan aisle). This is my first time renting without having to stop at the counter . We will be able to have a free second driver since my DH (reservation is under his name) is an emerald club member, right? I'd love to be able to drive too. But there is no where to put that information on the reservation that I could see. So when we drive to the exit booth, do we just hand them both of our licenses and they will add me? Can they do that there or would we have to go to the counter to add a second driver? TIA

You don't even have to mention it to them, since it is your spouse....Or even a co-worker for that matter, if you are on a business trip.

 

[houseful of boys]

I hope you have a great vacation!!! I am on vacation now and won't be back at MCO until 8/10. Look for a Towne and Country van with leather interior. It will have a DVD player in it. They are the only ones with that feature. Good luck!!!! And....bring a DVD just in case.

Thanks so much! Hope you have a nice vacation. And thanks for the tip! The kids would love a DVD player.

 

[bumbershoot]

so WRONG!!!! The name has to be on the contract. Get stopped by the police and the name is not on the contract they will NOT care, trust me. You have been given some very very bad information.

I have been given this information by National employees, SEVERAL times, as we were leaving MCO (and SNA and LAX) with the car.

I get that you work for the "family", but you are at Alamo, not National. And there *seem* to be some differences in actual operations, since your replies and my direct experiences with National (at the airport where you work for Alamo) have been different more than once.

You don't even have to mention it to them, since it is your spouse....

Exactly what we have been told.


We've even asked extra, since neither of us changed our last names, and we've been given the same info. Or, rather, asked the same question: "are you married?" If the answer is yes, they have NOT entered the spouse's info in their system.

 

[gmeh1]

You don't even have to mention it to them, since it is your spouse....Or even a co-worker for that matter, if you are on a business trip.

Again, very bad info. I underwent training for National and I do know that you need to see the license of every person driving that car and the renter has to sign off granting permission for the dirver that HAS TO BE LISTED ON THE CONTRACT. If you are not listed on that contract and stopped or in an accident, then you will be in a world of hurt.
I am not sure who keeps telling people this, it is totally wrong.
But, what do I know, I only work there, was trained there and only know the rules. Silly me.

 

[gmeh1]

I have been given this information by National employees, SEVERAL times, as we were leaving MCO (and SNA and LAX) with the car.

I get that you work for the "family", but you are at Alamo, not National. And there *seem* to be some differences in actual operations, since your replies and my direct experiences with National (at the airport where you work for Alamo) have been different more than once.



Exactly what we have been told.


We've even asked extra, since neither of us changed our last names, and we've been given the same info. Or, rather, asked the same question: "are you married?" If the answer is yes, they have NOT entered the spouse's info in their system.

No, I work for National. I was trained by Alamo and National. I do know the rules. Now, it is up to you to take the chance, I really don't care. We have to make sure the licenses match the address of a family member or spouse (I know silly rules, but often spouses do have different addresses) we have to check and make sure the license is valid (IE: expiration date). The additional driver has to appear on the contract. You have either been misinformed, you have misunderstood or have had contact with a very lazy employee.

From the National website under Emerald Club Program rules:

3. Who May Drive the Vehicle - Authorized Driver
a) You represent that you are a validly licensed driver for the type of Vehicle being rented, at least 21 years of age (an Underage Primary Driver Fee will apply for drivers under age 25). National may verify that your license is valid issued and in good standing.
b) Unless applicable law requires otherwise, the Vehicle may only be driven by you or an Additional Authorized Driver. An "Additional Authorized Driver" is an individual who (i) is a capable and validly licensed driver for the type of Vehicle being rented, (ii) is at least 21 years of age (a young renter fee may apply for drivers under age 25), (iii) has your prior permission to drive the Vehicle, and (iv)is either a member of your immediate family who permanently resides with you, or a fellow employee who drives the Vehicle for business purposes. You will not allow use of the rental vehicle by any driver in violation of the requirements set forth above. Your immediate family members includes your parent, child, spouse or a domestic partner. In addition to the above, Additional Authorized Drivers who otherwise meet National’s qualifications can be added at the time of rental. The Additional Authorized Drivers and you are referred to collectively in the Agreement as Authorized Driver(s).

This is why you need to have the additional driver added and his/her license validated.

And while your experiences may have differed from my training, does not make you right. Since Enterprise bought Alamo and National rules may have changed from when it was owned by Vanguard.

 

[gmeh1]

Thanks so much! Hope you have a nice vacation. And thanks for the tip! The kids would love a DVD player.

Thank you!!! Have fun.

 

[Brian Noble]

I underwent training for National

Based on my experiences at MCO (and with phone agents when asking this question), you appear to be just about unique in this. Perhaps the company needs to reinvest in its training practices.

Honestly, every single time I try to add my wife---when booking or when picking up the car---I'm told the same thing, that spouses are automatically authorized drivers. I get that that's not "the policy" but it would be nice if someone other than you actually followed it, even once.

 

[gmeh1]

Based on my experiences at MCO (and with phone agents when asking this question), you appear to be just about unique in this. Perhaps the company needs to reinvest in its training practices.

Honestly, every single time I try to add my wife---when booking or when picking up the car---I'm told the same thing, that spouses are automatically authorized drivers. I get that that's not "the policy" but it would be nice if someone other than you actually followed it, even once.

Brian, I truly do believe you and the other posters who have noted that my information is contrary to what their experiences have been.
I posted this information because I absolutely do not want any renter from National to encounter any problems, be it being stopped by the police or (God forbid) an accident. It is impossible to tell if someone qualifies as an add driver if they don't check the license. Not sure if the company needs to reinvest, but, they certainly do need to monitor the agents. You can bet if they are going to get compensated for an add driver they will add it. Since they don't with EC members, they get very lazy. I don't happen to ascribe to that way of behaving, I like to follow procedure. It also makes it very difficult for agents who follow the rules/procedures. I tell my renters to insist their add drivers are added to the contract. I want those renters "assets" covered.

 

[Brian Noble]

No, I totally understand where you are coming from, but how in the world do I get any National agent to actually take the information? Every time I try to do it, they just wave me through. I suppose I could sit there and hold my breath until my face turns blue, but...

 

[gmeh1]

No, I totally understand where you are coming from, but how in the world do I get any National agent to actually take the information? Every time I try to do it, they just wave me through. I suppose I could sit there and hold my breath until my face turns blue, but...

Thank you for understanding. Trust me, I appreciate it. As to getting them to add it: insist!! Hand them your license and the license of the add driver and tell them you want that person added. Those agents are there to satisfy YOU, not themselves.